Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | Cayenne |
| Generation | Cayenne (955, facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | S 4.8 V8 (385 Hp) AWD |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 22.1 l/100 km (10.6 US mpg, 12.8 UK mpg, 4.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg, 26.2 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 14.9 l/100 km (15.8 US mpg, 19 UK mpg, 6.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 358 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 252 km/h (156.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.8 kg/Hp, 173 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm, 224.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 385 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 3500 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6700 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M48.01 |
| Engine displacement | 4806 cm3 (293.28 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 18 l (19.02 US qt | 15.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2225 kg (4905.29 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3080 kg (6790.24 lbs.) |
| Max load | 855 kg (1884.95 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1770 l (62.51 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 100 l (26.42 US gal | 22 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4798 mm (188.9 in.) |
| Width | 1928 mm (75.91 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2200 mm (86.61 in.) |
| Height | 1699 mm (66.89 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2855 mm (112.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1647 mm (64.84 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1662 mm (65.43 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 218 mm (8.58 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.35 |
| Approach angle | 28.6° |
| Departure angle | 22.8° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 20.4° |
| Wading depth | 500 mm (19.69 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 350×34 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 330×28 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 255/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18 |
The Porsche Cayenne S 4.8 V8, produced from 2007 to 2010 as part of the 955 facelift generation, represented a significant step forward in Porsche’s foray into the luxury SUV market. Building upon the initial 955 Cayenne launched in 2002, the facelift brought revised styling, improved interior appointments, and crucially, updated engine options. The S 4.8 V8 model occupied a mid-to-high position within the Cayenne lineup, offering a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and all-weather capability. It sat above the base Cayenne and Cayenne Diesel, but below the range-topping Cayenne Turbo, appealing to buyers seeking substantial power without the Turbo’s higher price tag and more focused sporting character.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Cayenne S 4.8 V8 is the M48.01 engine, a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8. This engine is a significant departure from the earlier, smaller displacement engines offered in the first-generation Cayenne. It features direct fuel injection (DFI), a technology that improves both power and fuel efficiency by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The engine utilizes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for increased performance. The 4.8L V8 produces 385 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque at 3500 rpm. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard, delivering power to all four wheels via Porsche’s all-wheel-drive system, Porsche Traction Management (PTM).
Driving Characteristics
The Cayenne S 4.8 V8 offered a noticeably more engaging driving experience than the base Cayenne. The larger engine provided ample power for confident acceleration and effortless highway cruising. While not as overtly sporty as the Cayenne Turbo, the S model delivered a respectable 0-60 mph time of around 6.3 seconds. The manual transmission, while offering greater driver involvement, had relatively long throws compared to some competitors. The PTM all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in various conditions, enhancing stability and control. The suspension, tuned for a balance between comfort and handling, offered a reasonably compliant ride without sacrificing too much body control.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cayenne S 4.8 V8 came standard with a generous array of features, including leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a premium sound system, and power-adjustable front seats. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to customize their Cayenne to their preferences. Popular options included a sunroof, navigation system, heated seats, and upgraded interior trim materials. The exterior styling was relatively understated compared to the Turbo, with subtle badging and unique wheel designs differentiating it from other Cayenne models.
Chassis & Braking
The Cayenne S 4.8 V8 utilized a robust chassis designed to handle the increased power and weight of the V8 engine. The suspension featured double wishbones at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear. Ventilated disc brakes were standard on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The front brakes measured 350x34mm, while the rear brakes were 330x28mm. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard. The Cayenne’s relatively high ride height provided good ground clearance for off-road excursions, although it was primarily intended for on-road use.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Cayenne S 4.8 V8 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior. However, some reviewers noted that the Cayenne’s weight and size could make it feel cumbersome in tight corners. Compared to the base Cayenne, the S model offered a significant performance upgrade, justifying its higher price tag for buyers seeking more power. Compared to the Cayenne Turbo, the S model provided a more balanced driving experience, sacrificing some outright performance for greater comfort and refinement. Fuel economy, as expected for a vehicle of this size and performance, was relatively poor, averaging around 15.8 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The Cayenne S 4.8 V8 has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle, although maintenance costs can be high due to its Porsche pedigree. The M48.01 engine is generally considered durable, but regular maintenance, including oil changes and timing belt replacements, is crucial. The Cayenne’s all-wheel-drive system is also robust, but can require occasional repairs. In the used car market, the Cayenne S 4.8 V8 remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a luxurious and capable SUV with a powerful V8 engine. Its blend of performance, comfort, and practicality has ensured its continued appeal years after its production ended.
