Porsche Cayenne

Road Beast: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

November 7, 2016 by admin 9 Comments

A track-ready Jeep for the performance-minded driver.

Think “Grand Cherokee” and all kinds of terms may come to mind. Premium SUV. Capable off-road navigator. Competent towing machine.

We should add “road beast” to that list, especially when considering the specialty and high-end Grand Cherokee SRT. The SRT is not a new model as this writer spent ample time with the original, first presented in 2014. Now in its fourth year, this 475-horsepower example of track-capable prowess simply outperforms any Jeep built in the brand’s 75-year history.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

It is also the most expensive Jeep you can find anywhere with a starting price coming in at an eyebrow-raising $66,795. That’s $36,000 more than the base model, with additional amenities pushing your final cost even higher.

Indeed, options such as the 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system ($1,995), an interior wrapped in Laguna leather ($4,995), and a Trailer Tow Group Four package ($995) were among the features included on my test model. Add in the dual-pane panoramic sunroof ($2,095), high-performance Brembo brakes with red brake calipers ($1,295), and 20-inch lightweight forged wheels ($1,295) and your final price may top $80,000.

Well, perhaps the price will come in closer to $77,000 when package discounts are included. Either way, what you have here is a Jeep that pushes into previously unchartered pricing territory.

An Explosive HEMI Engine

There are many things that set the SRT apart from all other Grand Cherokee models. The most obvious is the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine exclusive to this trim. Besides packing 475 horsepower, it has an output of 470 pound-feet of torque, and comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters.

Jeep says the Grand Cherokee SRT has a 0-to-60 mph time of just 4.8 seconds as well as a 0-to-100-to-0 time of 16.3 seconds. Further, the SRT conquers the quarter-mile in the mid-13s range and has a top speed of 160 mph.

Readers should know that this driver never pushed the SRT anywhere near the top speed capabilities this road beast offers. However, when it came to testing many of its other on-road antics, those features were pursued with glee.

Model Year Updates

New for this year is an updated fascia, featuring an exclusive grille, fog lamps, and a unique leather package. The expected blacked-out look is found across the upper and lower grilles, the fog lamp pockets, on the lower portion of the side mirrors, and on the rear diffuser with its extra large dual exhaust ports.

The test model featured a Velvet Red Pearl finish, offering a handsome complement to the blacked-out look. Eight other color choices are available.

Other exterior touches include gunmetal headlamp bezels, a unique hood with functional heat extractors, black roof molding, and fully polished 20-inch aluminum wheels in satin clear coat. The overall presentation is at once sporty and intimidating — you’ll know this is no ordinary SUV when you spot it in your rear mirror as it quickly approaches, then moves past you.

Available Laguna Leather Interior

Inside, you’ll find other features unique to the SRT. Starting with the seats, the perforated leather-trimmed surfaces with suede inserts offer a fetching presentation. But with the optional perforated Laguna leather-trimmed seats, you see a prime example of what Jeep’s designers can do.

The Laguna package covers the dashboard, the lower doors, and the front armrest/storage compartment. It is a type of high-end leather typically found in yachts and corporate jets. Yes, it is that beautiful to behold. And immensely comfortable too.

Other standout interior features include a leather-wrapped, flat-bottomed steering wheel, a sporty instrument panel with overlapping dials, a generously portioned center console color display, and the drive select knob. Open-pore wood trim and brightwork trim are additional embellishments.

Selec-Trac System

That knob manages the SRT’s Selec-Trac system with five dynamic modes — automatic, sport, track, snow, and tow. Yes, this SUV is ready for track time as it is equipped with a higher-performance suspension with active damping — the better to maintain control when navigating tight turns or conquering the slalom.

Whether you intend to take the SRT to the track or not, you’ll immediately understand that this is no ordinary SUV. Instead, the SRT strikes at the heart of the Porsche Cayenne, falling somewhere between the Cayenne Turbo and Cayenne S in performance, while costing thousands of dollars less than the competition.

Press lightly on the gas pedal and the SRT purrs. Stomp hard and the engine bellows, the tires squeal, and you’ll find yourself pressed into the seat back. However, before you start, move the dial to sport mode and you’ll stay in gear longer and enjoy improved throttle response.

When it comes to SUVs, tamping the brakes on twisty roads is a given — too much weight and body roll conspire to adversely impact steering and make handling a chore, while increasing the chance of a deadly rollover accident.

