Climbing Capability
 

I read recently in Panorama August ,2003 where Tom Bobbitt- Porsche Club President stated that the Cayenne can climb a 60 percent grade. I wrote him asking him if this was correct but he didn't write me back or else his email got lost. I myself thought it was impossible for any vehicle to climb even a 45 percent grade.

-Don B

Don,

I'm a Porsche Certified Salesperson; I attended a full-day training session on the Cayenne this past February at Barber Motorsports Park, outside Birmingham, AL.

Our off-road excursion including both climbing and descending a "100% grade" hill, which equates to a 45-degree (one foot of rise for one foot of run) incline [I think that's correct, isn't it?].

This hill would have been extremely challenging to walk up, and the Cayenne scooted right up, probably 50-yards long. Awesome.

Descent was even more impressive, with gear-reduction engaged, no brakes, I watched the digital speedo bounce back and forth between 1 and 2 mph.

Any other questions, I'd be happy to try and answer...

-Jeff

I am not sure what a "100% grade" hill is, but one foot of rise for one foot of run I believe is 45 degree. I guess I would have to see it to believe it. The center of gravity would almost have to be pointing straight down, I just can't see how how any tire would achieve traction in this situation. I would think a 45 degree slope would appear to the observer as a cliff from looking straight on.

-Don

60% grade does not mean 60%, though it sure sound impressive. I just means it can climb a slope with a vertical height equal to 60% of the horizontal distance, in other words, a incline with a 10' length and 6' height.

There is no reason why a decent off road vehicle can't climb a 60% grade. As stated above 60% means 6 foot height change on a 10 foot distance. That's considerably less than 45 degrees which would be 10 on 10. The vehicle flips once the center of gravity is behind the rear wheels contact area (when climbing) or in front of the front wheels contact area (when ascending). I would not expect that to happen on any vehicle on a 100% slope. I think once you hit about 150%, things get iffy.

Cheers, G

So certainly, a pepper can climb a 60% grade.. right? That's nice to know.

This is something that makes the Cayenne stand out from most of its competors.