THE new Porsche Cayenne is set to break new ground for performance and four-wheel drive technology when it is launched in a few months' time.

The Cayenne S features a new 250kW/340 bhp V8 engine and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and a reaches a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph).

The Cayenne Turbo develops a maximum output of 331kW/450bhp from its 4.5-litre engine thanks to two exhaust turbochargers and intercoolers. This ensures acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a provides a top speed of 266 km/h (165 mph). The major new systems include:

Porsche Traction Management. This controls power according to specific driving conditions and, whenever necessary, feeding up to 100 per cent of the engine torque to the front and rear of the Cayenne.

Pneumatic suspension with self-levelling and adjustable ride height. This is standard of the Turbo and an option on the S. It incorporates six ride-height settings.

Porsche Active Suspension Management. A new variable damping system in combination with the pneumatic suspension.