But not so with the SRT — even though the feedback isn’t especially noteworthy, that this SUV stays planted much in the same way as a Charger or a Challenger is a fact worth amplifying. Credit grippy tires, superior damping, and a lowered stance for its superb driving and handling dynamics.

How to Activate Launch Control

If you can take the SRT out on the open road — or wherever it is both plausible and safe to let her rip — try the LAUNCH control feature.

Press the “launch control” switch on selec-trac, followed by activating launch control, then launch RPM set-up. With your left foot on the brake and your right foot pressing the gas pedal all the way to the floor for wide-open throttle, hold it there until you’re cleared for launch. Then, remove your foot from the brake and the SRT moves forward at top speed.

While the SRT is prepping to launch, the engine and transmission are immediately recalibrated to advance full launch. At the same time, the power spread is adjusted with 30 percent sent to the front wheels and 70 percent to the rear wheels. Under such potent conditions, you want this capable machine to stay fully planted. It is and it does.

Your Choice of Grand Cherokee Models

Investing in the SRT shows a commitment to a high level of performance. Of course, not everyone wants or can afford such an ambitious package. Instead, models powered by the standard 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or the 3.0-liter turbodiesel (240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque) will do. There’s also a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 available on higher trim models and exclusive to 4×4 models.

What about the long-rumored Grand Cherokee Hellcat model? Some have asked if this model will one day become a reality. I can tell you that the answer is no and yes.

The “no” has to do with the naming convention. Fiat Chrysler ascribes “Hellcat” to Dodge models only — Charger and Challenger. When it comes to Jeep, the term “Trackhawk” will be used for models powered by the same 707-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine found under every Hellcat’s hood. So, the answer is a resounding, if not qualified — YES!

The Trackhawk’s arrival is scheduled for 2017 and will slot above the SRT in performance and likely in price. It is expected to precede the inevitable return of the still larger Grand Cherokee, Jeep’s answer to the Range Rover.

To sum up, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is everything performance drivers want. That is, if they desire an SUV. The SRT’s higher than a sedan or coupe profile is a big difference, but at least this model sits lower to the ground than other Grand Cherokees.

Brand APEAL: Porsche Leads for 11th Consecutive Year

July 23, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Porsche is globally recognized as the top automotive brand, a fact regularly affirmed by various consumer studies and surveys. Indeed, for the 11th consecutive year, Porsche finished on top of J.D. Power’s APEAL study for 2015.

Porsche Cayman.

APEAL stands for U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout study what looks at 77 vehicle attributes to determine what owners like and dislike about their new cars. Those attributes are comprised of categories including the design, content, layout, execution, and performance of the respective models.

For 2015, J.D. Power surveyed more than 84,000 new car buyers from February to May, in a bid to determine how buyers and lessees felt about their vehicles after 90 days of ownership. Power uses a 1,000-point scale and assigns a number to each model as well as an overall score for the make or brand.

This year, the average score has risen by four points to 798. Safety features contributed to the increase, including blind spot monitoring and warning systems. Both premium and mainstream brands are benefiting with the latter group closing the traditional satisfaction void with its high-end counterparts. Further, models equipped with advanced safety systems score an average of 38 points higher than those not so equipped.

Mini Cooper.

“Unlike other technologies, such as voice recognition, that can be challenging to operate, most safety features provide information in a more intuitive way, giving owners a greater sense of security,” said Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive quality at J.D. Power. “Not only are models increasingly offering systems that improve safety and visibility, but owners are also using them on a regular basis. This can go a long way toward generating positive feelings about their vehicle overall.”

Power also found that consumers will happily pay more for certain safety features such as blind-spot warning and detection systems. That’s one perquisite consumers say that they’d be willing to pay as much as $750 to receive. Clearly, car manufacturers will hone their attention on that revelation.

Porsche led all comers with a score of 874 followed by 855 for Jaguar, 854 for BMW, 853 for Mercedes-Benz, and 852 for Audi. Porsche also had three of the top models in the 26 segments featured. Indeed, the Porsche Cayman led the Compact Premium Sporty Car category, the Porsche Macan took the Compact Premium SUV segment, and the Porsche Cayenne led the Midsize Premium SUV group.

Ford F-150

Ford F-150.

