traction control PORSCHE CAYNNE 2008 1.G Information Manual
Page 10 of 95
Model range 
Exceptional performance.
What else would you expect from a Porsche?
The Cayenne.
A high-performance six-speed 
manual gearbox is standard 
equipment. The optional six-speed
Tiptronic S includes gearshift 
controls on the steering wheel.
It is also equipped with standby 
control for better fuel economy 
(see page 64).
The powerful brakes increase 
active safety in all driving scenarios.
The black-finish calipers are unique
to the V6 model.
With its precision steering and
sports chassis setup, the Cayenne 
is agile and responsive. Using
Porsche Traction Management (PTM)
and Porsche Stability Management
(PSM), power is transmitted through
the permanent all-wheel drive with
efficiency, precision and safety. In
difficult terrain, the electronically
variable centre differential combines
with the anti-slip regulation (ASR) 
and automatic brake differential
(ABD) to maintain optimum traction
at all times. This ability is enhanced
in low-range mode, where all gear
ratios are reduced. As a result,
the car remains mobile in soft
ground and performs better when
towing a heavy trailer load. For 
the toughest off-road conditions,
the electronically variable centre 
differential can be fully locked while
in low-range mode using the PTM
control on the centre console.
The torque split is then fixed with
38 % of drive being transmitted 
to the front wheels and 62 % to 
the rear.
For extreme off-road use, there’s 
the optional Off-road Technology
package. As well as increasing
underbody protection, it includes 
an electronically variable rear 
differential (see page 89). This
differential can also be manually
locked to increase off-road
traction.
The Cayenne is an excellent on-
road performer with a wide range
of other talents: off-road capability,
comfort, safety, sporting style and
practicality.
Its powerful V6 engine features
direct fuel injection (DFI), variable
valve timing on inlet and exhaust
and a variable resonance intake
manifold. The results: generous
performance and excellent fuel
economy.
The 3.6-litre engine develops 
213 kW (290 hp) at 6,200 rpm.
Maximum torque is 385 Nm 
from as low as 3,000 rpm. With 
a manual gearbox, it requires 
8.1 seconds to reach 100 km / h
(62 mph). Maximum speed is 
227 km / h (141 mph).
Press the standard ‘Sport’ button
and the engine management is
adjusted to maximise throttle
response.
· 23 · · 22 · 
Page 31 of 95
Drive  
Applying power with intelligence.
Porsche Traction Management (PTM).
If one wheel loses traction, PTM 
utilises the ABD function to apply 
the corresponding brake. As a 
result, more drive is automatically
transferred to the opposite wheel.
If both wheels on one axle lose 
traction, ASR modifies engine output 
to maintain drive.
All PTM functions are fully automatic.
All you have to do is choose high-
range mode for road and track or 
low-range mode for greater off-road
traction. These are selected using 
a single control on the centre 
console. In low-range mode, the
gearing is reduced to enhance 
off-road manoeuvrability or to
increase road traction when towing
heavy loads.
be automatically varied to match
changing driving conditions. For 
the toughest off-road terrain, the
differential can be locked via the
PTM control on the centre console.
Other major features in PTM include
a two-speed transfer gearbox (with
low-range gearing for off-road use),
an automatic brake differential
(ABD) and anti-slip regulation (ASR).
Combining a range of systems 
and functions, Porsche Traction
Management (PTM) actively 
distributes engine torque precisely
where it’s needed most.
At the heart of PTM is a permanent
all-wheel drive system with electron-
ically variable centre differential.
The standard torque split of 38 % 
to the front and 62 % to the rear canCombined, they enable exceptional
performance and vehicle control in
normal road driving or off-road 
terrain.
PTM uses the ABD and ASR 
functions to achieve dynamic 
handling and increased traction.
All-wheel drive  Two-stage transfer gearbox
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Page 38 of 95
Chassis
Active prevention of body roll when cornering.
For greater comfort and control.
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC).
PDCC is an active anti-roll system
that anticipates and significantly
reduces lateral body movement
when cornering. It also minimises
oscillation on rippled road 
surfaces. As a result, the car
remains stable and easy to 
control. This is achieved with the
aid of active anti-roll bars on the
front and rear axles. The system
responds to the current steeringangle and lateral acceleration by
producing a stabilising force that
precisely negates the swaying
force of the body.
