Porsche Performance Drive - Cayenne off-road
Is an SUV suitable for off-road driving? Many people ask themselves this question when they see huge four-wheel drive cars, the bodies of which hang several centimeters above the asphalt. The moment of truth for the Cayenne S Diesel came during the second round of the Porsche Performance Drive.
Exclusive SUVs had a route leading through the Ukrainian part of the Carpathians in the Bukovel region. The beginning did not portend a difficult route. A serpentine of fresh asphalt, then an entry into a poor quality road that has turned to gravel. Bumpy, but passable on most cars with high ground clearance.
The fun began in earnest when nine carriages stopped at the bottom chairlift station. Do you see this peak? We will drive it,” announced one of the organizers of Porsche Performance Drive this year. So the fun started in earnest.
The optional air suspension proved extremely useful. Its key element is the bellows, which perfectly absorb bumps and also allow you to adjust the clearance. The driver has five modes at his disposal.
High II (increases ground clearance up to 26,8 cm, available in off-road mode up to 30 km/h), High I (23,8 cm, 80 km/h respectively), Normal (21 cm), Low I (18,8 cm, selectable manually or automatically above 138 km/h) and Low II (17,8 cm, manual selection only when stationary, automatically above 210 km/h). The switch on the center console is used to control the air suspension. It has LEDs informing about the selected mode of operation and the ongoing process of changing the gap. Information is also presented on the multi-function display in the instrument cluster.
The Cayenne is also equipped with a three-stage transmission shifter that allows the ABS and traction control systems, multi-plate clutch and rear differential to be adapted to suit the situation. When the wheels start to lose traction, the electronics optimize the distribution of torque to provide the best grip. Off-road maps also allow for more wheel spin before the traction control system intervenes.
Most off-road testing of the Porsche Cayenne S Diesel was carried out with the highest possible ground clearance. Even in it, the furs stretched to the limit had no problem picking up irregularities. We did not notice any unpleasant suspension tapping at large intervals. On the other hand, a ground clearance of 27 cm made it possible to overcome most faults, boulders and other "surprises" on mountain roads without hitting the chassis.
Those planning frequent trips over more difficult terrain can opt for the off-road package. It consists of special engine covers, fuel tank and rear suspension. Of course, tires have a huge impact on the off-road performance of a car. The tested Cayenne received 19-inch rims with all-terrain "rubbers" that brutally bite into any surface, and also effectively suppress bumps.
After a series of climbs on sheer walls and no less spectacular descents, the caravan of Porsche SUVs reached the highest peak in Ukraine. She also came to a lake hidden in a mountain valley and returned to the base under her own power - without damage and getting stuck in the mud (deep ruts only momentarily stopped the Cayenne, driven by the Porsche Performance Drive organizers).
The Porsche Cayenne S Diesel has proven that it can tackle tough obstacles with the right tyres. The capabilities of the car made a big impression on the Porsche Performance Drive participants. This time, it was not an artificially built section (as is often the case during SUV presentations) that was passed, but real roads and wilderness, over which a downpour had passed on the night before the arrival of the Cayenne column. The degree of difficulty was significant and there was no guarantee that the cars would reach the pre-planned point of the trip. However, the plan was fully implemented.
Slow off-road driving quickly increases fuel economy. It turned out that the Cayenne S Diesel on-board computer does not even think to show more than 19,9 l / 100km - of course, this is the result of the work of electronic algorithms. In the next stage of Porsche Performance Drive, the results will be much lower. The column moved along Ukrainian (without) roads towards the Polish border. Again, each of the nine crews will have to drive as economically as possible, while still respecting the specified travel time.
