At this years New York Auto Show, Porsche debuted the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid and improved Cayenne Turbos.
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The all-new Cayenne S Hybrid features a highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive system. With a combined power output of 380 horsepower from the supercharged V6 combustion engine and an electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid combines the performance of a V8 with the economy of a V6. Like many hybrids, the Cayenne S Hybrid can cover short distances on electric power alone, free of emissions and noise up to almost 40 mph. For aggressive acceleration, the motor provides an extra ‘boost’ to the gasoline engine.
What makes the Cayenne S Hybrid unique is its ability to cruise at high speeds on electric power alone. The gasoline engine can be completely switched off and disengaged from the drivetrain at speeds of up to 97 mph. Christened by the Weissach engineers as ‘sailing’ – or cruising — mode, the drag forces exerted by the combustion engine and their braking effect are eliminated in the interest of lower resistance and fuel consumption.
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The entry-level Cayenne with its 300-horsepwer 3.6-liter V6 engine and mated to the new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission consumes 20 percent less fuel in the New European Driving Cycle than its predecessor. Fuel consumption is also down significantly on the high-torque Cayenne S. Its 4.8-liter V8 produces 400 horsepower, 15 hp more than the previous model. When combined with the overall weight savings, performance is markedly increased, yet fuel consumption is down by 23 percent in the New European Driving Cycle. The Cayenne Turbo, with its 500-horsepower, 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 also consumes 23 percent less fuel than its predecessor despite its improved performance and acceleration.
The Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo go on sale in July as a 2011 model, and U.S. pricing will be announced soon. Porsche dealerships will offer the Cayenne and Cayenne S Hybrid in the fall.