- 2010
2008 Porsche Cayenne
- Used Porsche Cayenne
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
Crash test ratings are not yet published for the 2008 Porsche Cayenne. But with six airbags and hi-tech features like Porsche Stability Management, the SUV's standard equipment vouches for its safe ride.
Accident Avoidance
The Cayenne's standout accident avoidance feature is a comprehensive system called Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which uses a range of functions -- including Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) -- to help stabilize the vehicle in hazardous road scenarios. Porsche explains, "PSM uses a range of sensors to monitor the direction, speed, yaw velocity (speed of rotation around the vertical axis) and lateral acceleration of the vehicle. Using this information, it is possible to calculate the actual direction of travel at any given moment. If the Cayenne begins to oversteer or understeer, PSM applies selective braking on individual wheels to restore stability. If necessary, PSM can also intervene in the engine management system to temporarily modify the amount of drive to the wheels."
While every Cayenne features front and rear fog lamps, Turbo models also come standard and other models come optional with Dynamic Curve Lights, which turn with the steering wheel for better visibility around corners. Also standard on the Cayenne Turbo and optional on other models is ParkAssist, which uses an acoustic signal and front/rear displays to warn of any obstacles at the front or rear of the vehicle. The front and rear LED displays show green, yellow or red lights to indicate the relative proximity of any obstacle. An intermittent warning tone increases in rapidity as the obstacle is approached.
For even more rearview visibility, a rearview camera (optional on all models) supplies high-resolution, high-contrast color pictures to the PCM display. The system is useful during reversing maneuvers or when preparing to fit a trailer. In off-road terrain, it can also be used to avoid otherwise unseen hazards. When not in use, the camera is automatically retracted to protect the lens.
Crash Protection
According to Porsche, "The lightweight yet highly rigid steel body of the Cayenne is a decisive factor in the vehicle's enhanced passive-safety engineering system. The triple-skin structure with robust three-box sections provides exceptional strength and occupant protection, particularly in the all-important roof and pillar areas. In the event of an accident, a system of side- and crossmembers at the front of the vehicle helps to channel impact energy in a safe and predetermined manner."
Standard crash protection equipment includes dual front Advanced Airbags (including a weight sensor in the passenger seat), thorax airbags in each front seat, and curtain-type airbags on each side of the roof for optimal head protection for both rows of seats. To protect occupants in a head-on collision, two additional impact sensors located at the front of the vehicle allow front airbags to deploy more accurately based on impact characteristics.
A rollover detection system provides additional protection in the event that the vehicle overturns. Using sensor-acquired data, the system enables early deployment of the curtain airbags and triggers the seat-belt pretensioners. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet conducted government crash tests on the 2008 Cayenne or previous models. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) also has not yet conducted tests on the Cayenne.
