2018 Porsche Cayenne: Redesign Changes,New Platform,Panamera’s Interior

Judging by the spy shots, Porsche is working on the new generation Cayenne. Testing models of the superb SUV has been spotted several times in the past several months, so we believe it will be ready sometime next year, possibly before summer. The successor will receive an extensive redesign inside and out, but it will also improve the performance and efficiency.

NEW PLATFORM, BUT UNCHANGED ENGINES

The 2018 Porsche Cayenne will ride on a new platform. It will use Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo architecture that’s going to cut some weight and improve rigidity at the same time. We know this because the chassis already made its official debut with the 2017 Audi Q7. There will be plenty of high-strength steel, carbon fiber, and aluminum, so the curb weight of the new generation Cayenne should be reduced for at least 220 pounds.

The amazing SUV already updated the entire engine lineup, so we don’t expect any big changes under the hood. The 2018 Cayenne will continue to use a naturally-aspirated V-6 for the base model. At the moment, the 3.6-liter mill delivers 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for the entry-level Cayenne. In case you need more, there will be the new S model with a 3.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces 420 hp. of course, the new GTS will use the same, yet more powerful unit with 44o ponies. The range-topping Turbo model will continue with a 4.8-liter V8 that develops a whopping 520 HP. O yes, we forgot to mention that Porsche offers a hybrid powertrain that will likely stay unchanged with the next-generation Cayenne. The hybrid full-size SUV will combine a 3.0-liter, supercharged V-6 and an electric motor that together delivers 416 horsepower. Of course, the oil-burner model won’t be available in North America.

Now, the German car manufacturer will probably make some engines a bit more powerful, but if you ask us, this isn’t necessary at all. The new platform will automatically improve fuel economy, performance and handling of the luxurious SUV, so they might keep the power-boost for the first update.

REDESIGN AND NEW FEATURES

The new styling is still heavily camouflaged, and this definitely makes it difficult to detect all the changes. However, it’s pretty obvious that the 2018 Porsche Cayenne gets a number of new details, especially in the front end. There are totally new headlights and an aggressive and larger grille. The air intakes seem unchanged for now, but we are sure it will grow for the production-ready model. Below, the prototype loosed the fog lights for now, while the hood appears to be a bit more streamlined. As a matter of fact, the entire vehicle looks more dynamic, but to be honest – the 2018 Cayenne will get an evolutionary design, without any extreme changes. The biggest innovation on the bodywork is the significantly longer roof and a bit more pronounced rear hatch, which makes us believe that the SUV gets more space inside.

Except for some additional space, the cab will also undergo a dramatic redesign. The only thing that seems to be carried over is steering wheel and nothing more. The new instrument cluster is dramatically changed, because the SUV gets more digital things. It appears that the tachometer stays analog, while everything else gets some new digital “suit”. In addition, the dash is largely redesigned and gets notably bigger infotainment screen and more connectivity options. The impressive high-riding car will also boost semi-autonomous and safety features. When you draw the line, you will see that the new interior has a lot in common with the new Panamera. As a matter of fact, it’s almost the same, which isn’t too bad at all.

HIGHER PRICE

We are pretty convinced that the 2018 Porsche Cayenne must get a bit higher price. After all, the carmaker changed the platform and added better tech, so it will be more expensive without any doubt. The price of the base model will likely start at $60,000, while the luxury reloaded Turbo S can easily cost $160,000.

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