The Porsche Cayenne - The "Colorado" project takes shape

In close coordination with Volkswagen, which used the "Colorado" project for its upcoming Touareg, Porsche took the lead in developing the technical basis. Two of its own, completely redesigned V8 engines were at the starting line in 2002 for the premiere of the first Porsche Cayenne. With 340 hp as a 4.5-liter naturally aspirated engine in the S model and with 450 hp - here again, one can build the bridge to the 959 - in the twin-turbocharged Turbo top model. But the power and up to 266 km/h top speed were not the only highlights of the new high-performance off-roader. Above all, the chassis technology and tuning of all systems helped the Cayenne achieve unrivaled talent. There was Porsche Traction Management, an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system whose multi-plate clutch could distribute power variably between the front and rear. The center differential could also be locked, and the transmission had a true reduction ratio. Another highlight for truly extreme off-road capabilities was the optional Advanced Off-Road Technology package. In addition to additional cladding for sills and aggregates on the underbody, the differential lock for the rear-axle transmission and the hydraulically decouplable stabilizers in particular ensured even greater axle articulation in heavy terrain.