Porsche revealed the third-generation of the massively successful Cayenne SUV, which has sold more than 760,000 units since its launch in 2002.
The new car is both sportier and more precise than the outgoing car, yet retains its familiar identity. While the front end of the new Cayenne looks incredibly similar to the model it replaces, there have been changes made to enhance the design — particularly in the headlamps and design of the lower grille aperture — while keeping it in line with Porsche’s current design DNA.
The enlarged air intakes at the front are clear indicators of the increased performance. The new horizontal light edges mean that the SUV now appears wider and more athletic, even when stationary.
“Our primary objective was to accentuate the character of the vehicle. More Porsche, more Cayenne,” says Michael Mauer, Porsche VP of Design. “The new Cayenne is more precise, elegant, athletic and expressive.”
The profile of the car has also been reworked, with a new flatter roofline to enhance space at the rear of the cabin. While Porsche director of exterior design, Peter Varga, says this also lends the silhouette a sportier profile, I can’t say I agree.
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne has seen its exterior length increased by 63mm without any change to the 2895mm-long wheelbase. It stands 4918mm long and 1983mm wide (excluding mirrors). The roof height was also reduced by 9mm compared to its predecessor to retain a streamlined, elegant impression.
Perhaps the biggest change to the exterior design can be found at the rear of the car, which now adopts Porsche’s full-width taillamp design. With a band of light running the full width of the car to accentuate the width of the car and augment its sporting stance on the road, Porsche’s distinctive, three-dimensional logo now spans the redesigned three-dimensional LED rear light design.
The interior has also been entirely reworked, with a cascading center console the defining element. Creating a boundary between the driver and front passenger, the interior design is at once a more practical space as well as one that exudes quality and sophistication. The design is clear and simple, with a large center screen an indication of the heightened technology under the skin.
In the video above, Mauer — who is also VW Group’s head of design — discusses the design process behind the creation of the new Cayenne alongside Porsche exterior design director Peter Varga, interior design director Ivo van Hulton, and interior design manager Oliver Rosenbohm.
Source: Porsche
