The third generation Cayenne was last week presented to local Porsche enthusiasts that gathered at the iconic brand’s iconic showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos to have a feel of the re-engineered Cayenne into the family, seventeen years since it debuted as the dominant on/off roader with four doors in the German automaker’s staple.
Held in partnership with Remy Cointreau, marketers of Remy Martin brand of cognacs, the Cayenne played host to auto many auto luxury freaks from far and near to witness the unveiling of Porsche’s most successful flagship SUV with unprecedented 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox mated to a six-cylinder turbo engine that delvers 450Nm of torque and 340bhp.
One by one, the Porsche fans gathered and by the evening time of penultimate Thursday, the Victoria Island showroom had been transmuted to a hive of the crème de la crème, hobnobbing, networking and exchanging pleasantries in ways that validates an existing bond amongst a congregation of six figure earners.
As they moved and swayed to the classical music vibes in the light emitting diode lighted-showroom, the Porsche fans waited eagerly for the unveiling in partnership with Remy Martin that later initiated the toast to the event.
No sooner Remy Martin’s XO (Extra Old) Brand Ambassador Nigeria Stephen Jimba was done with the tribute than the Porsche Centre Lagos General Manager Anurag Shah in company of the Sales Manager Josephine Nwosu walked to the podium to unveil the launch model.
The crowd was ecstatic with rapturous cheers just as Anurag invited everyone to take detail assessment of the new Cayenne, which he said was Porsche’s most popular model in Nigeria.
“I have no doubt that the third generation Cayenne, which offers even more sports car performance and practicality will continue the success story of its predecessors. The Cayenne is at home on any road, and equally ready to explore new terrain. Its versatility is truly unique”. Anurag said.
He added that the Cayenne “enjoys short sprint as much it relishes long road trip, and commuting to work via a lap on the track. Completely redesigned from ground to up, it brings closer its racetrack roots and offers greater versatility and performance than ever before.
What’s more, the Cayenne is “capable of producing a superb drive experience anywhere and that is really what sets the Cayenne apart from any other SUV. We’re very excited to be welcoming it to Nigeria today,” Anurag quipped.
Suffice to say the new Cayenne is an unmistakable identity of the Cayenne but delivers a more streamlined and athletic impression to complement an increased length and dropped height.
The pronounced bonnet and the reshaped headlight contour that incorporates large air intakes’ trademark also underscore the Cayenne’s improved driving dynamics especially from the front.
This is in addition to the narrower side windows; restructured rear wing, wider rear-end and integrated light strip and broader alloy wheels, which further accentuate its sports car genes.
Anurag who said this much also noted that the Cayenne is undoubtedly an embodiment of improvement over its predecessor, offering unprecedented expansive cabin with several comfort and convenience features.
One of Porsche enthusiasts who simply identified himself as Samson and a textile merchant acknowledged that the modifications in the new Cayenne and totality of the variations including the ergonomically designed interior and dash are undeniably noticeable.
Anthony Amodu, an engineer who drives a Cayman S and Panamera couldn’t also hold back his approbation as he applauded the design altitude of the German engineered SUV as incredible. He said, he had no doubt that the new Cayenne would be a delight of car devotees.
Femi Shadamoro, CEO Emperor Resources Limited who cruised in from his Ikeja-Lagos mainland office said: “I might have arrived late, but I’m glad I caught up with the launch of the new Cayenne. Indeed, I’m impressed.”
For Porsche, it was luxury courting superfluity in a relatively ostentatious atmosphere, or so it is.
MIKE OCHONMA
