Porsche Cayenne SUV is set to receive a mild refresh that will include revised styling and new powertrain options. Recently spy photographers caught a thinly-masked test-mule undergoing final testing in Europe, indicating a facelifted model is on the cards. The prototype vehicle was wearing stickers over its headlights and taillights to disguise their new look, but did not hide its new-look front. The font bumper as we think borrows styling cues from the recently-released Macan SUV with a wider grille, smaller side intakes with air fences and revised LED daytime running lights.
The Cayenne’s interior is also expected to feature some minor styling updates as well as additional features, but the biggest changes will likely be reserved for what’s under the bonnet.
Porsche is expected to add the Macan Turbo’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 into the lineup, potentially as a replacement for the naturally-aspirated 4.8-litre V8 that produces an identical amount of power in the mid-spec Cayenne S. It is also likely to build its petrol-electric range of vehicles with a dedicated plug-in hybrid variant that borrows the powertrain from the Panamera S E-Hybrid. While the mechanical elements are similar to those in the existing Cayenne Hybrid – with a 328 BHP 3.0-litre V6 hooked up to 94 BHP electric motor – the plug-in version can be re-charged on high-voltage electric connections and drive on electric power alone for up to 36 km, providing it with a claimed average fuel consumption of under 25 KMPL.
The 2015 Porsche Cayenne cabin will be the least updated area of the car. Despite this, we should see a new multifunction steering wheel similar to the recent Macan, which comes with a steering wheel with both paddles and buttons, as well as a heating option. At the moment, the Cayenne makes you choose between a multifunction steering wheel and a paddle-gifted one. Considering there isn’t much to upgrade the interiors, Cayenne may have this new steering wheel atleast.
A recent report by British publication, Car, suggests a new entry-level Cayenne will be powered by a four cylinder turbocharged engine, but this is likely to be adopted in the next-generation SUV that’s due in 2016. Until then, Porsche is expected to maintain the rest of the existing Cayenne range, with the range topping 543 BHP Turbo S costing INR 1.75 Cr. The 2015 Porsche Cayenne facelift should go on sale before the end of the year, following a public debut in October at the Paris Motor Show.
We expect the SUV to hit our Indian shores not before the next year. We will keep you posted on further developments, untill then do let us know what you think of the Porsche Cayenne facelift.
Pic Courtesy: worldcarfans.com