Among mainstream brands Mini placed first, finishing with a score of 825. Chevrolet and Ford, like Porsche, each had three segment leaders. Audi, BMW, Dodge, Mazda and Mini placed two group leaders each.

Once again, J.D. Power reaffirmed a problem that has plagued new car buyers in recent years: how to work the advanced technologies found in today’s cars. Frustration with those technologies will often impact model and brand scores, something Power says can be overcome at the dealer level.

Specifically, the research firm offered advice for consumers, including discovering the benefits of safety features before opting for them. However, in many cases, these features are standard or are included with particular trim level or package offerings.

Consumers should also familiarize themselves with the entire safety package, not just the items they think they will use. Power also urged consumers to keep track of the technological features that are of most interest to consumers, including those still needing to be perfected. The last tip points to a problem inherent in many vehicles — wonky GPS-based infotainment systems that can be difficult to decipher.

Like some of the other studies offered in recent years, the APEAL study indicates manufacturers are listening to consumer concerns and are actively keeping up with the latest auto trends, especially safety and in-cabin technologies. Some brands, such as Jaguar and Mini, have made much progress in recent years, reflecting positive changes to company culture that are in prevalence today.

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Porsche Cayenne: Generation Next

July 29, 2014 by admin 4 Comments

The original Porsche Cayenne changed the way that we look at Porsche as well as at sport-utility vehicles in general. Where Jeep and Land Rover paved the way for the earliest off-road vehicles, Porsche came to the party late, but with its guns a-blazing.

Porsche’s First Sport Utility Vehicle

The Porsche Cayenne is a beast on the road as it lives up to its “a sports car among sport utility vehicles” mantle when it roars down the straightaways and navigates the bends. But, it is also a capable vehicle off roader with more than 10 inches of ground clearance, locking center and rear differentials, and a torquey low-range gear ratio. Not that you will see too many Cayenne owners taking this burly beast off road — quite frankly, most Cayennes stick to firm pavement, but at least the option for off-roading is always there.

The original Cayenne was produced from 2003 to 2010, followed by a second generation model that has been on the market since 2011. Porsche, however, has already lined up the third generation model, what will go on sale stateside this November.

2015 Porsche Cayenne

Generation Three: 2015 Porsche Cayenne

The 2015 Porsche Cayenne will continue to seat five and will be available in four versions: Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo and the first-ever Cayenne S E-Hybrid, delivering the first plug-in hybrid SUV to the premium segment. It gets even more exciting as Porsche introduces a brand spanking new 3.6-liter twin-turbo gasoline engine for the Cayenne S. The new engine was designed and built entirely by Porsche what will enable this SUV to achieve greater performance as well as enjoy improved fuel economy over the previous model.

The third-generation Cayenne advances familiar styling cues, with its overall design sharpened with new lines and edges. Up front, the fenders and hood are new. The air fins, found to the right and left of the Cayenne’s front end, are also new. The fins are used to direct air to the intercoolers for cooling and have been carefully integrated to provide a stout visual presentation.

The Porsche Cayenne comes equipped with bi-xenon headlights and four-point LED daytime running lights, found on all models except for the Cayenne Turbo. The top-of-the-line Cayenne Turbo is outfitted with high performance LED headlights within the Porsche Dynamic Light System.

To the rear, changes were made to the brake light layout as well as to the tailgate lid. Indeed, the license plate recess, tailgate handle and lights are fully integrated into that lid. Porsche also redid the look of the exhaust tailpipes what are now integrated into the lower rear fascia. Overall, Porsche says that the 2015 Cayenne has a fuller stance on the road.

Inside, a new multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles is standard across the model line. Porsche says that its look is based on the steering wheel found in the 918 Spyder. A rear seat with optional seat ventilation is also new.

2015 Porsche Cayenne Performance

Across the model line, two new features will provide a conspicuous effect on vehicle operation. Firstly, a new automatic stop-start function can be found, what provides greater efficiencies. Secondly, active air flaps are included for the first time. Located behind the center air intake and controlled by engine management, the air flaps open and close according to your driving circumstance as well as to the engine’s cooling requirements. When closed, the air flaps boost aerodynamics through reduced drag, resulting in improved fuel economy.

Porsche points to the 1899 Lohner Porsche as inspiration for the Cayenne’s first hybrid. That earlier Porsche was designed and built by Ferdinand Porsche and was the first vehicle in the world to contain battery-powered electric drive coupled with a combustion engine.

