The Porsche Cayenne 1st Generation, internally known as the 955 and 957, marked a pivotal moment in Porsche’s history. Launched in 2002 as a 2003 model, this luxury SUV was not just a new vehicle; it was a strategic move that redefined Porsche and secured its financial future. In the early 2000s, Porsche, primarily known for its sports cars, faced financial headwinds. The introduction of the Cayenne was a bold step towards entering the mainstream market, specifically targeting the burgeoning SUV segment. This decision, though initially controversial among purists, proved to be a masterstroke. The Porsche Cayenne 1st gen became an instant success, becoming Porsche’s best-selling model and propelling the company to become the world’s most profitable car manufacturer.
The idea of a Porsche SUV was met with skepticism from traditional Porsche enthusiasts. Questions like “How could Porsche build an SUV?” and concerns about diluting the brand’s sports car heritage were common. Adding to the controversy was the revelation that the Porsche Cayenne 1st gen shared its platform (the Volkswagen Group PL71 chassis) with the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7. Despite the initial doubts, the market embraced the Cayenne.
The first generation Porsche Cayenne is segmented into two phases: the Cayenne 955 (2003-2007) and the Cayenne 957 (2008-2010).
Porsche Cayenne 955 (2003 – 2007)
The Cayenne 955 represents the original vision of Porsche’s entry into the SUV market. This iteration included several key models:
- Cayenne: The base model, offering a blend of performance and luxury expected from Porsche.
- Cayenne S: A step up in performance, featuring a more powerful engine and enhanced features.
- Cayenne Turbo: High-performance variant, boasting significant horsepower and sporty driving dynamics.
- Cayenne Turbo S: The pinnacle of performance in the 955 range, delivering top-tier power and exclusive features.
While officially there was no 2007 model year Cayenne in the United States, some units were available at dealerships as the updated model was on the horizon.
Porsche Cayenne 957 (2008 – 2010)
In 2007, Porsche introduced the Cayenne 957 as a 2008 model, marking a mid-cycle refresh. This update brought subtle but significant improvements to the Porsche Cayenne 1st gen. The Cayenne 957 model range continued with the previous models and expanded to include:
- Cayenne GTS: Positioned as a sportier version, emphasizing handling and driving engagement.
- Cayenne S Transsyberia: A limited edition model, celebrating Porsche’s victory in the Transsyberia Rally, known for its off-road capabilities and distinctive styling.
- Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3: Another limited edition, blending Porsche performance with exclusive design elements.
- Cayenne Diesel: Introduced for the first time, offering improved fuel efficiency and broadening the Cayenne’s appeal.
The 957 was not a radical redesign but rather a refined version of the 955. The updates focused on a facelift with revised exterior styling, advancements in technology, and enhancements to the interior design, keeping the Porsche Cayenne 1st gen competitive and desirable in the luxury SUV market until the arrival of the second generation.
In conclusion, the Porsche Cayenne 1st generation (955/957) was more than just an SUV; it was a strategic vehicle that revitalized Porsche. Its two sub-generations offered a range of models catering to different needs and preferences, solidifying its place as a landmark model in Porsche’s history and the automotive world.
