KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 — Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) did a preview of the new 3rd Generation Porsche Cayenne today with the Malaysian motoring media.

The new Cayenne is longer than its predecessor by 63 mm and is slightly wider while being slightly lower. Despite being longer and with much more features, overall weight is lowered by up to 65 kilogrammes, thanks to the use of lightweight construction techniques.

The third generation Porsche Cayenne. — Pictures by YS Khong

Engines are downsized to 2.9 and 3.0 turbo engines combined with an 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. New chassis systems and innovative Porsche Advanced Cockpit display and control concept with total connectivity take both sportiness and comfort to the next level. Despite its focus on performance on-road, the new Cayenne will also take to off-road conditions like a duck to water, although I seriously doubt if any buyer would ever do that.

"The new Cayenne promises to be more Porsche and more Cayenne than ever. Our primary objective was to further highlight the character of the vehicle. The new Cayenne is now more precise, elegant and athletic and expressive. The Cayenne has also been digitalised and networked throughout by providing another level of digital connectivity to the cockpit. This includes versatility, quality and new cutting-edge driver assistance systems that offer both drivers and passengers extraordinary comfort. This is how the Cayenne makes the Porsche experience even more fascinating but remains as a genuine sports car for five,” said Arnt Bayer, CEO of SDAP.

SDAP CEO Arnt Bayer with the new Porsche Cayenne.

The new Cayenne is available in two variants: the Cayenne’s 340 horsepower three-litre turbo engine delivers 40 horsepower more than the previous model. The 2.9 litre V6 bi-turbo engine in the Cayenne S which reaches speeds of up to 265 km/h develops a whopping 440 horsepower, an increase of 20 horsepower over the previous model. Equipped with the Optional Sports Chrono Package, the new Cayenne S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in under five seconds, putting some sports cars to shame.

The interior of the Porsche Cayenne.

The new Cayenne is based heavily on the iconic 911 sports car. For the first time, the SUV features mixed tyres and rear axle steering. In addition, its on-road capabilities are further improved by active all-wheel drive as standard, Porsche 4D Chassis Control, three-chamber air suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) electronic roll stabilisation, and the newly-developed high performance Porsche Surface Coated Brake.

What we can tell you in this short introduction is only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak — do watch the attached video which features the introduction of the new Cayenne by none other than Arnt Bayer, CEO of SDAP.

The new Cayenne will be arriving on our shores in the third quarter of 2018 — if you want one, you should put your name down as soon as possible.