Don't forget to order roof rails (if you want them), as they are not available for retrofitting after the car has been build. The cars without roof rails are built without mounting points, therefore eliminating the option of adding them later.

 

If I was getting a new one, I would want the light rack. While the sun roof is nice in Alaska I think those extra lights would come in handy on the road during our long dark winter days. More so than the sun roof. Even during the summer for that one hour of dusk, those lights could light up the road and help one avoid hitting a moose.

However, I have considered the larger roof opening because it might make for interesting hunting access, but the idea of a more fragile top to maintain and the fact it has only recently warmed up enough for sun roof action in Alaska makes me reconsider.

My particular SUV is highly optioned. Since the new Cayenne eliminated the weight AND the TRANSFER CASE, I am wondering what the off-road performance might be and if it has been compromised enough that the Advanced Off-Road Package has been rendered useless.

I used Low Range on Mother's Day and the car ahndled the road better. Better than expected. More control. I am really perplexed by Porsche's cahnges on the Cayenne. Typically, it takes a while to learn about the changes and it takes a venue like this to unravel and dissect the subtle aspects of Porsche options. Even the salesmen don't know the cars as well as those participating in the forums do.

I really like my dynamic cornering headlights, especially since it is so dark in the winter. While those were an option on my car, porsche has a habit of making those standard fare on subsequent versions.

The great thing about the Cayenne Turbo is that Porsche offers many features as standard that are options (costly options) on lesser versions.

I am really divided about getting a second smaller Porsche or another Cayenne. These are the best cars for winter driving and our roads up here are horrible.

 

FYI The Porsche Configurator is messed up. For instance, when I select the two options for leather seats, it shows the apposite selection. And there is no explanation of the differences. In fact, on many if not most of the Info selections, the photos presented do not make sense. Why look at the center console when discussing heated windshield . . .

Porsceh really needs to work on their web site. And the 3-D selection is a PIA!

 

Is it realy worth giving up the heated wheel for the paddles? (I live in New Hampshire)

 

Certainly the heated SW is useful in Alaska. Because of it I rarely drive with gloves and it feels a lot safer than wearing gloves. The heated SW is automatic. It seems warmer at the spot you grab and hold it. It is subtle and not obtrusive. I t never gets overly hot, however, there are times it is so cold I wish they were warmer. I think Porsche got the heated SW just about right. I'd miss it.

 

Are you referring to the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus)? PTV Plus offers variable distribution of engine torque to the rear wheels and an electronically controlled rear differential. Depending on the steering angle, steering speed, throttle pedal position, yaw velocity and vehicle speed, PTV Plus optimizes steering response and precision by applying brake pressure to the left or right rear wheel, as required.

 

Doesn't this wear-off the brakes?

 

Stability control systems and traction control based AWD systems have done the same thing for years! The Porsche system is not as advanced as some of the other systems which can actually overspeed the outer wheel to actually actively manage yaw.

 

Yes, it puts more pressure & wear on the braking system.

?Which systems, whose systems actually actively increase outer wheel speed?

 

The Acura SH system is one that does as well as the Saab X drive system with rear torque vectoring diff. Mitsubitshi is one of the pioneers of active yaw and torque vectoring.

 

Hmmm . . . That doesn't mean those are necessarily best. Nonetheless, US Federal mandates require safety features like these on ALL vehicles. I know little to nothing about these systems. I just drive.

 

RWD based AWD systems are better because they typically start with a car that has a better inherent chassis. That being said PTV is not really any different between the brake based electric diffs. Its a computer controlled limit slip which has the ability to brake a spinning wheel to shuffle power across the rear axle.

 

I know that stability control and traction control systems have been doing the same, but the question is how often do these systems intervene during normal driving? Most likely never. However, with PVT Plus, doesn't this intervene every time you take a corner? If it does, then doesn't this really wear-off the brakes like I said?

 

It has to wear the brakes. At least some.

 

Yes but PTV does not activate unless commanded by the PSM, when you turn into your garage you don't need torque vectoring!

Normally in an oversteer or understeer situation the PSM uses the brakes to maintain stability. With PTV instead of using brake intervention to slow the car it actually uses them to maintain the trajectory of the car.

Unless you drive the car on the constant edge all the time brake wear should only be marginally affected.