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On a scale of automotive features, a family-friendly SUV falls squarely on the "utility" side, and a high performance sports car lands on the "sports" end of the spectrum. Unless, of course, the car in question is the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, which isn't easy to classify.
"The new Cayenne isn't your typical 'mom-mobile,'" said Rich Del Mazzio, sales and leasing consultant at New Country Porsche of Greenwich. The new model is decidedly cleaner and somewhat leaner than its vehicular forerunner. Rich admits that earlier iterations of the Cayenne didn't exactly emphasize comfort. "They were definitely performance vehicles," he said. But the new version offers a sports car-like feel with an extremely comfortable ride. "Fairfield County roads feature all sorts of challenges, from twisting curves to huge potholes, but the Cayenne easily manages each turn and every bump it encounters," he said.
While it can travel the few unbeaten paths from Westport to Greenwich with SUV-like aplomb, at heart it's a Porsche, and Porsche lovers will value the high-performance handling. Parents will appreciate the impressive back seat space, big enough for multiple car seats.
The Cayenne has lost weight, 400 pounds to be exact, which helps reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. A hybrid model (the S) will be available in the fall.
The car is "unique on every level," but Rich particularly likes its "infotainment system," which offers user-friendly Bluetooth, iPod and navigation systems all on one touchscreen display. "It's incredibly logical and the MP3 player interface makes searching for your songs in the car easier than searching on your iPod," he said.
The Cayenne has the soul of a sports car wrapped in the body of a small truck. Rich will even throw in a free iPod with every Cayenne purchased--music to car lovers' ears.
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