Monday, March 8, 2010

Refreshing or Revolting: 2011 Porsche Cayenne





















Porsche's second-generation 2011 Cayenne SUV takes more than a few styling cues from the Panamera sedan.

From the exterior to the new interior, the 2011 Cayenne design team clearly used the new Porsche four-door as inspiration. Does the new SUV feature more appealing styling than the sometimes-awkward looking first-generation model? Let's take a look.

The headlights are rounder than before and show a resemblance to the Panamera. The three-part lower grille on the 2011 model more seamlessly integrates LED daytime running lights and isn't as imposing as on the 2010 Cayenne. That SUV had an off-putting grille, but from the side view, the changes aren't dramatic.

From the rear, it's more Panamera. The rounder LED taillights take up more space on the tailgate, which has a bar of chrome at its bottom plus a black lower fascia for more contrast.

Inside, we can't help but mention the Panamera connection when talking about the 2011 Cayenne's center stack of buttons (or the steering wheel). The dual grab handles for driver and passenger remain, but the air vents are vertical and now trimmed in silver. Overall, the look is modern and should hold up well aesthetically 5 to 10 years from now
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Would you agree? What do you think about the Porsche Panamera's design? Tell us in the comments section below.

Last week, the 2011 Jaguar XJ met with mostly positive reviews except for the odd blacked-out C-pillar. "This car wears the new look better than the XF," said narebman. "I'm not sure about the C-pillar treatment. I'm sure there are some over-stuffed artsy types that could break it down for me but I just don't get it. It certainly wouldn't stop me from buying one though.

Zuleonreal liked it too: "If this car were a woman, I would ask for its number."

"Absolutely refreshing," said ktkof09, "except...the black C-pillar."