Porsche Cayenne II (2010) Spied

Despite all the criticisms about its looks – and the ‘sacrilege’ of an SUV from Porsche – the Porsche Cayenne has been an unmitigated success for Porsche. Powerful, able and feeling nothing like an SUV to drive, it is a great car – just not particularly pretty.

But it’s been six year since the Cayenne first arrived, and Porsche are getting close to launching the new Porsche Cayenne II. This photo was shot in Germany, and shows a mildly disguised Cayenne II out playing in the countryside. But what changes are afoot for the Cayenne II?

For starters, it looks like Porsche are trying to address the criticisms of the looks. Only to a degree, mind you. Porsches are about evolution not revolution. But the Cayenne II will nod towards the Porsche Panamera – with a more Panamera style nose – and a dose of sculpting on the flanks to soften the heaviness of the shape. The rump also gets rounder with new lights.

Inside, expect to see a very Panamera styled interior, with a big centre console and plenty of switchgear. Although the interior of the current Cayenne is very well bolted together, it’s not that inspiring a place to be. The Panamera does it better, and that is the cue the Cayenne II will take.

And the Cayenne II will be more road-focused. Not that it wasn’t in the first place – especially compared to other SUVs – but the Cayenne II will shed around 400lbs by using aluminium panels, and the real mud-plugging bits will become optional. That should give a real 911 on stilts fell to the Cayenne II – much more in keeping with the Porsche ethos.

Engines will be Panamera based, with a V6 diesel, V6 Petrol, 4.8 litre and 4.8 litre Turbo. But perhaps the pick will be the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, which will offer V8 performance with V6 economy.

We should see the Porsche Cayenne II turn up early next year – but perhaps even as early as the LA Motor Show at the end of this year.