Nadim Mehanna and our MotorShow team celebrated with Porsche the Cayenne 20th Anniversary
To mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic Porsche Cayenne luxury performance SUV, Porsche Middle East has hosted “Camp Cayenne” in the mountains of Hatta in the UAE, where guests had the opportunity to experience first-hand different generations of the game-changing off-roader.
“The birth of the Cayenne allowed Porsche to grow beyond its range of two-seater sports cars without compromising our sporting or motorsport values,” said Dr Manfred Bräunl, Chief Executive Officer, Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE.
“Since 2002, it has been a keystone to Porsche’s global success and is one of the best-selling sports luxury SUVs in the Middle East.”
The Porsche Cayenne burst on to the scene on 25 September 2002 on the eve of the Paris Motor Show. The first-generation model averaged almost 35,000 units per year over its eight years totalling 276,652 sold by the end of 2009.
The second-generation Cayenne arrived in 2010 and introduced hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as a permanent all-wheel-drive system.
The current and third generation model released in 2017 offers three-chamber air suspension and rear-axle steering inside a new aluminium bodyshell to save weight. In the summer of 2020, the one millionth Cayenne rolled off the production line.
“Camp Cayenne” offered guests the opportunity to enjoy driving the sports luxury SUV in an environment that they perhaps have not experienced before, showcasing the adventurous side of Cayenne in a controlled environment with professional instructors.
“Cayenne re-set the parameters for sports-luxury motoring with Porsche setting a trend other luxury and sports car manufacturers would eventually follow,” said Braeunl.
“It opened Porsche ownership to a completely new clientele and being the first five-door, four-seat Porsche, it paved the way for future models like the Panamera, Macan and Taycan that are as equally desirable today as our 911, Boxster and Cayman sports coupes.”
Celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the Porsche Cayenne will continue at Icons of Porsche in the Dubai Design District on November 26-27, where guests will be able to enjoy a passenger ride on a dedicated off-road course.
To hear Nadim's feedback from inside the latest Porsche Cayenne GTS, watch the below video: