The facelifted third-generation Porsche Cayenne is nearing the end of its prototype testing and will be unveiled in the final quarter of 2023.
The SUV is among Porsche’s best-selling vehicles around the globe with the mid-life update bringing “one of the most extensive product upgrades in the history of Porsche,” the automaker said.
Enhancements include tweaks to the powertrain, chassis, and design, with new equipment and advanced connectivity features also forming part of the revisions.
What you need to know
In testing the new Cayenne, Porsche completed over four-million kilometres of driving on four continents to ensure that it lives up to the expectations of its future customers.
“With so many new technologies, complex and elaborate testing was required in order to perfectly tune the components, most of which were completely new developments,” said test manager Ralf Bosch.
“We’re subjecting the new Cayenne to a complete and comprehensive testing program, just as if we’d developed it from scratch.”
The trials involved high-tech virtual simulations and real-life assessments in situations that the average customer will experience as well as those far beyond the everyday encounters.
Tests took place in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America – consisting of punishing off-road trails in Spain, heated sand dune treks in Morocco, dynamic driving sessions on ice circuits in Finland, and track attacks on the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany.
These scenarios aren’t “something we presume many customers will ever do,” said Dirk Lersch, the prototype assembly and testing team lead for the Cayenne.
“But anyone who purchases a Porsche should know that it can withstand exceptionally high loads – regardless of the surface being driven on.”
To that end, the SUV’s foundation has undergone “major” adjustments with an aim to achieve “an even wider range between the typical Porsche on-road performance, long-distance comfort, and off-road capability”, resulting in a semi-active chassis now being equipped as standard.
Furthermore, drivers and passengers alike will be treated to a new and extensively-digitalised display and operating concept, and the fitment of HD-Matrix LED headlights will serve to enhance both comfort and safety, said Porsche.
This completes “one of the most extensive product upgrades in the history of Porsche,” said the brand.
Porsche Cayenne testing
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