- Porsche Test Drive

It’s a vehicle that comfortably seats four adults, hauls vast amounts of gear, sprints 0-to-60-mph in 5.7 seconds and handles in the corners like it’s on rails! It’s the new 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS—and Test Drive host Tommy Kendall has recruited a special crew of guests to help him put it to the test in Northern California.
As we head from Carmel Valley to Monterey California to Laguna Seca Raceway, we’ll put Porsche’s newest SUV into the hands of some of the toughest critics around – including racing legend Danny Sullivan, Porsche factory driver Patrick Long and automotive editor Kim Wolfkill. It’s a Test Drive like no other – for a SUV like no other!

Performance
The new Cayenne GTS has a more powerful naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 with Direct Fuel Injection and VarioCam Plus. The induction system has been specially modified to increase power and efficiency. Maximum output is 405 hp at 6,500 rpm with 369 lb.-ft.of torque at 3,500 rpm. With the standard manual gearbox, the new Cayenne GTS accelerates to 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Top track speed is 157 mph.
Construction
Our ongoing development of the lightweight steel body is a decisive factor in the enhanced passive safety and unparalleled rigidity of the Cayenne body. The triple-skin structure with robust three-box sections provides exceptional strength and occupant protection, particularly in the all-important roof and pillar area.
In the event of an accident, a system of side and cross-members at the front of the car helps to channel impact energy in a safe and predetermined manner. Energy is absorbed by a three-tier deformation zone that shields the passenger cell. In areas with only limited capacity for deformation, the interior is protected by high-tensile steel reinforcements, including side intrusion beams in each of the doors.
With its combination of high strength and consistent deformation properties, the multi-phase steel used throughout the body fulfils two key safety requirements.
Tailored blanks are used throughout the car to form effective crash protection structures. Among the areas that benefit from this technology are the longitudinal members and roof rails.
As a result of all these measures, the Cayenne models comply with all legal requirements for all types of crash protection, including frontal, side, diagonal and rear impact, as well as roll-over damage and frontal or side post impact.
Next Episode
Sun May 18 @ 11:30am ET
Cayenne
- date
- time
- show
- reminder
- 05/18
- 11:30am ET
- Porsche Test Drive

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