When the Cayenne was launched in 2002 it was like, if you believe Porsche purists, the Pope telling his followers he was converting to Islam. Still trying to forgive the sportscar specialist for a range of anaemic front-engine coupes, the idea of an oversized, jacked-up five-seater being sold alongside the rear-engined 911 was akin to sacrilege in the eyes of Porsche's most ardent fans.
But in reality Porsche's entry into one of the fastest growing market segments in world automobile history was more a survival strategy than a sin; a controversial move, but one that would enable the Stuttgart company to boost sales and profits, help retain its independence, and continue to build the iconic sportscars for which it was famous.
And Porsche being Porsche, the Cayenne was never going to be just another generic family freighter. While not making any quantum leaps in design or engineering, the overall package was impressive and with a range-topping twin-turbo version helped establish a new benchmark in 'performance SUVs'.
Despite mixed reviews -- it's been described as everything from an 'engineering marvel' to a 'shameless grab for cash' -- the Cayenne has been an undisputed sales success, boosting Porsche's worldwide sales by more than 30 per cent and giving it a vital foothold in new markets. And with the new four-door Panamera coupe set for release in 2009 (bound to get tongues wagging again), Porsche's future as a performance vehicle maker remains rosy.
Full review here