The base model Cayenne comes standard with a manual transmission, but is also available with a 6 speed automatic/Tiptronic transmission. Both of these Cayenne’s have a 3.6 liter V6 engine that delivers a very respectable 290 horsepower. Standard features include 17 inch wheels, fog lamps, a power lift gate, leather seats, full power accessories and a premium 12 speaker CD stereo system. The Cayenne S comes equipped with a 6 speed automatic/Tiptronic transmission and a 4.8 liter V8 that produces an even greater 385 horsepower. The S model has the same features as the base models with the addition of 18 inch alloy wheels.

At the top of the pinnacle, the Cayenne Turbo has a twin turbo charged 4.8 liter V8 powerhouse that puts out 500 horsepower and is mated to an automatic/Tiptronic transmission. Well equipped for your riding enjoyment, the Turbo includes an active air suspension system to ensure a smooth ride, tastefully applied brushed aluminum exterior trim, a navigation system, heated front and rear seats, an upgraded Bose stereo system, a specialty headliner, a front and rear park assist system, bi-xenon adaptive headlights and a power operated tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Additional options include different wheels that range in size up to 21 inches, a 4 panel panoramic moon roof, a rearview camera and the Off Road Technology Package that includes a skid plate and locking rear differential.

All models are equipped with all wheel drive and all are capable of towing up to an admirable 7,700 pounds. For serious off road excursions, a set of all terrain tires and the Off Road Technology Options Package turns this luxurious ride a serious sport utility vehicle.

Both featured a 4.5L V8 engine with a Tiptronic 6-speed automatic transmission. Each cylinder was powered by four valves driven by twin overhead camshafts. The Turbo version became quickly known as the most powerful and well-designed SUV on the planet. The Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG was the only competition that existed to challenge it.

The Cayenne was also the only SUV available with full-time 4WD and a unique low-range gear mode for offroad slow exploration. Advanced suspension systems and traction control features moved the Cayenne further still ahead of their competition. The 2004 models showed no significant changes from the 2003 models. However, in 2005, a 3.2L V6 model emerged. It offered fewer luxury features; a reduced curb weight and significantly lower price tag when compared to the Cayenne S and the Cayenne Turbo. The V6 Cayenne had a base price of $42,900 while the Cayenne S costed $55,900 and the Turbo model weighed in at a hefty $88,900.

Mercedes-Benz and BMW had also released their own SUVs in 1998 and 2000 respectively and their sales were stellar. The decision was made for the development of the Cayenne to begin.

Business Week reported that within one year of the Cayenne’s release, Porsche had gone from a $128 million deficit to showing a positive company value of over $2.1 billion. That also represented an industry-topping 10.1% net profit gain for Porsche. The Cayenne was a hit - a huge hit. The effects for the company were internationally rejuvenating. Hundreds of millions of dollars were invested into new production facilities. Worldwide Porsche dealers also invested substantially in upgraded facilities and Porsche was, in effect, reborn.

Porsche Cayenne was introduced to the European market and North America got its first taste in 2003. Porsche enthusiasts were jilted by the idea, yet simultaneously perplexed. It took a while for many to accept the very concept of a four door Porsche, let alone the fact that it was a truck!

The Porsche company almost died an economic death in the early 90s. The sports car industry is always affected by economic downturns harshly and Porsche had to do something to turn their souring situation around. Wendelin Wiedeking became the new CEO for Porsche. He believed that the world was changing quickly and that for Porsche to remain a viable and lucrative entity, it would need to branch out and discover new marketing potentials. There had to be something more for Porsche to rely upon other than just Boxsters and 911s.

The S is powered by a 295 hp, 3.4-liter, six-cylinder with a six-speed manual that does 0-60 in 5.2 seconds and tops out at 169 mph. Body kits for the 2007 Porsche Boxster S eliminate what little drag the vehicle produces. Estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg city and 32 highway on the base model and 20/28 on the S. (Fuel capacity is 16.9 gallons.)

Both models have manually adjustable climate control, power windows with one-touch up/down, park assist, and an on-board computer with continuous indication of mileage, time, and speed. The audio system is AM/FM/CD combo. The sophisticated airbags include two full-sized advanced airbags in front that offer optimum upper-body protection, even with the top down. A passenger side weight sensor switches the airbag off when the seat is unoccupied or fitted with a child seat. Additionally, the 2007 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S also have a side impact protection system.

This vehicle also comes in two trims: the 2008 Porsche Boxster Convertible and the 2008 Porsche Boxster S. Respectively, the MSRP for the convertible is $45,800 and the S is $55,700. The difference in the vehicles lies within the performance specs. The convertible comes standard with a 2.7 liter H-6 engine and 245 horsepower. The S increases to a 3.4 liter H-6 engine with 295 horsepower, in turn achieving 18 city mpg and 26 highway mpg.

The 2008 Porsche Boxster is by no means a practical vehicle, but if you are looking to join the ranks of Porsche owners who were born to drive then this is a good place to start.

As a descendent of the 550 Spyder, this car is designed for those that enjoy the thrill of driving. The 2008 Porsche Boxster is no exception and comes complete with slight modifications that only increase the pleasure of owning and driving this vehicle.

This two door and two seater convertible combines luxury and style to compete against the best of them: BMW Z4, Mercedes Benz SLK and Audi TT. The exterior has the low-slung feel of a Formula-1 car, along with alloy wheels and a power convertible top.

Interior features include the Porsche necessities such as leather upholstery, cup holders, and speed sensitive volume control (meaning as speed increases, the car responds by increasing the volume of your music, radio, etc.). The standard 2008 Boxster can quickly increase in price as you look to add other luxuries. However, you always retain the option to add the wonders of heated seats, park assist, a Bose system or choose from the other 100 optional features.

As many potential buyers of the Boxster tend toward a need for speed, this car employs some interesting safety features to keep its driver protected. One feature is called PSM, or Porsche Stability Management, and is designed to brake when the car is being over-steered or under-steered. PSM does this by calculating the speed, direction, and velocity to ensure safety in the driving. This Porsche contains front airbags, but more importantly, side airbags to protect all angles from impacts.

The smaller engine gets a standard five-speed manual transmission, but buyers can upgrade to a six-speed manual. The larger engine is paired with a six-speed manual, but a five-speed automatic is optional. With 201 lb-ft torque on the base trim, the 2009 Boxster doesn’t compare with the Nissan 350Z at 260 lb-ft and $10,000 cheaper. A variable intake system automatically adjusts the exhaust intake to lessen the model’s power use and improve the fuel economy. With 20 city MPG and 29 highway MPG, the Boxster falls into the middle of the category.

Buyers can expect a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, heated seats, and a HomeLink programmable opener. This remote opener can be linked with a driver’s garage door, gate, lighting, and security systems. Other features like automatic climate control, a premium Bose sound system, four-disc CD changer, and Park Assist are all available as well. The Park Assist program will alert drivers if an object is in the path when the car is in reverse. While it cannot compare with a rearview camera, this program is a useful addition for parallel parking or for those with small children. One of the most innovative additions on the 2009 Boxster is the water-repellent side windows. Coated with a specialized finish, both water and dirt are deflected which improves visibility in inclement weather conditions.

With 201 lb-ft torque on the base trim, the 2009 Boxster doesn’t compare with the Nissan 350Z at 260 lb-ft and $10,000 cheaper. A variable intake system automatically adjusts the exhaust intake to lessen the model’s power use and improve the fuel economy. With 20 city MPG and 29 highway MPG, the Boxster falls into the middle of the category.

Buyers can expect a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, heated seats, and a HomeLink programmable opener. This remote opener can be linked with a driver’s garage door, gate, lighting, and security systems. Other features like automatic climate control, a premium Bose sound system, four-disc CD changer, and Park Assist are all available as well. The Park Assist program will alert drivers if an object is in the path when the car is in reverse. While it cannot compare with a rearview camera, this program is a useful addition for parallel parking or for those with small children. One of the most innovative additions on the 2009 Boxster is the water-repellent side windows. Coated with a specialized finish, both water and dirt are deflected which improves visibility in inclement weather conditions.

A new Design Edition 2 has been released on the S trim which features a paintjob with racing stripes, flashy rims, and enhanced horsepower. With generous drivetrain options, an overall muscular exterior design, and a wealth of bonus features, the Porsche Boxster maintains its reign as a leader in the convertible sports car category. However, some buyers will have a hard time coming up with the intro asking price, but some might be surprised by the base trim’s moderate fuel economy. Under the hood, the Boxster is powerfully equipped with one of three engine selections: a 245 horsepower 2.7L H6, a 295 horsepower 3.4L H6, or a 303 horsepower 3.4L H6. The smaller engine gets a standard five-speed manual transmission, but buyers can upgrade to a six-speed manual.

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