Four years after its debut, Porsche has unveiled the second generation Cayenne, which goes on sale on February 24.

Styling changes are meant to significantly improve aerodynamic efficiency with new, narrow headlights featuring ‘projector-beam’ units on Cayenne and Cayenne S. Revised front air intakes improve cooling and, as a result, engine performance. The wheel arches are more heavily contoured, and the rear of every Cayenne now includes a diffuser-style apron and new roof spoiler.

The new Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo have been given more powerful, direct petrol injection engines. These Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) power units lower the fuel consumption of individual models by more than 8%.

An option on all models is the new Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabiliser system, reducing body roll during cornering and counterbalances it wherever possible. From a driver’s perspective, the result is improved handling and agility, greater directional stability and ride comfort. When off-road, the system improves traction.

The Cayenne with the V6 engine gains an increase in displacement from 3.2 to 3.6 litres which, combined with the advantages of direct fuel injection, delivers a 40 bhp power increase. Additionally, the torque of the engine has climbed to 385 Newton metres (Nm) from 310Nm. It can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 141mph. This compares with 9.1 seconds and 133mph respectively for the prior model. The Cayenne is priced from £37,100.

The Cayenne S now features a larger 4.8 litre, naturally-aspirated V8 engine producing 500Nm (previously 420Nm) of torque and power output rises by 45bhp to 385bhp. These higher figures translate into a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 157mph (previous model: 6.8 seconds and 150mph.) The Cayenne S is priced from £46,610. The new Cayenne Turbo has an engine output of 50bhp higher than that of its predecessor.

The new 4.8 litre eight-cylinder engine, boosted by twin exhaust-driven turbochargers, now produces 500bhp and 700Nm (previously 620). The Turbo can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and has a maximum speed of 171mph. (Previous model: 5.6 seconds and 165mph.) The Cayenne Turbo is priced from £74,650.

  • Every Cayenne owner will receive a Porsche driving experience, a combination of test track and off-road activities and studies in advanced road driving techniques.