Porsche is only a few months away from launching its first ever diesel model with the carmaker announcing today that it will launch an oil-burning Cayenne SUV in Europe in February next year. The sports carmaker claims the decision was taken in response to changed legal regulations especially in European markets, where vehicles with diesel engines will soon be able to benefit from substantial tax incentives. Furthermore, its growing stake in the Volkswagen Group has finally opened up full access to the German giant’s bevy of advanced diesel powertrains.

Porsche will equip the Cayenne with a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine with 240hp (176kW) and 405lb-ft (550Nm) sourced from Audi. Full consumption in the big SUV is rated at an impressive 9.3L/100km (25mpg) and CO2 emissions of 244g/km.

The new model will first be offered in Europe and there are plans to launch in other markets by the end of next year. It will be equipped with the current Tiptronic-S automatic gearbox as standard, and will be priced from €47,250.

To reduce its carbon footprint and improve the fuel-economy of its some of its vehicles, Porsche is also developing new hybrid technology with sister brand Volkswagen that’ll be available as an option on its next-gen Cayenne SUV and Panamera four-door coupe. The hybrid powertrain will consume less than the latest diesel model and will be launched onto the market at the end of the decade.

2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel