Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Presented at Geneva Motor Show

Porsche is hitting the SUV market hard with five new models
that take the familiar Cayenne design to the next level. These models range
from a 3.6-liter budget-friendly version to a 4.8-liter V8 turbo-powered
version to accommodate myriad consumer needs. The automaker is also breaking
ground in the hybrid SUV market with the Cayenne S Hybrid shown at the Geneva Motor Show. In addition to
expanding its reach in the SUV market, Porsche is demonstrating its business
savvy by gradually building interest in the hybrid through traditional models.

The drive system in the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is built
around a 3.0-liter V6 engine and a 34 kW electric motor. Porsche designed this
system with a coasting or “sailing” feature that allows the vehicle to shut off
the engine at speeds approaching 97 miles per hour. In coasting along on
electrical power, Porsche hopes to realize fuel savings by reducing energy
wasted at high speeds. The eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth
gear shifts while the start/stop feature eliminates fuel consumption while
idling.

The Cayenne S Hybrid is projected to achieve a fuel economy
of 28.7 miles per gallon. Porsche notes that the newest generation of Cayenne
SUVs saves 23% in fuel consumption compared to the last generation. These fuel
savings may be possible in part because the automaker has reduced vehicle
weight by 400 pounds across its Cayenne line. The hybrid version of the Cayenne
is capable of traveling up to 37 miles per hour over short distances using only
electrical power. While Porsche is proud of its hybrid drive system, the
Cayenne line does not seem to advance the ball too far in terms of fuel
consumption.

The best mileage in the Cayenne family is the Cayenne Diesel
rated at 31.8 miles per gallon. The Cayenne S Hybrid improves on the fuel
mileage of the entry level (23.8), the Cayenne S (22.4) and the Cayenne Turbo
(20.5). The question is how much of an improvement should be expected from
Porsche and other automakers. We might be tempted to give Porsche a pass
because it is making the move from high-end gas guzzlers to hybrids. While the
Cayenne S Hybrid is a step forward for Porsche, we should expect new hybrids to
at least exceed 30 MPG before we start bating our breath.

njkaters | My Bio & Articles

Nick Katers is a freelance writer based out of Milwaukee, WI. He has written business profiles for TrenchMice and interviewed entrepreneurs and leaders for The Internationalist Magazine. Katers holds a Masters in American History ...