Official Cayenne pricing released (if anyone cares)

[Eric Coffey]

The official (USA) pricing for the pepper wagon was just released. The 340HP "S" model will have a base price of $55,900, while the 450HP Turbo will start at $88,900. Here's my question: Is 110 extra HP really worth an extra $33,000 on a 5200 pound SUV?

I am no big fan of the pepper truck, but my faith would definitely be restored to 100% if we see an up-coming Porsche/Works entry (a win would be even better!) for the next Paris-Dakar!

[Randy W]

That's alot of bones for an SUV - I can go anywhere the Cayenne will go, can tow my 911, and camp out with a fridge, table and pop top in my 2001 VW Eurovan MV Weekender with a Varioram V6 for $30,000 new!

You should have seen the body language from the audience at the Boise Porsche Parade when Porsche's Director of Marketing did the Cayenne spiel at the Victory Banquet....

[s2per]

$88,900! For an SUV? I could buy a LOT of other toting vehicles for a fraction of that, and still have plenty left to buy a really interesting (i.e., rear-engined) P-car. Don't count me in as a buyer, especially with no pickup version!

[pwd72s]

Originally posted by freefly
The official (USA) pricing for the pepper wagon was just released. The 340HP "S" model will have a base price of $55,900, while the 450HP Turbo will start at $88,900. Here's my question: Is 110 extra HP really worth an extra $33,000 on a 5200 pound SUV? :

Gosh, and to think...I paid $9,300 for my 1972 911S. Of course, that was back in 1974. But bottom line time. I sure don't expect to meet many Cayennes on the logging roads of Oregon during the next deer hunting season. I may see them at the local upscale golf course, though. Gee, where do you guys think Porsche is headed? Sad, isn't it?

[mwbaum]

With extras and tax thats 100K! For that money you can own a nice 993, AND a used 20 ft boat AND a used Suburban to tow it....

[pwd72s]

Not to mention a beach shack...if you shop cheaply enough. Porsche? Trade on it's name? YOUBETCHERASS!

[Early_S_Man]

I guess you guys haven't noticed Escalade or Navigator prices, lately! Electric running boards, anyone?

[turbo dave]

Randy, how do you like your Eurovan? Does it really work as a 'weekender', or is it somewhat marginal to sleep in. How about driveability?

Pfefferwagen, phftt!!! Porsche doing trucks, Mercedes & BMW doing econo cars, VW doing luxury rigs- what are they putting in the water in Germany these days? Have they all gone nuts?

[Randy W]

Dave, the current Weekender is the real deal - no rattles like the longer Camper and most of the amenities. I removed the rear bench seat, bolted in an aluminum locker and covered it with a queen size futon - it's more comfortable to sleep in than 90% of the hotels out there. I have a camp stove and a 1200 Watt inverter with microwave. If it had a shower and a toilet, there would be no reason to stay in a hotel at all. The 2001 Varioram models have power, a stiffened chassis, and a firm suspension - much better than my previous '93 Weekender.

[cary]

Hope they sell lots. ( Just not to me ). So we can get back to business. RACING ................

[warment]

I saw a Lincoln Navigator last weekend with a sticker price of over $59,000. Expensive!

Electric running boards? Only a $995 option if my memory serves me correctly! Stupid!

Bill

[JavaBrewer]

I believe Porsche and VW are marketing their SUVs as honest to god 4x4 vehicles. The press releases seem to point that way and hint that they were tested (by Porsche and VW) against Jeeps and Land Rovers very favorably. That pretty much leaves out the Navigator, ML, X5, Lexus, Infinity, and Escalade since they are really only intended for fire road type dirt driving.

Now for me the jury is still out on how credible the Cayanne will actually be. Like most SUVs over $50K I doubt they will ever see a non paved road or miss their twice monthly detail appointment. That would be unfortunate but probably exactly what Porsche and VW were hoping for.

David

[cstreit]

WTF is an electric running board?

1. Keeps intruders off by electric shock?
2. retracts over 30 mph for aerodynamics?
3. Heated to keep off ice and snow?
4. LCD to change colors at the touch of a button?
5. raises and lowers for the "gravitationally challenged"?

[Charley Dog]

I'm actually quite surprised that the base model starts at only $55,900. If you think about it, that's quite a deal relative to the alternatives (Lincoln, Crapillac, Land Rover, Lexus/Landcruiser, X5, Audi Allroad, & various luxury sedans/wagons). For the average joe, a luxury SUV is a very strong alternative to a 5/7 series or E/S class (esp. if you've owned a few already). Given the desirability of the P-car moniker (for males at least), I think that they'll sell every one they can crank out at that price.

If you're a well-to-do, brand conscious male and replacing your luxury sedan on a 3 year cycle, why wouldn't you buy a Cayenne instead of another Merc or BMW sedan/SUV?

[JonT]

I agree with C-Dog--If I've got 100 Large to blow on a SUV, you bet I'm going to buy the Porsche.

[warment]

The electric running board option on the Navigator makes the running boards extend when the door is opened and retract when the door is closed.

I guess it helps ground clearance when you are doing serious off-roading in it. Ha!

Bill

[9XI]

Dave,

One reason you might consider the full Eurovan Camper (other than the comforts of thermostatic heat and gas refridgerator) is the tax benefit.

It qualifies as a second home, as do most motorhomes. That makes any interest you pay on it a tax deduction. That alone saves us about $200/mo on the bus.

[Chuck Moreland]

How much is the VW version?

[Doug E]

That's an unbelievable price which I could never justify.

Anybody know annual production numbers and what they expect to actually sell?