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For 2008, the Porsche Cayenne was redesigned to present a more aggressive appearance. Its designers wanted to lower the car's visual center of gravity.

So for 2008, the headlights were moved farther apart, the air intake was re-shaped, the roof section is three inches longer, and a rear spoiler adorns the trailing edge of the roof. The 2008 models benefit from new wheel designs: 17-, 18-, 19-, 20-, and 21-inch wheels are available. Aerodynamics are improved for 2008. The 2008 Cayenne slips through the air with a 0.35 coefficient of drag, compared with 0.38 for the first-generation (2003-07) models. New taillights, a redesigned rear bumper cover, a new exhaust system, and a new diffuser setup highlight changes to the rear for 2008. The outside mirrors mimic the shape of the tail lights.

The Porsche Cayenne is easily identifiable as a Porsche with headlights and grillework that resemble that of the 911 and Boxster. The more powerful models have functional design cues indicating higher levels of performance. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is distinguished by larger grilles that increase the amount of air flowing through the engine bay.

The Cayenne is not small, measuring nearly 189 inches in length, with a wheelbase of 112.4 inches. That's about the same length as the current BMW X5 (191.1 inches) and Mercedes-Benz M-Class (188.5 inches). The Porsche Cayenne is 75.9 inches wide, about the same as the X5 (76.1 inches) or a half-inch wider than M-Class (75.2 inches).

In size, Cayenne most closely matches Volkswagen's Touareg, which is no surprise given the two vehicles were developed jointly by Porsche and VW. Engines and other Cayenne components are built by Porsche in Zuffenhausen, Germany, and mated to the Cayenne at an assembly plant in Leipzig. The Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg, and Audi Q7 share basic structures, though the Audi is stretched for more passenger space. Engine and suspension tuning, styling, and all the finish work were the separate responsibility of each manufacturer.

The Porsche Cayenne offers near optimal front/rear weight distribution of 52/48 percent, for outstanding handling balance in all circumstances (the weight in most unladen SUVs is more heavily biased toward the front). At least as important, in Porsche's view, is the Cayenne's optimal aerodynamic balance. Aerodynamic downforce on the rear wheels increases with speed, delivering the high-speed stability that has become a Porsche trademark.

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Anyone who has spent time in one of Porsche's sports cars will get a familiar feeling in the Cayenne driver's seat. The cabin cues are pure Porsche: the ignition switch to the left of the steering column, a tradition dating back to vintage Le Mans starts requiring drivers to run to their cars; the shape and feel of the gear selector; the thick, grippy, steering-wheel with the three-spoke hub; the contour of the seats.

Cayenne's instrument cluster is tucked under a single, prominent arch, with two big gauges on either side of a central multifunction display, tachometer on the left, speedometer on the right. This display presents information on audio and trip functions, mechanical operations and ambient conditions. Cruise control and the switch for the wipers are located on stalks on either side of the steering column. The bulk of the switches, including audio and climate controls, are racked in the center of the dash above the center console. These are replaced with a CRT monitor on Cayennes equipped with Porsche Communications Management. A dozen vents throughout the cabin distribute warm or cool air evenly. Big, wide outside mirrors offer good rearward visibility. The steering-wheel tilts and telescopes to help ensure a proper driving position.

The Porsche Cayenne is not as richly appointed as a similarly priced Range Rover, but it's not supposed to be. The emphasis here is sporting flair rather than traditional luxury. (We like both vehicles for different reasons.) We liked the contrasting stitching on the Porsche seats. The standard leather upholstery is high grade, while the standard metal trim has a brushed finish. The front seats stand out for their balance of support, comfort, and adjustment range.

The navigation display screen is one of the largest we've encountered. Called Porsche Communications Management, the navigation system comes with a 6.5-inch display and calculates routes and makes adjustments very quickly. It uses DVDs rather than CDs, allowing for maps for the entire United States on a single disk, rather than several that must be changed from region to region. An optional electronic logbook automatically records the mileage, journey length, date and time, starting point, and destination address for every trip made. In addition, buyers can opt for a module that will help you find your way back to your starting point, even if the roads or trails aren't on the system's map. Voice recognition and off-road navigation are available options.

The Porsche Cayenne transports five adults in reasonable comfort. The rear seat is well contoured, with excellent headroom and decent legroom, even when the front seats are well back in their travel range. Seating for five is something we're not used to seeing in a Porsche, so don't expect the interior volume of a Lincoln Navigator and don't look for a third-row seat because it isn't available.

The rear seatback folds forward in a 60/40 split, and includes a pass-through slot with a ski sack, allowing Cayenne to haul longer, narrow items inside without flattening or messing up the rear seat. A cargo net keeps grocery bags and other items from sliding around during travel and a retractable shade-type cover opens and closes over the cargo hold.

Cargo capacity is nearly 62 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and nearly 19 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. The tailgate is two-stage, so either the glass or entire gate can be opened upward, and the electronic latch lets you simply lower the gate to the latch while the electric mechanism pulls it shut. The dimensions of the tailgate opening and load floor allow the Porsche Cayenne to haul small appliances such as a bar-size refrigerator or a large TV set. With a payload of 1,600 pounds, the Cayenne can haul just about anything that'll fit inside without worrying too much about exceeding recommended weights. New for 2008 is a system designed to ease cargo loading and unloading that uses rails and a sliding floor called Storage Space Management.

The 2008 Porsche Cayenne is available with a Panorama Roof comprising four glass panels, three of which slide open under electric power. The massive glass section can be opened either above the first row of seats, the second row, or both rows. A power sunblind is integrated into the roof.