Motor trend names porsche cayenne the 2011 sport/utility of the yearŽ
10-19-10, 08:09 AM
#1
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Motor trend names porsche cayenne the 2011 sport/utility of the yearŽ
Very tough field, great win for Porsche. Lots of comments on the whole field in regards to steering, lack of gears and general ugliness.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/p...ear/#continued
Contenders
2011 Acura MDX
Maybe it's just too complicated
WE LIKE: Mechanical upgrades highlighted by its new engine and transmission and SH-AWD system's razor handling.
WE DON'T LIKE: Mechanical complexity, ergonomic confusion, and menacing styling.
2011 BMW X5
No big need for improvement
WE LIKE: Straight-line speed, sporty handling, great navigation screen, pleasant interior.
WE DON'T LIKE: Still funny-looking, still very heavy, still strictly an on-roader, silly shifter.
2011 Ford Edge
On the verge of Crossover Land
WE LIKE: Powerful engines, upgraded interior quality, Sync system.
WE DON'T LIKE: Edge Sport's weight, price, heavy 22-inch wheels, and especially the brake
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
Do '80s Honda fans need a step up?
WE LIKE: Smooth Honda V-6, Accord underpinnings, fuel efficiency.
WE DON'T LIKE: Weight, price, interior, styling. Five-speed automatic is a gear or two short.
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
Lost in the Korean crowd
WE LIKE: New engines and transmissions offer better mileage; tweaked styling.
WE DON'T LIKE: Underpinnings showing their age; styling overshadowed by cousin Kia's smart new looks.
2011 Hyundai Tucson
CUV: Curvaceous Utility Vehicle
WE LIKE: Well-executed cabin, great value, middle and top ranges.
WE DON'T LIKE: Artificial steering feel, unrefined ride.
2011 Infiniti QX56
Could we award a second place?
WE LIKE: Surprisingly fast, and able to haul six adults around in total comfort.
WE DON'T LIKE: Ugly nose, sucks gas pumps dry
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Doesn't advance state of art
WE LIKE: Fantastic interior, off-road prowess.
WE DON'T LIKE: Five-speed automatic; suspension needs fine-tuning.
2011 Kia Sorento
Aims high, but lands in the middle
WE LIKE: Styling, interior ergonomics, and powertrain.
WE DON'T LIKE: Disconcerting road noise, artificial steering.
2010 Lexus GX 460
Overcautious and underdone
WE LIKE: Comfortable ride, excellent new engine.
WE DON'T LIKE: Intrusive ESC, awkward third row.
2011 Lincoln MKX
All-new 'ute has pricey entry fee
WE LIKE: Bigger engine, better transmission, MyLincoln Touch.
WE DON'T LIKE: Questionable styling, high pricetag.
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Big Lancer or little Outlander?
WE LIKE: Quality interior and good looks.
WE DON'T LIKE: Gutless engine, body roll.
2011 Nissan Juke
Plan 9 from outer space
WE LIKE: Criminally fun-to-drive dynamics, impressive interior electronics.
WE DON'T LIKE: Limited cargo room, limited backseat, limited off-road capability, and limited styling appeal.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/p...ear/#continued
MOTOR TREND NAMES PORSCHE CAYENNE THE 2011 SPORT/UTILITY OF THE YEARŽ
http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/...ers/index.html
Winner Announced Live on Facebook, a First for the Industry
El Segundo, Calif. (October 19, 2010) – Motor Trend, the world's automotive authority on cars, trucks and SUVs, announced today the Porsche Cayenne has been named winner of the 2011 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year AwardŽ.
The announcement was made live via Motor Trend's Facebook page – a first for the Motor Trend brand and the latest step in its multi-media strategy – representing an innovative approach for an industry traditionally focused on mainstream media for breaking news.
The second generation version of the German manufacturer's popular luxury sport/utility vehicle, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne represents an evolution in concept and design rather than an outright overhaul. Not only are the Cayenne's technical advancements compelling, but its increased fuel efficiency, high value rating, improved interior and exterior design features, result in an unbeatable combination of performance and capability.
