Porsche Cayenne - Second Generation

The current Porsche Cayenne went on sale around April–May 2010 as a 2011 model, with an official debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. In preparation for the unveiling, the Cayenne production facility in Leipzig, Germany, closed in December 2009 in order to commence factory retooling for the new model, a process which took 2–3 months.

The first spy photos of the car were posted on the internet on June 5, 2008.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne is visually shorter and smaller than its predecessors with more muscular curves, a more slanted rear window and less upright windshield, a more sloping roofline, door-mounted mirrors, smaller windows at the rear of the vehicle, headlights inspired by the Carrera GT, taillights that extend onto the car's tailgate, LED daytime running lights and a vastly redesigned interior modeled after the Panamera. The 2011 Cayenne is almost 250 kilograms (550 lb) lighter than the previous models due to extensive use of aluminum and magnesium, making it more fuel efficient than the previous lineup. Despite its lower stance, the new vehicle's off-road capabilities have been retained without compromising the street performance-oriented layout and design.. In addition to a diesel offering, a hybrid version is available.

The Cayenne is again the first of the three new SUVs from the VW group; the new Volkswagen Touareg will be 6–12 months behind, while the next-generation Audi Q7 is due in 2013. Standard features of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne include air conditioning with dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats, outside-temperature indicator, and universal garage door opener in the base model. The Cayenne S adds a power sunroof and memory for the driver's seat.

The Cayenne GTS added a rearview camera, remote engine start, keyless access and start, and memory system. Finally, the most upscale Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S added a navigation system w/voice recognition, premium sound system, 4-zone climate controls, heated rear seats, and 6-disc CD changer.

The Cayenne's naturally-aspirated and turbocharged V8 engines are shared with the Panamera and have been upgraded for faster acceleration times with more horsepower and torque, as well as more powerful direct injection technology to improve efficiency. The base Cayenne model still shares its Volkswagen-sourced VR6 engine with the new Volkswagen Touareg, although the Cayenne's is tuned to offer 300 horsepower compared to the Touareg's 280.

The Cayenne comes powered by a 3.6 L V6 engine producing 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp), the Cayenne S features the same 4.8 L V8 in the Panamera S models producing 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) and the Cayenne Turbo comes with Panamera Turbo's 4.8 L twin turbo V8 producing 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp). The Cayenne S Hybrid uses an Audi-sourced 3.0 L V6 engine producing 333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp) paired with a lithium ion battery capable of 47 PS (35 kW; 46 hp) for a total of 380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp). A manual gearbox serves as the standard transmission system on the base Cayenne, with all other models featuring an eight-speed Tiptronic as standard equipment. The low-range transfer case found in the previous generation has been removed. All vehicles will feature approximately 10 percent less weight than their predecessors, 70 kilograms worth of standard equipment in excess of that found on the current model and a more heavily contoured rear bench.

In September 2012 Porsche announced the Cayenne S Diesel. This model is fitted with the Audi 4.2 V8 TDI engine.

In October 2012 Porsche confirmed the all new Cayenne Turbo S.