Only a little is known at this point about the fuel economy of the upcoming model, but Porsche says the Cayenne S Hybrid will be rated somewhere below 9 liters of fuel per kilometers (this stands for approximately 26 mpg in combined cycle in the United States). Just like many other hybrids, Porsche’s will incorporate two engines, an electric and a combustion engine delivering two of the most important attributes during recession times: very low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
To get to some technical stuff, you should know the Cayenne S Hybrid will be powered by an Audi-sourced supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 333 horsepower and a maximum of 324 ft-lb of torque. But more importantly, the electric unit adds around 52 hp and 221 ft-lb of torque, being powered by a 38 kW NiMH battery that weighs around 154 lbs (70 kg).
Even though some people may believe lithium-ion batteries would be recommended for such a high-performance vehicle, Porsche says the aforementioned battery pack can help the Cayenne S Hybrid achieve a maximum speed of 86 mph (138 km/h) without using the combustion engines. This practically means 0 fuel consumption and 0 CO2 emissions.
The two engines are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the whole assembly “expected to emit some 20 percent less C02 than comparable combustion engine vehicles with similar power output,” as Porsche said in a statement for the press.
Another thing worth mentioning is that the hybrid won’t affect the luggage space, the interior or the design of the car in any form. And more importantly, it will continue to offer the must-have comfort features, such as air conditioning.
Porsche says a hybrid Panamera is also on track, but the company plans to launch the model after the official release of the hybrid Cayenne. No details are available for the time being.
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