2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Porsche Cayenne?
The 2004 Porsche Cayenne lineup expands this year with the addition of an entry-level model powered by a 247-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 engine sourced from Volkswagen and massaged by Porsche. The first V6-powered vehicle in the company’s history, this model will be known simply as the Cayenne, joining the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo that debuted in 2003. Visual differences for the new Cayenne are minor; it has black-painted brake calipers and 10-spoke alloy wheels. A manually interactive Tiptronic six-speed transmission drives power to all four wheels, accelerating the new Cayenne to 60 mph in about 9.5 seconds. Prices start just south of $43,000, and that includes a leather interior, side curtain airbags, and Porsche Stability Management (PSM). Notable options include a navigation system, an active suspension management system, wheels and tires as large as 19 inches, front and rear parking assistants, bi-Xenon headlights, and a tire pressure monitor. All 2004 Porsche Cayenne models can be equipped with a new Advanced Off-road Technology package this year. It includes special side protection, a steel plate under the floor boards and around the radiator, a differential lock and suspension anti-roll bars that can be de-coupled when the Cayenne is in low-range 4WD to increase axle articulation.

Advantages of the 2004 Porsche Cayenne:

• Impressive off-roading capability
• On-pavement performance befitting a Porsche SUV
• Nicer interior materials than the Boxster and 911 Carrera
• Only Porsche able to seat four adults comfortably

Objections to the 2004 Porsche Cayenne:

• Dilutes Porsche brand, especially new V6 model
• High price tag
• Portly curb weight

Editor's Advice:
To the great chagrin of Porsche purists, the Cayenne SUV is a success. While sales of the 911 and Boxster slide, it is the Porsche Cayenne that has increased profits and is insuring the company’s ability to remain autonomous in a world of corporate buyouts and mergers. This year, however, Porsche may have gone too far in its pursuit of success. There is a version of the 2004 Porsche Cayenne powered by a Volkswagen-sourced, Zuffenhausen-massaged V6 engine. This is the first Porsche in history to be powered by a V6 engine, and it suffers the ignominy of a zero-to-60 mph acceleration time that closes in on ten seconds. Not since the Porsche 924 has this proud sports car manufacturer created such a decidedly unsporting machine. At least it retains the impressive (for an SUV) steering, handling and braking of the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, and off-roading ability that far surpasses your garden-variety crossover. Stepping up to the S or Turbo models gains access to traditionally Porsche-like acceleration in exchange for traditionally Porsche-like price premiums.