The benefits are better traction
and occupant comfort both on 
and off the road.For the driver, PDCC provides
greater agility at every speed, more
responsive steering and stable load
transfer characteristics. Combined,
these represent a new benchmark
in steering precision. Performance
and comfort are both improved,
and with them, driving pleasure.
When the low-range gearing is
selected, PDCC automatically
switches to off-road mode.
Essentially, this allows the 
two halves of each anti-roll bar 
to 
rotate further in opposition to
each other. This in turn enables
greater wheel articulation, which
improves traction on uneven 
surfaces.Since each wheel has more 
contact with the ground, more
drive can be transmitted (see 
page 86).Vehicles with PDCC have a 
silver finish on the centre 
console chassis controls. Among the key objectives of
Porsche chassis design are 
optimum road holding and precision
handling. Both of these character-
istics can be further enhanced with
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control
(PDCC). It is available as optional
equipment on all Cayenne models 
in conjunction with air suspension/
PASM (standard on Cayenne Turbo,
optional on all other models).
High-speed cornering without PDCC High-speed cornering with PDCC
· 81 · · 80 · 
Page 41 of 95
Off road 
Porsche Hill Control (PHC) uses
engine braking to enable steady
descent on otherwise hazardous
gradients at speeds of up 
to 20 km / h (12.5 mph). If one 
or more wheels begin to lose 
traction, PHC compensates by
applying increased engine braking
on those that retain contact withthe ground. With no need to
adjust braking, the driver can
concentrate fully on steering 
the car.
With steel-sprung suspension,
the maximum wading depth is
500 mm.* With the optional air
suspension (standard on the
Cayenne Turbo), the car is secure 
to a depth of 555 mm.**
On extremely uneven terrain,
you can smooth your path with 
the optional Porsche Dynamic
Chassis Control (PDCC). Featuring
active anti-roll bars, the PDCC 
off-road mode is automatically
enabled whenever ‘low-range’ 
mode is selected. With greater 
articulation of each wheel, there 
is less unwanted body-roll and 
occupant comfort is improved.
PDCC in on-road mode: reduced wheel articulation
PDCC in off-road mode: increased wheel articulation
**Cayenne GTS: 476 mm.** Cayenne GTS with air suspension: 535 mm.
· 87 · · 86 · 
Page 42 of 95
Off road 
Applying power with sensitivity, protecting with strength.
Off-road Technology  package.
The rear differential enables 
optimum distribution of engine
torque in difficult off-road terrain.
A fully automated part of the 
all-wheel system, its primary 
function is to optimise traction.
If one of the rear wheels begins 
to lose grip, the differential varies
the torque transmitted through
each drive shaft, thereby restoring
traction. Available as a factory-fitted 
option on all Cayenne models, the
Off-road Technology  package*
incorporates an electronically 
variable and lockable rear 
differential as part of the standard
all-wheel drive system. Other 
features include high-strength 
rock-rails with integrated skid
plates, a reinforced engine-bay
guard, enhanced protection for 
the fuel tank and rear axle, and 
a second towing lug.In low-range mode, the rear 
differential can be manually
locked using the main off-road
control on the centre console.
In this state, both rear wheels
receive the same amount of
torque.
For additional off-road protection,
optional wheel-arch extensions
(black finish) and running boards*
with integrated skid plates are
available.
* Not available for the Cayenne GTS.
· 89 · · 88 · 
Page 47 of 95
Oversteer with PSM 
Understeer without PSM 
Car steers 
off line  Car steers 
off line PSM corrects
line and 
stabilises car
PSM corrects
line and 
stabilises car
Understeer with PSM  Oversteer without PSM 
All Cayenne models are 
equipped with Porsche Stability
Management (PSM) as standard.
This electronic control system
uses a range of functions –
including anti-lock braking (ABS) –
to help stabilise the vehicle 
(and trailer, if fitted) in hazardous
road scenarios. Throughout each
journey, PSM uses a range of
sensors to monitor the direction,
speed, yaw velocity (speed of
rotation around the vertical axis)
and lateral acceleration of the
car. The system then calculates
the actual direction of travel. If
the car begins to oversteer or
understeer, PSM applies selective
braking on individual wheels to
restore stability. If necessary,
PSM can also intervene in the
engine management system to
temporarily modify the amount 
of drive to the wheels.PSM has two additional functions
that help reduce braking distances.
