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Styling Straight Talk - Exterior Review 2011 Porsche Cayenne

Fri, 9 Apr 2010 13:23:24 -0400

Porsche doesn’t really care if you think the 2011 Cayenne is ugly. Looks certainly played no part in the success of the company’s first generation, which was a hack job compared to the German automakers other vehicles. Designers struggled with the massive dimensions of the two-and-a-half ton SUV, and the result was the lumpy, obese Cayenne that debuted in 2003. It was proof that Porsche had succumbed to the American lifestyle.
When it came time to create Cayenne 2.0, which bows in Summer 2010, designers took care to hide the Americanized heft with strategic sculpting, and a little liposuction. Although the weight control issue is in check, the Cayenne is still not a handsome Porsche. Cover the cowl with your hand on a front quarter view and notice how the greenhouse shares an uncanny resemblance to the gawky Tiguan— the Cayenne’s fourth cousin, twice removed. Luckily the front fascia is a happy blend of Panamera and 911, which helps alleviate some of the identity crisis. A newly sharpened nose, with pulled back headlights and a reduction in lower air intakes helps differentiate the new Cayenne from the outgoing model. It almost makes you forget the lack of Porsche design cues everywhere else on the body.
In profile, the new Cayenne looks like any other contemporary crossover on the market – benign and repetitive. Some brushed metal trim around the windows and on the roof rails is about the only unique trait. The sides are predictable and uninspiring, similar to a jellybean rolling on oversized rims. Even more eerie is the door sculpting, which is reminiscent of a ’96 Taurus.
Without the name Porsche spelled out in big block letters across the tailgate, common folk might wonder what the heck it is you’re driving – especially since the rear end is an unharmonious blend of Murano, meets EX35, meets toad. Massive taillights are out of proportion and an unnecessary scallop where they meet the rear quarter panel adds even more awkwardness. So beware, approaching the Cayenne from behind might startle you. On a positive note, the standard roof spoiler will surely help high-speed stability, as the Cayenne is a capable Autobahn cruiser. Just expect perplexed looks from other motorists as you pass.

Automotive Blogger A.L.Foltz

Best Luxury SUV with Over 100k Miles

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:15:30 -0500

We added an X5 to the fleet of silver SUVs in our driveway this past week. As a 2002 model with 120,000 on the odometer, it does not show its age. The silver paint is still well preserved and the black leather and dark poplar trim show nary a sign of wear and tear. It came from a loving home, with service records preserved from mile one.
An old X5 is nothing exceptional on its own. What makes it interesting is that the X5’s stable mate is a silver RX300 with about 120,000 on its odometer. If it weren’t for that silver paint, the cars would share nothing in common. Back in the day, circa 2000, the midsize luxury utility market had just begun to explode. The RX300 and X5 were introduced around the same time, and were competing for the same wealthy clientele. About a decade later and with the same amount of mileage, the X5 has aged much more gracefully than the old RX.
I guess this is where German engineering comes into play. Material quality of the X5 is far more durable, which helps keep wear and tear to a minimum. Fit and finish is as good as any BMW made today. It feels timeless, like it’s built to be around as long as you keep it running. The same can’t be said of the tattered Lexus, which seems exponentially more dated.
Unfortunately, being that the X5 is German, means the sticker price is just the cost of admission. Once a member of the BMW club, your dues will take the form of astronomical repair bills. Hey, luxury comes with a price, right? A small oil slick on the driveway underneath the big BMW revealed a leaky valve gasket cover. $400. Expect to replace it every 60,000 miles— along with CV boots, cooling components, bushings, and power steering hoses. Other than those, er, “reliability foibles”, the X5 shines in a way the trouble free RX never could.
Solidity of the chassis is still intact, steering is still spot on, and the doors still shut with a considerable thunk. We’re happy to pay the price of repairing it because the wonderful X5 still has so much life left in it. The torquey inline six, and the physics-defying cornering ability of the 4800 pound SUV still amaze. Unfortunately, all enjoyment was drained from the RX300 about 50,000 miles ago. It was never a thrill to drive, but at least it was refined. However, a decade later, the renowned Lexus refinement is a little rough around the edges. Plush leather has cracked, wind seals have dried up, and noise levels are now louder than entry-level domestics. As of 2010, the RX300 is barely average— and way past its expiration date. Yet as old as the X5 is, it will always be a BMW.

Automotive Blogger A.L.Foltz

5 Best SUVS for Winter Weather - Lexus GX470

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 23:51:13 -0500

BEST LUXURY $45 - $55K
While most luxury SUVs are getting softer, the GX470 remains a little rough around the edges. That’s a good thing when it comes to off-road ability and it translates into prowess while driving through the white stuff.
GX470’s come standard with full-time 4WD with low range gearing, and ride height control is optional. The body on frame construction means it’s extra durable and the torque of the legendary 4.7L V8 helps get you un-stuck (if you somehow manage to get stuck in the first place.) Essentially, the GX is like a bulldozer when it comes to snow-driving, but it is all Lexus in terms of refinement, reliability and quality.
The GX470 starts at about $52,000. A new model, the GX460, will be introduced for 2010.
More details at Edmunds.com

A Little More Flashy, Less British Classy

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:45:14 -0500

Land Rover has decided to inject a little more, shall we say, hip-hop flavor into their line of high-end SUVs. The result is, for some, an added boost of baller status. For others, it is more reason to stay away from the once regal brand of off-road luxury utes. Loyalists will find displeasure in the ridiculous levels of chrome and unusually large rims (aren’t these originally for trail use?). Suburban posers, which have become the new Land Rover demographic, will be pleased with these attributes. But after the company has been sold so many times, can we really blame poor Land Rover for this identity crisis?
See the new line for yourself

5 Best SUVS for Winter Weather - Toyota Sequoia

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:48:09 -0500

BEST BASIC FULLSIZE $35 - $45K
Full size SUVs don’t get much better than the solid, reliable Toyota Sequoia. With siblings like the 4Runner and Land Cruiser, it’s no coincidence the Sequoia is adept in the white stuff. For people with large families (who actually need this big bruiser) the Sequoia will unflinchingly haul you, your kids, and matching snowmobiles through even the worst blizzards.
Shift-on-the-fly 4WD makes it easy to unleash the capability, and the low-range gearing ensures you and your loved ones never get stuck. Plus, a 2-wheel drive mode for the warmer months helps keep fuel economy within double digit territory.
4WD Sequoia models start at about $42,000.
More details at Edmunds.com