"Our Sport/Utility of the Year evaluation is not a comparison test," said Angus MacKenzie Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend. "Each contender is evaluated against six criteria – Advancement in Design; Engineering Excellence; Efficiency; Safety; Value; and Performance of Intended Function. With strong showings in the engineering and efficiency areas, an attractive exterior, a thoughtful interior design, a full roster of active and passive safety gear and a high value rating on its opening price, the Cayenne was quite obviously the winner. The fact that the Cayenne's driving experience eclipsed that of every other contender, was just a bonus."
Every year, the editorial staff of Motor Trend meets to determine the field of contenders for the Sport/Utility of the Year Award. In a week-long process that includes the full complement of Motor Trend performance tests, track-based ride and handling evaluations, and driving on a real-world loop that includes freeway, regular two-lane highway, and a loose-surface track, the contenders are then evaluated against these criteria:
ˇ Advancement in Design: The editors agreed that the Cayenne took a leap forward with a sleeker, tidier exterior design, as well as a stylish and roomy interior, complete with a versatile center stacked screen, a user-friendly reconfigurable gauge cluster display and improved functionality, courtesy of parts sharing from the Panamera.
ˇ Engineering Excellence: The editors felt that the technical advancements made to the second generation Cayenne were compelling – the initial lineup of two engines has expanded to five powertrains. The V-6s include a 300hp, 3.6-liter that can be paired with a six speed manual and a supercharged 3.0 liter gas-electric hybrid that cranks out 380hp and keeps fuel efficiency high. The naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 develops 400hp, while the twin-turbo V-8 has an impressive 500hp. Though 2.0in longer and 0.4in wider than the previous model, the new Cayenne is 400lb lighter, an impressive achievement in a vehicle segment where weight increases have been the norm with every model change.
ˇ Efficiency: With EPA fuel economy ratings of 21mpg city/25 highway, the Cayenne Hybrid's efficiency is very good for a vehicle of this size and capability. All Cayenne engines feature direct injection; all automatic transmissions get eight ratios; and an auto-stop feature on all models turns the engine off when stopped, to improve real-world efficiency, if not EPA figures.
ˇ Safety: Editors noticed the Cayenne's ability to shed speed and carve corners with ease. Running standard steel brakes, the Cayenne Turbo stopped from 60mph in 107 feet – shorter than any other base SUV tested, while the S stopped at 113 feet. The car's uncanny handling was achieved through its active anti-roll bars system and torque-vectoring rear axle, both of which, along with ceramic brakes, are available on any Cayenne model.
ˇ Value: The Cayenne has a wide base-pricing, with models ranging in price from $47,675 - $105,775. The median-grade Cayenne S runs at $64,675 to start, $79,160 with additional features such as active suspension management, dynamic bi-Xenon headlights, navigation and a Bose sound system. While not the cheapest Cayenne, Porsche's strong retained values mean the cost of ownership of the Cayenne S is very reasonable compared with other luxury SUVs and crossovers.
ˇ Performance of Intended Function: The judges agreed the Porsche Cayenne was a multi-talented crossover vehicle that drove like a Porsche on the road, yet with its height adjustable suspension and computer-controlled four-wheel drive system, was almost as capable as a genuine off-road SUV.
http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/...ers/index.html
Winner Announced Live on Facebook, a First for the Industry
El Segundo, Calif. (October 19, 2010) – Motor Trend, the world's automotive authority on cars, trucks and SUVs, announced today the Porsche Cayenne has been named winner of the 2011 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year AwardŽ.
The announcement was made live via Motor Trend's Facebook page – a first for the Motor Trend brand and the latest step in its multi-media strategy – representing an innovative approach for an industry traditionally focused on mainstream media for breaking news.
The second generation version of the German manufacturer's popular luxury sport/utility vehicle, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne represents an evolution in concept and design rather than an outright overhaul. Not only are the Cayenne's technical advancements compelling, but its increased fuel efficiency, high value rating, improved interior and exterior design features, result in an unbeatable combination of performance and capability.