If the throttle pedal is released 
suddenly, PSM automatically 
readies the braking system. The
pressure in the brake lines is 
marginally increased, bringing 
each of the pads into light contact
with the corresponding disc. If the 
driver goes on to apply the brakes,
the calipers respond more quickly.
In an emergency stop – i.e., when 
the pressure on the brake pedal
exceeds a certain threshold – 
the brake assist function uses 
the PSM hydraulics to apply 
maximum braking force at all 
four wheels.
PSM makes a significant contribu-
tion to car and trailer safety – 
within the laws of physics. It 
compensates for load transfer
caused by throttle and brake 
inputs up to the maximum degree
of lateral acceleration. It also
enhances the car’s driving dynam-
ics and directional stability when
accelerating on variable road 
surfaces. PSM can also intervene
through the locking centre and
axle differentials as part of
Porsche Traction  Management
(PTM).
Other features include a 
special control strategy in 
the PSM-integrated ABS for braking on loose surfaces such
as gravel or snow. By briefly 
locking the wheels, a wedge is
formed ahead of each tyre which
provides additional purchase 
to help slow the car.
For a more active driving experi-
ence, PSM can also be disabled.
For safety reasons, it remains
active in the background, ready 
to intervene in critical scenarios.
Expecting the best means preparing for the worst.
Porsche Stability Management (PSM).
Safety
· 99 · · 98 · 
Page 93 of 95
Index
N
Navigation 132
O
Off-road capability  82  
Off-road Technology 
package 88  
On-board computer 132
P
Panoramic roof system  128
ParkAssist 124
Payload 184
Performance 42, 182
Personalisation 148
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM) 76
Porsche Ceramic 
Composite Brake (PCCB) 96
Porsche Communication
Management (PCM) 132
Porsche Drive-off 
Assistant
62, 85
Porsche Dynamic 
Chassis Control (PDCC) 80
Porsche Entry & Drive 126
Porsche Hill Control (PHC)86
T
Technical data  182
Tiptronic S 64
Touchscreen 132
Towbar systems 147, 158
Transfer gearbox  66
Transmission 64, 66
Turbochargers 55 
TV tuner 134
Tyre Pressure 
Monitoring (TPM)  75
U
Universal audio interface 135 
USB port 135
V
Variable valve timing 52
VarioCam Plus  53 
Vehicle tracking system 126
Voice control  134
W
Water-repellent side windows12 3
Wheel articulation 81, 86
Wheels 75, 160, 161
Wiper system  124
A
Acoustics 108
Air conditioning 122
Air suspension 78, 189
Airbags 102
Alloy engine 48
All-wheel drive 66
Anti-slip regulation 66
Anti-theft protection 126
Audio systems 130, 136
Automatic brake differential 66
Automatic tailgate 144 
Axle concept 72 
B
Bluetooth®13 4
Bodyshell 100
BOSE
®
Surround Sound System 136
Brakes 94 
C
CD autochanger 131
CD radio  130
Centre differential 66
Ceramic brakes 96
Chassis 68 Child seats 119
Colours 150 
Comfort lighting package  127  
Cooling system  49 
Cruise control  126
D
Direct fuel injection (DFI) 50
DVD autochanger 131
E
Electronic engine management57 
Electronic logbook 134 
Emissions 106
Engine braking support 86
Engines V6/V8/ Turbo 42 – 45
Exhaust system 60 
F
Factory collection  174
G
GPS navigation system 132  
GSM telephone 134  
H
Hands-free telephony 134  Headlights 92
Heat-insulating glass 123
HomeLink
®
(garage-door opener) 164
I
Ignition system  59 
Intake manifold 54
Interior 114, 151
Interior lighting 120
iPod
®13 5
L
Lighting 92
Loading options 142
Lubrication 49 
Luggage compartment 140
M
Manual gearbox  62
Materials 110
Mobile phone  134
Mobile phone preparation 130
Monochrome black 
exterior package 152 
MP3 135
Multifunction 
steering wheel 114, 164
· 191 · · 190 ·
Index
Porsche Hill Holder 65, 85
Porsche Stability 
Management (PSM) 98
Porsche Traction 
Management (PTM) 66
Powerkit Cayenne Turbo 46
Privacy glass  123
R
Recycling 110
Reversing camera  125
Roof transport systems 146
S
Safety 90
Seats 116, 118
Servicing 61, 110
Servotronic 74
Slide/tilt sunroof  127
Sport button  51
SportDesign package 152
Steering 74
Storage compartments 120