The 2008 Porsche Cayenne lineup features three models: Cayenne ($43,400), Cayenne S ($57,900), and Cayenne Turbo ($93,700). All models come standard with full-time all-wheel drive with a high and low range. All come with a six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, though the V6 is also available with a six-speed manual.
Cayenne comes with a 3.6-liter V6 (that produces 290 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque). Leather seating with 12-way power adjustment comes standard, along with titanium interior trim; manually controlled climate control with charcoal and micro-particle cabin filtration; heated retractable exterior mirrors; multi-function trip computer; 12-speaker stereo with CD; air conditioned glove compartment; cruise control; insulated laminated privacy glass; Homelink; immobilizer anti-theft alarm; and an electronically latching power tailgate. Optional for 2008 is natural Chestnut Brown leather upholstery in a two-tone combination with black nappa leather.
Cayenne S gets a 4.8-liter V8 (that delivers 385 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque). Cayenne S adds automatic climate control with dual front-passenger settings and a 350-watt, 14-speaker Bose stereo.
Cayenne Turbo features a twin-turbocharged version of the V8 (rated at 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque). The Turbo comes standard with an adjustable air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The Turbo model also upgrades with heated front and rear seats, a power steering wheel adjustment, and park-assist radar warning front and rear. It's equipped with Porsche Communications Management (PCM), a GPS navigation system with integrated telephone and audio controls, and headlights that turn with the steering wheel.
Options include a push-button Sport mode; PASM ($2,990); wood trim packages ($1,385); front and rear park assist ($990); trailer hitch and ball ($630); and 21-inch wheels. Seat upgrades and a full Smooth Leather package that covers everything from grab handles to the center console in hide ($3,040) are available. Porsche Entry and Drive ($995) allows a driver to unlock and start the Cayenne by pulling the door handle and touching the shift lever, while leaving the keys in his pocket or her purse. XM Satellite Radio is available. Features on upper models are available as options on Cayenne and Cayenne S. Porsche's factory customization program allows buyers to order a Cayenne however they want it, limited only by imagination.
Safety features on all models include Porsche Stability Management electronic stability control, traction control, antilock brakes with off-road capability, and Trailer Stability Control. Six airbags come standard: dual-stage front and side-impact airbags for front passengers, and curtain-style head protection airbags on both sides of the cabin. All five seating positions have three-point belts with pretensioners to instantly tighten them and limit stretching on impact. The front belts also have automatic force limiters, reducing potential for belt-related injuries. New for 2008 is a rollover sensor designed to trigger seat belt tensioners and curtain airbags.