"Our Sport/Utility of the Year evaluation is not a comparison test," said Angus MacKenzie Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend. "Each contender is evaluated against six criteria – Advancement in Design; Engineering Excellence; Efficiency; Safety; Value; and Performance of Intended Function. With strong showings in the engineering and efficiency areas, an attractive exterior, a thoughtful interior design, a full roster of active and passive safety gear and a high value rating on its opening price, the Cayenne was quite obviously the winner. The fact that the Cayenne's driving experience eclipsed that of every other contender, was just a bonus."
Every year, the editorial staff of Motor Trend meets to determine the field of contenders for the Sport/Utility of the Year Award. In a week-long process that includes the full complement of Motor Trend performance tests, track-based ride and handling evaluations, and driving on a real-world loop that includes freeway, regular two-lane highway, and a loose-surface track, the contenders are then evaluated against these criteria:
ˇ Advancement in Design: The editors agreed that the Cayenne took a leap forward with a sleeker, tidier exterior design, as well as a stylish and roomy interior, complete with a versatile center stacked screen, a user-friendly reconfigurable gauge cluster display and improved functionality, courtesy of parts sharing from the Panamera.
ˇ Engineering Excellence: The editors felt that the technical advancements made to the second generation Cayenne were compelling – the initial lineup of two engines has expanded to five powertrains. The V-6s include a 300hp, 3.6-liter that can be paired with a six speed manual and a supercharged 3.0 liter gas-electric hybrid that cranks out 380hp and keeps fuel efficiency high. The naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 develops 400hp, while the twin-turbo V-8 has an impressive 500hp. Though 2.0in longer and 0.4in wider than the previous model, the new Cayenne is 400lb lighter, an impressive achievement in a vehicle segment where weight increases have been the norm with every model change.
ˇ Efficiency: With EPA fuel economy ratings of 21mpg city/25 highway, the Cayenne Hybrid's efficiency is very good for a vehicle of this size and capability. All Cayenne engines feature direct injection; all automatic transmissions get eight ratios; and an auto-stop feature on all models turns the engine off when stopped, to improve real-world efficiency, if not EPA figures.
ˇ Safety: Editors noticed the Cayenne's ability to shed speed and carve corners with ease. Running standard steel brakes, the Cayenne Turbo stopped from 60mph in 107 feet – shorter than any other base SUV tested, while the S stopped at 113 feet. The car's uncanny handling was achieved through its active anti-roll bars system and torque-vectoring rear axle, both of which, along with ceramic brakes, are available on any Cayenne model.
ˇ Value: The Cayenne has a wide base-pricing, with models ranging in price from $47,675 - $105,775. The median-grade Cayenne S runs at $64,675 to start, $79,160 with additional features such as active suspension management, dynamic bi-Xenon headlights, navigation and a Bose sound system. While not the cheapest Cayenne, Porsche's strong retained values mean the cost of ownership of the Cayenne S is very reasonable compared with other luxury SUVs and crossovers.
ˇ Performance of Intended Function: The judges agreed the Porsche Cayenne was a multi-talented crossover vehicle that drove like a Porsche on the road, yet with its height adjustable suspension and computer-controlled four-wheel drive system, was almost as capable as a genuine off-road SUV.
2011 Acura MDX
Maybe it's just too complicated
WE LIKE: Mechanical upgrades highlighted by its new engine and transmission and SH-AWD system's razor handling.
WE DON'T LIKE: Mechanical complexity, ergonomic confusion, and menacing styling.
2011 BMW X5
No big need for improvement
WE LIKE: Straight-line speed, sporty handling, great navigation screen, pleasant interior.
WE DON'T LIKE: Still funny-looking, still very heavy, still strictly an on-roader, silly shifter.
2011 Ford Edge
On the verge of Crossover Land
WE LIKE: Powerful engines, upgraded interior quality, Sync system.
WE DON'T LIKE: Edge Sport's weight, price, heavy 22-inch wheels, and especially the brake
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
Do '80s Honda fans need a step up?
WE LIKE: Smooth Honda V-6, Accord underpinnings, fuel efficiency.
WE DON'T LIKE: Weight, price, interior, styling. Five-speed automatic is a gear or two short.
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
Lost in the Korean crowd
WE LIKE: New engines and transmissions offer better mileage; tweaked styling.
WE DON'T LIKE: Underpinnings showing their age; styling overshadowed by cousin Kia's smart new looks.
