It has been announced that the much-awaited 2011 Porsche Cayenne will arrive in local dealerships from July 24.

This next generation vehicle will be globally available in three engine options. The options available to purchasers include the 3.6 litre V6 which delivers 225kW, the naturally-aspiirated 4.8 litre V8 which delivers 298kW and the top of the range option which incorporates a twin-turbo 4.8 litre V8 engine delivering 373 kW. And of course – there is a diesel option. There is a planned diesel successor, powered by a turbo-charged 180kW 3.9 litre diesel engine.

The first models available to Australian consumers will be the V8 Cayenne S, V6 Cayenne S Hybrid and the twin-turbocharged V8 Cayenne Turbo. The V6 petrol and V6 diesel models are expected to arrive in late August.

The S Hybrid will employ both a 248kW 3.0 litre petrol V6 Audi engine and a 35kW electric motor, which is powered by lithium ion batteries. The electric motor runs without aid at speeds up to 138km/h and distances up to 1.9km. The fuel consumption value for this version sits at an impressive 8.2/100km.

Eight-speed automatic transmission comes as standard for the new Cayenne model. Unfortunately, the off-roading capabilities are restricted, as the new vehicle is not offered with the low-speed transfer function. However, the new model is 180kg lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at around 2065kg. The weight loss is attributable to new production techniques including the door design, greater use of aluminium components and the removal or the two-speed transfer case.

According to Porsche Australia’s Managing Director, Michael Winkler, Porsche has “made a great car even better” when speaking from a “design, engineering and sporty driving point of view.” He also contends that the “price-value relationship is also extremely positive”.

According to Porsche, the new model’s price premium has been restricted to approximately 1%, which is only a slight increase from the previous range.

Pricing:

• 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6 Petrol – $103,500 (previously $102,500)
• 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6 Diesel – $104,500 (previously $103,700)
• 2011 Porsche Cayenne S – $147,900 (previously $146,900)
• 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid – $159,900
• 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo – $239,900 (previously $237,200)