MC Customs shows off a Porsche Cayenne

Miami's own, MC Customs, released photos of a gorgeous Porsche Cayenne that's blacked out except for the electric blue accents. Check this out...

So pretty...

2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS

2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Beijing International Automotive Exhibition was the forum chosen by Porsche to unveil their second-generation Cayenne GTS. Based on the Cayenne S, this new model is equipped with 20 additional horsepower, a 20 mm lower ride height and a lower final drive ratio for improved driving dynamics.

The latest Cayenne transmits power from its 420 hp V8 to an active All-Wheel-Drive system coupled to an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission with integrated Auto Start Stop function. The specially tuned engine and transmission combination enable the Cayenne GTS to sprint from a standing start to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and to achieve a top-track-speed of 162 mph.

The Cayenne GTS is recognizable from the outside by its high-gloss black trim, prominent side skirts and wider wheel arches as well as the hood and front fascia from the Cayenne Turbo.  20-inch RS Spyder wheels with a unique offset for the GTS are standard as are upgraded brakes from the Cayenne Turbo.  Two new colors are available for the Cayenne GTS; Peridot Metallic and Carmine Red. A sport exhaust system with matte black twin tailpipes is standard.

Inside, the Cayenne GTS features exclusive GTS eight-way adjustable front sports seats with Alcantara accents.  For the first time in the Cayenne, a new Sport Chrono package is now available to monitor the improved performance offered by the GTS model.  Additionally, a Sound Symposer channels authentic engine intake sounds into the cabin.

The 2013 Cayenne GTS will go on sale in the U.S. in August 2012, with a base MSRP of $82,050, not including a $975 delivery charge.

Source: Porsche Press

Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 spotted

Now I can get the paperwork done to call myself Lucky! Let me rewind and tell you how I get to do this. I was on my bike, checking out a Porsche cayenne as I filled Prashanth in on some cool details related to the SUV. When suddenly lightening struck my mind and I realized that this beauty was not just any Porsche Cayenne but a Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3! Yes, one of only 1,000 units that were ever produced! Porsche has done this special production stint in the pass with the Cayman S Design Edition 1 and the Boxster S Design Edition 2 (which boasts 3 dark racing stripes on the doors and hood, contrasting to the unique Lava Grey Metallic paint along the back wheels).

This new SUV model is rounded off with bi-xenon headlights, which is part of the standard features. So if the dark privacy glazing to the rear of the B-pillar. This beauty also wears a "Cayenne GTS" model designation in black with a red "S" at the rear! The 405-bhp Cayenne GTS has a 4.8-litre V8 engine and a Tiptronic S that helps it rocket from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds. This beauty also flaunts a top speed of 251km/h or 156mph! "Every dog has his lucky day" - mine was today thanks to Porsche's special monster!

Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Spotted

I think India is getting along with Hybrid technology pretty well, considering the welcoming provided to the Toyota Prius and the recently spotted Porsche Cayenne S hybrid. Porsche’s plan to build a Hybrid version of its Cayenne SUV came true in 2007, when Porsche presented a functioning Cayenne Hybrid and demonstration model of the drivetrain.

So, how does this hybrid technology from Porsche set the big boy Cayenne S different from the others in the hybrid market? An electric motor is placed in between the engine and transmission (supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and 8-speed transmission). With help of a specially used clutch, this allows the gas engine to separate at speeds of up to 155kph. This allows the car to do what Porsche calls “sailing” as it allows the big boy to move emission-free at much higher speeds.

Notable modifications to this car include an electric vacuum pump and hydraulic steering pump, allowing the car to function even when the engine is deactivated. A 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery is placed under the boot floor, occupying the space normally used for a spare tire. As a standard feature the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is equipped with Electrically operated, 12-way seats in front, with electric fore/aft, height, seat back, and 4-way lumbar support adjustment, illuminated vanity mirror, (for the driver and passenger), Leather trimmed 3-spoke steering wheel with colored Porsche crest, folding rear seats, Seats trimmed with grained leather and 2 integrated cup holders in front and rear.

Optional features which keep your mind drooling include Porsche Entry and Drive (simply touch the door handle and the system automatically checks the encrypted access code on the key in your pocket), ParkAssist Front and Rear, Lane Change Assist (LCA), Adaptive Cruise Control, 8-way power seats and more. The Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid does not compromise on the sporty driving which Porsche has always been providing to its customers. It’s fitted with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), which is an electronic damping control system. It offers continuous adjustment of individual shock absorbers, based on current road conditions and driving style. The PASM remains active at all times. It automatically adapts to the prevailing driving conditions, raising the bar in car control, comfort and safety.

The Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, the eco-friendliest of Porsches, is quite alone in the market. However, the BMW X6 and Lexus R450h can be considered, though they have their own flaws in fuel efficiency.

Infiniti FX Spotted

Spotted the Second generation Infiniti FX today - a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Nissan-owned Infiniti (the luxury vehicle brand since the 2003 model year). The Infiniti FX was re-designed and officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2008.

 The FX has been described as having the profile of a "giant scarab" or a "Bionic cheetah". Its designers sought what they called a "cool fusion" – the blending of a substantial SUV lower body with a sleek, elegant upper body that is more reminiscent of a classic sports car or sports GT. Some of the most distinct features of the FX are its longer, shark-like sculpted headlights and a large trapezoidal grille filled with horizontal dark-chrome waves!

Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti Business Unit, says, “The Infiniti FX is one of those rare vehicles that responds to the driver’s every mood – equally adept at being driven at the limits or rewarding its occupants when the time comes to just sit back and relax. Its style is highly seductive inside and out, while its available technology – from state-of-the-art navigation and audio systems to industry leading safety features – enhances the owner’s sense of comfort, security and indulgence.”

Infiniti’s groundbreaking technology capability offers Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range) and Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention systems. What else is available? The Around View Monitor (AVM), which provides a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, helping you maneuver it in tight spots.

If you thought the FX came on to the competition track on its own. You are wrong, this beauty hit the tarmac along with its rivals - the Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90!

Future Cars: the 2014 Porsche Cajun

(Artist rendering courtesy of Car And Driver)

Porsche came to their senses and decided to come out with a more compact SUV than their popular Cayenne (which is pretty compact to me since it is smaller than an Envoy). Named the Cajun (cute name by the way), it will be very closely related to the Audi Q5.

According to Car and Driver, using the Q5 as its technical basis means that the Cajun will essentially stand on a front-wheel-drive architecture: Audi's modular longitudinal platform. Unlike the Q5, which is available with front-wheel drive, all versions of the Cajun will be equipped with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which won't go by its original name here. The chassis remains unchanged in its key parts, but the Cajun gets its own wheels and a tailored braking system. While the Q5 might seem overly aggressive when equipped with the S-line package, that sort of agility and firmness will be just right for the Porsche.

Power will come from engines out of Audi's parts bin, tuned by Porsche for slightly more power and sound. The engine portfolio will include a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6, rated at around 300 hp, and a 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder, good for roughly 220 hp. A higher-boost supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 is possible and could make up to 350 hp. The Cajun could also be offered with the Q5 hybrid’s powertrain, which consists of a 208-hp 2.0 TFSI and a 44-hp electric motor.

(Audi Q5)

As far as diesels go, Audi's 3.0-liter V-6 TDI, sold elsewhere in the Cayenne as well, is a given—probably in two versions, with around 250 hp and 310 hp. An entry-level, 2.0-liter TDI with close to 200 hp is possible. Power will be channeled to all wheels through a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission; the hybrid will get an eight-speed automatic. With the most powerful engines, the Cajun could top 155 mph, the magic mark where the Q5 cuts off and a Porsche won't.

Judging by the exterior styling alone, it will be difficult to tell just how closely the Cajun and the Q5 are related. Porsche's SUV will be shorter, lower, and wider than the Audi. The Cajun will be launched with four doors initially, but an even sportier two-door version is in the works as well.

(Porsche Cayenne Interior)

The Cajun will take over the Panamera and Cayenne's interior styling language, which means a wide central backbone of knobs and buttons, and an instrument cluster reminiscent of those in Porsche's two-door sports cars. We expect an optional Sport Chrono package, complete with an aggressively tuned throttle, a launch control program, and a prominent stopwatch presiding over the dashboard.

It will be launched in early 2013 as a 2014 model; competitors will include the Audi Q5 and SQ5 (naturally), the BMW X1 and X3, the Infiniti EX, and—at the lower range of the segment—even the coupe-like Mini Paceman, a two-door crossover to be based on the Countryman.

Basically the Cajun will be a bigger Panamera or a smaller Cayenne. If Porsche would create a Cajun turbo, that would be a nice look... If completed in time, it could be at the 2012 New York International Auto Show...