March 2009 debut pegged for diesel Porsche Cayenne

Posted Mon Jun 16 2008 10:29 AM by Ralph Hanson

Porsche has stated in the past it would not fit any diesel powerplants to its cars but with toughening fuel economy and emissions regulations looming in both the U.S. and Europe the sports carmaker may not have a choice. Industry experts are predicting Porsche will use an upgraded Audi V6 turbodiesel in its Cayenne SUV, and new reports claim the oil-burning Porsche will be on sale by March next year.

The new engine will develop a peak output of 240hp (179kW) and Porsche is expected to produce up to 15,000 diesel Cayennes annually, with prices to start at €55,000 (approximately $85,000). According to Automotive News Europe, the diesel Cayenne was originally scheduled to be launched in January but was pushed back so it wouldn’t coincide with the introduction of the facelifted Boxster.

Porsche’s new diesel is expected to achieve a fuel-consumption rating of 23mpg (9.9L/100km), which should help improve the carmaker’s carbon footprint and allow the SUV to be registered in lower tax brackets in countries where registration taxes are based on emissions.

Reader Comments

Mon Jun 16 2008 4:00 PM
Gus says

Meanwhile Ferdinand Porsche rolls in his grave...

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