Porsche Cayenne

All models of Porsche Cayenne have perilous, off-pavement driving, because Porsche engineers endeavored to give the Cayenne the same sure-footed handling characteristics that the company's cars exhibit on racetracks. The Cayenne's sophisticated suspension incorporates a self-leveling air system plus Porsche Active Suspension Management, which automatically adjusts each shock absorber accordingly. All models of Porsche Cayenne hags to surface conditions and driving style. The Porsche Traction Management intelligent four-wheel-drive system relies on sensors everywhere measuring speed, lateral acceleration and more to figure out where to send engine power.

The five-passenger SUV is technically slick and remarkably fast, as Porsches are supposed to be, with on-road handling that belies (though does not defy) its mass. The Cayenne also delivers what most SUV buyers demand: more cargo space than the typical sedan, more than enough capability for off-highway use and impressive towing capacity. For style, pure performance and a balance of sport-utility virtues, the Porsche Cayenne is tough to beat.

Porsche didn't sit still after the Cayenne's launch in 2003, adding a V6 drivetrain that opened the model to a larger group of buyers and more useful standard equipment and option packages. For 2006, in synch with its philosophy of adding even more power during a model's life cycle, Porsche offers the 510-horsepower Cayenne Turbo S, which takes the concept of a SUV muscle car to a highly rewarding extreme.

New features for 2006 include a new ignition key with separate lock and unlock buttons; new front airbag technology; an electronic logbook; an update to the Porsche Communication Management system that allows it to play MP3-encoded CDs; and a cellphone module that hooks into PCM. Optional equipment includes Offroad Navigation that lets drivers trace their way back to a starting point, even when the area doesn't appear on the nav's system's internal map. Wider rear 20-inch SportTechno wheels, an independent interior pre-heating and pre-ventilation system, new Dark Olive Metallic exterior paint, a new Sand Beige leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats with the Porsche crest embossed on the headrests are among other new options.