If you're going to go for a large and powerful SUV, you might as well opt for one that consumes as less fuel and emits as less CO2 as possible - at least that's the logic behind vehicles like the forthcoming Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid that will be available worldwide from the beginning of 2010. According to the German automaker, the hybridized Cayenne will consume less than 9.0 liters of fuel per 100km (26.2 mpg US) in the New European Driving Cycle (EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available) and emit some 20 percent less C02 than comparable combustion engine vehicles with similar power output.
Talking about power, the Cayenne S Hybrid uses a supercharged Audi 3.0-liter V6 engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), for 333-horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm. The V6 is mated to a 52-horsepower three-phase synchronous electric motor that produces up to 221 lb-ft of torque and also acts as an alternator, while the combined power units are joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Also on board is a 154-lb. no-maintenance 38 kW nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery which takes the place of the spare tire under the luggage compartment.
Porsche said that the company's engineers have been able to drive the SUV at speeds up to 86 mph (140 km/h) without at all using the supercharged V6 combustion engine. In terms of performance, the Cayenne S Hybrid is said to cover the 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in just 6.8 seconds.
For those that prefer sedans over SUVs, you'll be glad to learn that a similar hybrid system will find its way into the new Porsche Panamera four-door saloon sometime after the car's market debut in late summer 2009.