2011 Hyundai Tucson
CUV: Curvaceous Utility Vehicle
WE LIKE: Well-executed cabin, great value, middle and top ranges.
WE DON'T LIKE: Artificial steering feel, unrefined ride.
2011 Infiniti QX56
Could we award a second place?
WE LIKE: Surprisingly fast, and able to haul six adults around in total comfort.
WE DON'T LIKE: Ugly nose, sucks gas pumps dry
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Doesn't advance state of art
WE LIKE: Fantastic interior, off-road prowess.
WE DON'T LIKE: Five-speed automatic; suspension needs fine-tuning.
2011 Kia Sorento
Aims high, but lands in the middle
WE LIKE: Styling, interior ergonomics, and powertrain.
WE DON'T LIKE: Disconcerting road noise, artificial steering.
2010 Lexus GX 460
Overcautious and underdone
WE LIKE: Comfortable ride, excellent new engine.
WE DON'T LIKE: Intrusive ESC, awkward third row.
2011 Lincoln MKX
All-new 'ute has pricey entry fee
WE LIKE: Bigger engine, better transmission, MyLincoln Touch.
WE DON'T LIKE: Questionable styling, high pricetag.
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Big Lancer or little Outlander?
WE LIKE: Quality interior and good looks.
WE DON'T LIKE: Gutless engine, body roll.
2011 Nissan Juke
Plan 9 from outer space
WE LIKE: Criminally fun-to-drive dynamics, impressive interior electronics.
WE DON'T LIKE: Limited cargo room, limited backseat, limited off-road capability, and limited styling appeal.
Last edited by LexFather; 10-19-10 at 08:20 AM.
10-19-10, 08:20 AM
#2
Let's add what they say about another contender, the GX460: 
2010 Lexus GX 460
Overcautious and underdone
WE LIKE: Comfortable ride, excellent new engine.
WE DON'T LIKE: Intrusive ESC, awkward third row.
When Lexus announced there would be a new GX coming, we wondered what that would mean. Would it get the company's new 4.6-liter V-8?
Would it become a crossover?
Yes, and no. The GX 460 returns with new LX 570-like styling on a highly revised version of the previous GX's body-on-frame architecture. As most of the sport/utility market has turned toward car-based models, the Lexus is one of the remaining few that promises off-road capability and backs it up with genuine trail cred.
This SUV has a solid rear axle, adjustable-height suspension, full-time four-wheel drive with low range and lockable Torsen center differential, hill-start assist, and downhill assist, plus available crawl control. And, unlike crossovers, this SUV can tow 6500 pounds.
That the name changed from GX 470 to 460 is not a demotion, by any means. It reflects use of the new 4.6-liter V-8, which weighs less than the outgoing 4.7 and offers 38 more horsepower, 6 pound-feet more torque, and better fuel economy. It brought the GX 460 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15.4 seconds at 89.7 mph.
It's backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, which has one more cog than in the previous generation. While the new GX weighs nearly 500 pounds more than it did the year before, the sole engine choice puts out plenty of power to move 5112 pounds' worth of metal.
As capable as the GX is, though, when it came to its luxury vehicle status, the judges' opinions were mixed. Its ride is comfortable in a straight line, but in sharp turns, the stability control gets nervous and intrusive. There's room for improvement in the cabin, too. The third row could use a little more room and easier access, and the bottom cushions in the second row were flat and lacked thigh support.
Even though there are plenty of creature comforts, as well as a full array of safety equipment, that wasn't enough to sway the judges into voting for the Lexus as the Sport/Utility of the Year. - Allyson Harwood
2010 Lexus GX 460
Overcautious and underdone
WE LIKE: Comfortable ride, excellent new engine.
WE DON'T LIKE: Intrusive ESC, awkward third row.
When Lexus announced there would be a new GX coming, we wondered what that would mean. Would it get the company's new 4.6-liter V-8?
Would it become a crossover?
Yes, and no. The GX 460 returns with new LX 570-like styling on a highly revised version of the previous GX's body-on-frame architecture. As most of the sport/utility market has turned toward car-based models, the Lexus is one of the remaining few that promises off-road capability and backs it up with genuine trail cred.
