Porsche Planning Hybrid and Flex-Fuel Versions of Cayenne
by Jeremy Elton Jacquot, Los Angeles on 07.24.07
After first reporting that Porsche was planning on developing a hybrid version of its Cayenne SUV two years ago, we now have official confirmation from the German auto company that it will be unveiling the new model — on which it collaborated with Audi and Volkswagen — in 2009. Its average fuel consumption is expected to lie around 26.4 mpg (8.9 L/100 km). By comparison, the original Cayenne's fuel consumption with a conventional six-cylinder engine is 18.2 mpg (12.9 L/100 km)
The new fuel consumption figure is 31% lower than the target the company originally announced in 2005. Citing consumer concerns about global warming and the eco-friendliness of its cars, Porsche made the following statement: "In particular, a premium carmaker such as Porsche must offer competitive drivetrain solutions with low consumption- and emission levels."
In addition to the hybrid model, Porsche is also planning on rolling out a full flex-fuel version within the next few years. According to the company, the current Cayenne can already be driven on ethanol blends of up to 25%. Its next objective is incorporating the hybrid technology into its planned four-door sporting model, the Panamera.
While we commend Porsche for finally bowing to reality and upping its gas-guzzling cars' fuel consumption, the fact remains that even at 26.4 mpg the new Cayenne's fuel consumption is fairly low compared to current and planned hybrids. There are better options out there for those not enthralled with the Porsche name-brand.
Via ::Deutsche Welle: German Carmaker Porsche to Develop Hybrid Version (newspaper), ::Green Car Congress: Porsche Targeting Hybrid Cayenne for 2009; Flex-Fuel Model Also in Works (blog)
See also: ::MIT Students Convert Porsche 914 to Electric
Image courtesy of Mike Babcock
This is the exact same thing as the Volkswagen Touareg, both are buit side-by-side in Slovenia. For all their next-generation stuff, they still seem pretty huge. They had better start a smaller-footprint one, like the BMW 3-series or the Toyata RAV, because this may not be enough in the face of rising gas prices.
It's good that they are giving people who would probably buy a luxury car anyway an hybrid option (introducing them to the technology so they can move on to something better?)..
it's still a low volume vehicle. sucks that it's a big SUV.
26.4 mpg??? That is about 4mpg better than the Model T Ford.
Well done all round!
Buy a normal car, and spend the savings on boosting your self-esteem some other way, Cayenne drivers.