The Soprano Of SUVs

Yo.

I was just asked why anyone would drive an “obscene” SUV like the Porsche Cayenne. To me, this is obvious. It allows anyone to drive like a Soprano while sending other SUVs to sleep with the fishes. (and more on that topic here)

If that does not convince you then let me make the business case. Porsche needed this SUV to up its cash flow and stay in business.
In other words, they did it for the money to eventually finance new racing programs and the sports cars we all love. At least we car guys (and gals) who don’t ask stoopid questions like this at parties.

And while it pains me to admit it, I agree with Porsche’s logic. While the Cayenne may indeed be a criminal example of excess for people with no taste (unlike those with an appetite for true sports cars with engines that are vented al’ fresco) the worst fate to befall Porsche would be for it to be acquired by GM and lose its independence.

You saying I have no taste? You like the taste of burnt rubber?

Fortunately, thanks to the Cayenne, Porsche will not burn the fires of financial hell for quite some time. For me this is worth its dance with the devil called the SUV.

(p.s. I am hoping I don’t get whacked by telling you that the Jeep Cherokee SRT-8 can pummel the Cayennes’ chili pepper pistons any day. The W-10 VW Touareg can too–if you can find one in the U.S.)