In the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, this PHEV has a lithium-ion traction battery making 95 horsepower with the ability to run on electric-only power at speeds up to 78 mph. It is paired with a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine making 333 horsepower. Combined, the hybrid Cayenne makes 416 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 435 foot-pounds of torque in a range from 1,250 rpm to 4,000 rpm.

The performance numbers with the hybrid are especially notable. Porsche says that the SUV will travel from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.4 seconds. The SUV has a top speed of 151 mph.

Improvements in fuel efficiency have also been realized with the 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel. This SUV’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine makes 240 horsepower at 3,800 rpm to 4,400 rpm and 406 foot-pounds of torque ranging from 1,750 rpm to 2,500 rpm. Porsche claims that the diesel can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 135 mph.

Switching from a V-8 engine to a V-6 typically results in a loss of power. That loss is anathema to Porsche faithful, except perhaps to owners who have no intention of harnessing the Cayenne’s ultimate sporting side while taking to the road. The new twin-turbo V-6 engine will deliver 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm for a net gain of 20 horsepower over the previous engine. The SUV’s torque increases by 37 foot-pounds to 406 foot-pounds in a range from 1,350 rpm to 4,500 rpm.

Paired with a standard eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission, the Cayenne S goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package. That represents a gain of 0.4 seconds and a top speed of 160 miles per hour.

Choose the Cayenne Turbo and you get the ultimate in SUV performance. That model has a 4.8-liter, twin-turbo V-8 engine making a whopping 520 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 553 foot-pounds of torque in a range from 2,250 rpm to 4,000 rpm. With the optional Sport Chrono package its 0 to 100 km/h time is 4.1 seconds. This model has a top speed of 173 mph.

2015 Porsche Cayenne Pricing

Porsche has also announced pricing for all four Cayenne models. The manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) does not include a $995 destination charge. For 2015, the Cayenne Diesel will list for $61,700. The Cayenne S comes in at $74,100 and the Cayenne S E-Hybrid will retail from $76,400. The top-of-the-range Cayenne Turbo comes in at $113,600. As always, Porsche provides many individual and package upgrades that allow you to customize your purchase as you see fit.

See Also — Emotive: Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

2015 Porsche Cayenne photos courtesy of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA).

Porsche Macan Set for Los Angeles Introduction

November 11, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

German automaker Porsche will be very busy at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show this month. The company will be in California to make two world premieres and three North American debuts, including the Porsche Macan, a compact sport utility vehicle. The small SUV represents Porsche’s fifth model line, entering one of the fastest growing vehicle segments.

The 2014 Porsche Macan crossover SUV.

California Market Penetration

Porsche will also debut the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet models. Its other North American debuts are the Porsche Panamera Turbo S and the Porsche Turbo S Executive. The two Panamera models will make their world debuts earlier in the day at the Tokyo Motor Show.

California is an important market for Porsche with the Los Angeles area alone accounting for 17 percent of all the vehicles its sells in the United States. That market penetration has led Porsche to begin building an experience center, what will include when completed a world class test track and handling course. It is also destined to become the new home of Porsche MotorSport North America. The facility and motorsport headquarters will be located in Carson, Calif.

Porsche Macan: Compact Crossover SUV

The Porsche Macan joins the Cayenne as the brand’s second SUV. It is expected to carry a starting price around $40,000, making it the most affordable of all Porsche models. And that affordability has a purpose: Porsche expects that the Macan will become its best-selling model, a volume seller that could help the brand reach 200,000 annual units sold by 2018, up from 141,000 units in 2012, notes the Wall Street Journal. Porsche is owned by Volkswagen AG, a company on a quest to become the largest volume automaker in the world.

The Macan becomes the third non sports car model in the Porsche line. In 2002, Porsche enthusiasts groaned when the Cayenne was introduced and once again expressed their disapproval in 2009 upon the Panamera sedan’s debut. Both models have bolstered the brands sales, but at the cost of exclusivity, what brand devotees prize.

Competition and Platform Underpinnings

The compact luxury SUV segment accounts for more than 200,000 US sales alone with the BMW X3 one of the better selling models. It is the X3 that the Porsche Macan is targeting, a vehicle that topped 35,000 US sales in 2012. Other competitors include the Mercedes-Benz GLK, the Range Rover Evoque, and the Infiniti EX35.

