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2005 Porsche Cayenne Mid-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle
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True to its name, the Cayenne is one spicy ride
Exterior
The aerodynamic hood sits lower than those of most SUVs, and the bumper is at the same height as that of a passenger car. Both of these help drop the center of gravity, and, claims Porsche, also helps to minimize damage to other cars in the event of a collision. The Cayenne's exterior is streamlined and elegantly simple. Those famous Porsche-style headlights look simultaneously tough and sophisticated; optional bi-xenon headlights emphasize this. Tinted windows â€' which are rimmed in classy silver on the Turbo â€' provide privacy and style. The rear fenders flare like the VW Touareg, only in a sexier, look-at-the-sway-these-hips kind of way. The Cayenne's not as hunched as the Infiniti FX SUV, but it is also not as straight-backed as Land Rover's Range Rover. The Porsche Cayenne is sleek, minimalist, tough, elegantly brawny, and oozes sex appeal.
All models of the Cayenne offer a choice of three solid, and eight metallic paint colors. Turbo buyers can opt for the color of their choice, applied at the factory, for an additional charge.
These go over a fully-galvanized, high-quality steel, Unibody frame that is safer, sturdier, and lighter than the typical body-on-chassis construction. Unibody helps push the engine up underneath the passenger compartment in the event of a collision, essentially making the cabin a safety capsule.
New for 2005 is the optional Sport Design Package, which includes a front apron, updated sill covers, an extended rear wing, and a rear apron providing room for the four-tube, sport exhaust system. Combined, these give the upgraded vehicle a look that Porsche defines as "more aggressive."
Also new for 2005 is the black monochrome, exterior option, with black door handles and rear hatch molding. The Turbo takes it a step further with roof rails finished in black.
The standard wheels are 18-inch alloys (19- or 20-inch wheels are optional) and the 255/55 R18 tires can also be upgraded to high performance, all-terrain or winter-weather tires. Returning is the option for a rear-mounted spare tire.
Interior
The Cayenne’s interior comes standard with leather seats. Customize the interior by choosing from two leather-quality options, four seat colors, and roof lining and carpet colors.
The seats are very comfortable, and solid providing ample support for cornering at high speeds. Twelve-way adjustable, power seats leave driver and front passenger in control of their own comfort. This comfort is further enhanced with a four-way, adjustable air-conditioning system, and optional heated seats. Even the glove compartment is air-conditioned.
Titanium-look trim accentuates the simple, sophisticated style of the interior, along with unusual, but convenient, grip handles on either side of the shifter. The grips provide an extra place to grab onto when white-knuckle driving off-road.
The instrument panel is as functional as it is stylish. Trimmed in black on the base Cayenne, the dials are rimmed in silver on the S and Turbo models. The three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel, as always, bears the Porsche crest, and give the driver control of the audio system, cruise control, and more. In the Cayenne, convenience and safety meet harmoniously in its interior design.
The sound system doesn’t disappoint with a huge, 12-speaker system positioned for surround sound. For an enhanced audio experience consider the optional 14-speaker Bose system.
Of course everything is powered, including doors, windows and mirrors. The cargo area, while small at 19.07 cubic feet, jumps to 62.51 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. These same seats have a 60/40 split.
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is optional but gives the driver supreme control over the navigation system, alternate routes, and is easy to use. Along with an AM/FM radio, CD and DVD player, the PCM features dynamic route navigation, a trip computer and navigation system â€' all controllable from a 12-digit keyboard and full-color, 6.5-inch, in-dash monitor. Buyers can opt to add SIRIUS or XM satellite radio systems, as well.
This is without a doubt the classiest, most comfortable Porsche interior on the market today.
