The second-generation 2008 Porsche Cayenne can hardly be called all new, but it does offer worthy upgrades in the power and fuel economy of all three trim levels Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo while providing upgraded handling and freshened looks. After a brief sampling of all three versions through undulating mountain roads and entertainingly banked highways in Cadiz, Spain, its clear that the changes will make the already popular Porsche Cayenne even more desirable when it arrives in March. Most significant among them are more-powerful and efficient engines for each model and a new high-tech suspension system that neutralizes side-to-side leaning through turns. But as usual with Porsche, we find the list of standard equipment on the Cayenne to be lacking compared to competing models and the price hike of the top Turbo model to be appallingly high.

Exterior
The new Cayenne has a reworked front end and better aerodynamics than its predecessor. But if youre considering trading in your existing Cayenne for a 2008 model, then opting for a different color than your current vehicle may be the only way your neighbors will tell that youre driving a brand new SUV. Otherwise only the truly obsessive Porsche fans in your neighborhood are likely to notice the difference. The Cayenne Turbo (pictured at right) gets a little more visual differentiation, which it should for its major power and price increase over the others. The Turbo models front end features two thin vertical bars in its larger grille, as well as unique horizontal turn indicator lights in the front air intakes instead of the vertical ones of the other two. There are also two ridges in the hood that belie the muscular engine beneath it.

Interior
The Cayennes interior is identical to the outgoing models, which is somewhat of a disappointment. This isnt because its unattractive its not but simply because there are some minor annoyances that could significantly improve the ergonomics. For instance, the steering-wheel stereo controls still seek up and down through radio stations rather than scrolling through presets, and the 10 radio presets on the stereo head unit in the center console are small and hard to distinguish by touch. Also, the heated steering wheel is connected directly to the heated seat control, which is nice and simple, but it doesnt let you crank the heat on the wheel when only your fingers are cold while keeping the seat temperature less toasty. These sound like minor quibbles, but on a vehicle this expensive, everything should be thoroughly thought out.Fortunately, Porsche stayed away from any form of multifunction knob-controlled system as seen on virtually every new luxury vehicle from foreign manufacturers (save only the lower-end models). While tech heads might consider Porsche to be behind the curve in this regard, we consider the lack of a single knob controller that governs all interior functions to be a serious advantage for the Cayenne. Porsche sports cars are known for being simple and pure in function, and the Cayenne follows this philosophy by not complicating interior controls with a system like Audis Multi-Media Interface or BMWs iDrive.The major upgrades inside the Porsche Cayenne are a power-operated tailgate and the addition of a rear-seat DVD entertainment system finally with two screens embedded in the front head restraints. One upgrade still lacking is a third-row seat. The Cayennes interior provides what one expects of a traditional SUV: lots of room for outboard passengers, a high seating position with a commanding view of the road and a generous cargo bay that can hold a little more than 19 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats up (even more with the rear seats folded forward). The vehicle's substantial ground clearance makes it awkward for smaller children or less-mobile adults to get in and out.

On the Road
The traditional Porsche buyer is much more interested in driving fast than fiddling with interior goodies. But is it the same for the Cayenne buyer Porsche must think so, because it has improved all of its handling and performance dynamics as well as comfort, thanks to its new Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control system, or PDCC, which is a $3,150 option.The fact that every test vehicle we drove was equipped with the optional PDCC would indicate that Porsche officials are proud of this system. But the reality is that the PDCC system and more-powerful engines are what differentiate the new Cayenne most from the first generation.The PDCC system is designed to work with the Cayennes optional air suspension to hydraulically limit any side-to-side leaning of the Cayennes body through turns. In curves taken at speeds that generate up to 0.65g, a very high figure for SUVs, Porsche promises a perfectly flat attitude with no body roll.The previous Cayenne was a fine-handling SUV, and Porsche officials promise the new one is even better an assertion thats hard to argue with after seeing video of a PDCC-equipped Cayenne running visibly flatter than a first-generation model back and forth through a series of pylons. Porsche says the system cuts four to five seconds off of a lap at the Nurburgring racetracks daunting North circuit (most manufacturers use this challenging track to help develop their vehicles). Our test-drive (on roads, not the racetrack) proved the PDCCs effectiveness: The system literally eliminated any perceptible body roll as we thrashed the three models on hand through all manner of wickedly curvy roads. The system also improves comfort, which is a key consideration for many SUV buyers. Hydraulic actuators that keep PDCC-equipped Cayennes flat through turns also work while driving in a straight line by reducing the perceived side-to-side motion of the vehicle over bumps in the road or even when changing lanes quickly. But we think that Porsche owners shouldnt have to pay an extra $3,150 for fine handling, just like they shouldnt have to pay extra for powered and heated seats on the companys sports cars. Whats more, the special air suspension that is needed for PDCC only comes standard on the priciest Turbo model and is optional on base and S models so the total price for the system on each of these two versions is a considerable $6,500.Yet after driving all of the models, the feature really does set the new Cayenne apart from previous versions. Wealthy enthusiasts probably have the money to upgrade to the PDCC, and a high price is part of the quotient for exclusivity, but its the principle of Porsches strategy to seemingly nickel and dime buyers for things that other luxury carmakers include as standard equipment that doesnt sit well with us. At least the new, more-powerful engines dont cost extra. The base Cayenne now has a 290-hp 3.6-liter V6, an increase of 43 hp. The Cayenne S comes with a 485-hp 4.8-liter V8, which is a whopping 145 hp more than last year's S model. The Cayenne Turbos turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 jumps 50 hp to a staggering total of 500 hp. Torque ratings increase to 273 pound-feet, 369 pound-feet and 516 pound-feet, respectively. The most common transmission will remain the touch-shift six-speed Tiptronic automatic that includes buttons on the steering wheel and a special gate on the center-console-mounted shift lever to allow manual gear changes. A six-speed manual transmission is still available on the base model only, although it will likely be such a rarity as to require special ordering.The upgraded engines are even more impressive because theyre not only stronger but also more efficient, consuming between 4.4 percent and 8.1 percent less fuel than last years models (depending on the engine), according to European government tests. Average fuel economy estimated by Porsche for the base Cayenne with automatic transmission is 18 mpg city/22 mpg highway. Porsche says that in real-world driving, the new Cayennes have 15 percent better fuel economy versus outgoing models. Porsches pricing scheme typically places a huge premium on high-performance variants, and the 2008 Cayenne is no exception. To put this into perspective, consider that the difference in price between the $43,400 base Cayenne and the $93,700 top-of-the-line Turbo model is $50,000. In other words, you can buy two base Cayennes for less than the price of a Cayenne Turbo. But if youre willing to pay the price for the premium equipment, the 2008 Cayenne really does take some remarkable steps forward.Buy this Vehicle if You want a Porsche but need an SUV; you enjoy the possibility of performance driving on the way to pick up the kids; you want the best handling and most beastly SUV on the road and are willing to pay the steep price to get the Cayenne Turbo; you want a manual transmission, which few competitors offer. Keep Looking if You want the most luxury and/or technology per dollar in your SUV; fuel economy is a concern; youd rather buy a less-expensive SUV and get a Porsche Boxster or Cayman for fun. Who Fits Most people who dont have NBA aspirations or a desire for a third row of seats. Options Worth Splurging on The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control ($3,150 on the Turbo, $6,500 on the base and S models) for performance fiends; heated seats and steering wheel.