Porsche Cayenne Turbo S - 2008 Beijing Auto Show

Slated to go on sale in August, priced starting at $176,000, the vehicle boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 that's rated at a whopping 550 horsepower — a 10 percent jump over the standard Cayenne Turbo's 500 hp and a significant bump from the 520 hp generated by the previous-generation Turbo S. The new model also gets a healthy nudge in torque, to 553 lb-ft, although Porsche says fuel consumption figures remain unchanged.

The new Turbo S accelerates from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 174 mph.

Porsche is beefing up the hardware also. There are standard 21-inch SportPlus alloy wheels and a performance exhaust system with quad aluminum tailpipes, as well as air suspension with automatic leveling, ride height control and active suspension management. Also standard is Servotronic speed-sensitive variable-rate power steering and dynamic chassis control. For the first time, Porsche is also offering ceramic composite brakes as an extra-cost option.

The Turbo S is distinguished from its lesser brethren by such details as body-color wheel arches and air intakes, as well as a new lava gray metallic paint scheme. Inside, the vehicle is equipped with exclusive sport bucket seats and a lavish multimedia system with touchscreen navigation and Bose surround-sound audio.

What this means to you: Porsche must be convinced there are sufficient Chinese tycoons with the wherewithal — and desire — to purchase a 550-hp utility vehicle.

© Source: edmunds
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