This SUV has a solid rear axle, adjustable-height suspension, full-time four-wheel drive with low range and lockable Torsen center differential, hill-start assist, and downhill assist, plus available crawl control. And, unlike crossovers, this SUV can tow 6500 pounds.
That the name changed from GX 470 to 460 is not a demotion, by any means. It reflects use of the new 4.6-liter V-8, which weighs less than the outgoing 4.7 and offers 38 more horsepower, 6 pound-feet more torque, and better fuel economy. It brought the GX 460 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15.4 seconds at 89.7 mph.
It's backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, which has one more cog than in the previous generation. While the new GX weighs nearly 500 pounds more than it did the year before, the sole engine choice puts out plenty of power to move 5112 pounds' worth of metal.
As capable as the GX is, though, when it came to its luxury vehicle status, the judges' opinions were mixed. Its ride is comfortable in a straight line, but in sharp turns, the stability control gets nervous and intrusive. There's room for improvement in the cabin, too. The third row could use a little more room and easier access, and the bottom cushions in the second row were flat and lacked thigh support.
Even though there are plenty of creature comforts, as well as a full array of safety equipment, that wasn't enough to sway the judges into voting for the Lexus as the Sport/Utility of the Year. - Allyson Harwood
10-19-10, 08:46 AM
#5
Pole Position
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ˇ Engineering Excellence: The editors felt that the technical advancements made to the second generation Cayenne were compelling the initial lineup of two engines has expanded to five powertrains. The V-6s include a 300hp, 3.6-liter that can be paired with a six speed manual and a supercharged 3.0 liter gas-electric hybrid that cranks out 380hp and keeps fuel efficiency high.
Leave it to Porsche to offer a Stick in an SUV...
Crazy... yet awsome...
Leave it to Porsche to offer a Stick in an SUV...
Crazy... yet awsome...
10-19-10, 08:54 AM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
Maybe the people at Motor Trend didn't consider WHY the GX460, and the similiar Toyota 4Runner, have a sensitive ESC. Both vehicles, even by today's SUV standards, are high, narrow, and have a rather tipsy center-of-gravity. Throw them around a corner without the electronics having a say in it, and one could be asking for trouble. Vehicles of this type are not sports cars (even the Cayenne Turbo, competent as it is, is not the equal of a regular two-seat Porsche in the handling department), and the enthusiast magazines need to realize that.
Last edited by mmarshall; 10-19-10 at 08:57 AM.
10-19-10, 09:13 AM
#7
Motor Trend has gotten desperate lately with their COTY/SUVOTY/TOTY awards. It used to be that a vehicle had to be all new or a significantly revamped model to make it onto the list.
This year I see a lot of refreshed models, a few very mild updates, and even fewer all new contenders.
X5? Santa Fe? Edge? MDX? MKX? Yes, they're a bit better than the 2010 models, but they are a far cry from being significantly revamped. A few tweaks to the sheetmetal, new headlights and tail lights, and that is enough to qualify...?
Congrats to Porsche on the win, none the less.
This year I see a lot of refreshed models, a few very mild updates, and even fewer all new contenders.
X5? Santa Fe? Edge? MDX? MKX? Yes, they're a bit better than the 2010 models, but they are a far cry from being significantly revamped. A few tweaks to the sheetmetal, new headlights and tail lights, and that is enough to qualify...?
Congrats to Porsche on the win, none the less.
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10-19-10, 10:22 AM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
You're right, though, about the tow-ratings. For reasons which are not entirely clear, manufacturers don't like to give turbo-equipped SUV's much (if any) in the way of tow ratings. This, to me, doesn't make sense, as heavy loads require more power, which the turbos, of course, produce. Maybe (?) the reasoning is that turbo-SUVS towing heavy loads would cause the already hot-running turbos (even with such features as water-cooled turbo-housings, intercoolers, wastegates, and synthetic oil) to still overheat and be damaged.
Last edited by mmarshall; 10-19-10 at 10:28 AM.
10-19-10, 10:41 AM
#12
Lexus Champion
The Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg got new and better designs for their next-gen models. Let's hope that its relative (the Audi Q7) will follow suit when an FMC comes in 2011-2013
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