2018 Porsche Cayenne unveiled

The next Porsche Cayenne has had the covers pulled off, with Porsche claiming the third-gen model bears a closer resemblance to the 911.

The Cayenne now completely ditches the V8 and has been launched in two guises, the Cayenne and the Cayenne S.

Both feature a turbocharged V6, with the 1985kg Cayenne producing 250kW/450Nm, and being capable of a charge to 100km/h in 6.2s, or 5.9 with Sport Plus mode active.

The Cayenne S, however, puts out 324kW and 550Nm, which can haul its 2020kg mass to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds, or 4.9 with Sport Plus.

The update also sheds up to 65kg from the vehicle’s overall weight due to a build combination of alloy and steel, plus an exterior is made entirely of aluminium and a lithium-ion polymer starter battery.

The Cayenne also scores rear-wheel steering to help the AWD Porker tackle tight turns.

Also new is the eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, which Porsche says has sportier ratios in the lower gears.

Porsche’s most commercially important model has also undergone a redesign, which executive board chair Oliver Blume says reflects its updated underpinnings.

“We have completely redeveloped our successful model,” Blume says.

“It has been visibly and tangibly improved and perfected in all respects. The Cayenne has also been digitalised and networked throughout to give it a forward-thinking design.”

Style director Michael Mauer adds: “Our primary objective was to accentuate the character of the vehicle. More Porsche, more Cayenne. The new Cayenne is more precise, elegant, athletic and expressive.”

Australian-specific pricing and spec have not been confirmed, but the new Cayenne is available to order now in Europe.

Deliveries are expected to commence in Oz from mid-2018.