Straightline

Porsche obviously sees plenty of potential in the Chinese market. So much so that it staged the world premiere of its most expensive SUV, the 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, here in Beijing.

This new Cayenne Turbo S gets a slight bump in horsepower along with a few minor mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. The twin turbo 4.8-liter in the Turbo S produces 550 horsepower, a 50-hp bump compared to the standard Turbo. Porsche says a revised exhaust system and "improvements in engine control" account for the increase. Torque is up to 553 pound-feet as well.

There are no changes to the standard air spring suspension, but this Cayenne, along with all other 2009 Cayennes with at least 20-inch wheels, will offer Porsche's Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as an option. The front discs measure 16.1 inches in diameter with six-piston calipers, while the rears rotors are a mere 14.6 inches across and use just four-caliper pistons.

It sounds excessive, but Porsche says the Turbo S will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 280 km/h, so you might need a good set of binders to keep it under control.

Cosmetic changes are limited to a standard set of 21-inch SportPlus alloy wheels and body-colored wheel arches and air intakes. The new exhaust system also features unique aluminum quad tailpipes. Oh, and there's an exclusive shade of gray unique to the Turbo S as well if you like understatement in your six-figure, 550-hp SUV. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line