Porsche: Cayenne Hybrid on the streets by late 2010

By Nelson Ireson

Nelson Ireson

Senior Editor BIO

Nelson is a Senior Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture... More

LATEST ARTICLE
2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class: Live Photos And Video From Unveiling
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class was just unveiled this evening at an event in Hamburg. We were there... Read More

• #3LEADERBOARD RANK
• 6331ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
• 229COMMENTS POSTED

9 2,845 views Jun 17, 2009

Follow Nelson

Add to circle

The new hybrid SUV is tipped to start around $125,000

Enlarge Photo

Specifics on the Hybrid models haven't been abundant, but Porsche did release several key details about the Cayenne S Hybrid earlier this year. The vehicle is targeting V8 performance with four-cylinder emissions and efficiency - exactly what you'd expect of a hybrid.

But it's not just about the fuel-saving aspects. Teaming an Audi 3.0L V6 DFI engine rated at 333hp and 324lb-ft of torque with a 52hp, 221lb-ft electric motor and a 38kW NiMH battery pack, the Cayenne Hybrid S is a perkier than the average hybrid, or six-cylinder SUV for that matter. Zero to 62mph (100km/h) ticks by in 6.8 seconds, despite the ULEV II emissions rating, cutting CO2 by 20% compared to the standard version.

Porsche also revealed the function of the hand-off between electric and combustion drive. Good for up to 1.2mi (1.9km) on electricity alone, once that reserve is exhausted, the computer fires up the engine, engages the clutch and transfers power all in just 380ms. And it does it "without the driver or passengers noticing what is happening" according to Porsche.

An eight-speed transmission ties the whole system together, offering long gears at the high end for more efficient cruising. The top-speed gear is actually sixth, so seventh and eighth are effectively overdrives. In top gear, the vehicle can maintain constant speeds up to 86mph (138km/h) on electricity alone.

The Cayenne Hybrid S drive system will also make its way into a Panamera hybrid, which could hit the streets as early as the third quarter of this year.