The Porsche Macan is underpinned by the same platform that powers the Audi Q5. It is a crossover SUV, which means that it is of unibody construction, not the truck-like layout of older SUVs.

Two gasoline engines are expected to be offered in the US: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder and a supercharged V-6 engine making about 300 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available. We’ll have to wait until its Los Angeles Auto Show debut to learn if AWD will be standard. Likely, we’ll see a diesel model added a year or two out.

Los Angeles Auto Show

The L.A. Auto Show sets off a string of important North American auto shows that run through April. After L.A’s turn, Detroit will hold the North American International Auto Show in Jan. The Chicago Auto Show is held in Feb, and the New York International Auto Show wraps things up in April. Each show will feature the latest 2014 models, 2015 debuts and a host of concept vehicles. Auto Trends plans to serve up details for all the top models as each show is held.

Porsche Macan photo courtesy of Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Further Porsche Reading

Porsche Cayenne: Generation Next

Emotive: Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Raleigh Art Museum Opens Porsche Exhibit

50 Years of the Porsche 911

Top 7 Must Have Accessories For Every Porsche Cayenne Owner

July 26, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

Your Porsche Cayenne is truly one hot SUV! But, have you outfitted your ride the way that you want it to be? Aftermarket accessories and supplies can personalize and protect your Cayenne so we’ve listed seven “must have” items for Porsche enthusiasts.

Porsche faithful nearly died several years back when the automaker announced that a sport utility vehicle would be joining the fold. After all, Porsche is synonymous with race cars and an SUV is, well, much too family oriented for the line.

But the Porsche Cayenne has proven to be a hit for the brand and has since been joined by the Panamera sedan, proving that the heart and soul of Porsche can live on in other vehicles. Of course, should someone decide that a Porsche minivan would be a nice touch, they’ll soon be faced with a full scale riot!

Enhance And Protect Your Porsche Cayenne

Every Porsche Cayenne comes well equipped as it should since it is one of the most expensive SUVs sold in the world. However, there are always “finishing touches” that can be included by owners, aftermarket accessories to help you customize and protect your ride. We’ve tracked down seven accessories plus one bonus we think that every Porsche Cayenne owner should consider:

1. Backup Camera – Porsche offers a rear backup camera with parking assist as an option for the Cayenne. If your SUV didn’t come equipped with this feature when you purchased it and you wish that you had one now, you can buy and install one yourself. Choose a backup camera system that offers superior viewing range as well as night time usefulness.

2. Cargo Liners – Keep the inside of your Cayenne looking great by installing a cargo liner. Some are designed for when the second row seat is folded up while others are longer and cover the complete cargo area when the back seat is folded down. Protect your Cayenne from spills, dirt and grime by installing a heavy duty vinyl liner.

3. Dash Cover – Intense heat or cold can have a negative effect on your dashboard as can penetrating solar rays. Who wants to bother with an ineffective sun shield when a fitted, carpeted dash cover looks good and offers ’round the clock protection for your vehicle?

4. Driving Lights, Fog Lights – If your Cayenne didn’t come equipped with driving lights or fog lights, do you miss them now? Fog light kits which include switches, relays, lenses and brackets can get the job done, just what every Cayenne owner needs to penetrate the deepest darkness, the thickest fog.

5. Floor Liners – Keep your carpeting looking new by installing no-slip floor liners in your cabin. Select a product featuring durable rubberized materials, strong enough to resist the coldest Vermont night or muddiest Montana day.

6. Grille Cover – If you plan on doing any off-roading with your Cayenne or have to navigate “mud season” roads, then a stainless steel no drill grille insert can provide the protection your SUV needs.

7. Scratch Remover – Sooner or later your Porsche will get scratched even if you don’t take your ride off road. Please note that some scratch removers are designed for windows and plastic surfaces while others are made to repair body scratches.

Bonus – Get yourself a Porsche Cayenne service manual. If you don’t already have one, this book will help you keep your Porsche running strong for many years to come. Order one online or visit your local Porsche dealer to get a copy, if available.

Top Automotive Brand

Porsche consistently ranks as the top automotive brand in the world. You can keep your Porsche Cayenne looking great by choosing those parts and accessories that will personalize its look while maintaining its long term value.