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Porsche Preps for Hybrid Line

Rumors of the German manufacturer's intentions of developing a hybrid range for its vehicle has been around almost since the beginning of the year. Following the release of a few sketchy details on the Cayenne Hybrid S, no other news on the subject came from Porsche, at least up until now.

The exact same version of the Cayenne detailed by the manufacturer in February will be unleashed on the hybrid-hungry US market sometimes towards the end of 2010. Following the SUV, Porsche says (hold on!) a Panamera hybrid version will follow.

"It is clear that the customer in this segment wants this technical solution, which will communicate that they are successful, that I have a sporty car and that I care about the environment," Porsche sales chief Klaus Berning was quoted as saying by Autonews. "We are planning serious volume."

Porsche counts on the US for volumes in this sector of the market. Even if up until now Porsche hasn't released any pricing information of their upcoming range, Detlev von Platen, CEO of Porsche Cars North America expects the SUV at least to be priced 5 to 10 percent above the ones charged for the gasoline powered ones.

To help power the hybrids, Porsche will use nickel-metal hydride batteries sourced from Sanyo. The hybrid Cayenne will use a 3.0l supercharged V6, with consumption rates standing 27 percent lower than in its V6 regular version. Porsche plans to develop a V8 performance engine with four-cylinder efficiency.

The Panamera will also use a V6 mated to a hybrid system, targeting a 30 percent less fuel consumption than its current (or should we say future) version.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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