Green News: Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid SUV

Led by a highly advanced hybrid model, the new Porsche Cayenne sport-utility vehicle delivers improved performance while using less fuel and producing fewer emissions throughout the entire model lineup.

The North American Cayenne model range will include four models: the 2011 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo and the Cayenne S Hybrid. The S and Turbo models go on sale in July, with the Cayenne and Cayenne S Hybrid in dealer showrooms this fall.

All the new Cayenne models embody the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy, the evolution of vehicles sportier than their predecessors, yet more fuel and emissions efficient.

“Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy is more than a slogan. It is nothing less than Porsche keeping pace with the modern automotive landscape by dramatically lowering emissions, becoming greener and saving fuel,” explained Detlev von Platen, Porsche Cars North America President and CEO. “We will we accomplish this through technology and innovative ideas, just as we have throughout our history, and show that Porsche’s high performance and efficiency are not contradictory terms.”

Thanks to a special combination of materials as well as changes in the overall vehicle concept, such as a new all-wheel drive system, weight has been reduced on all models. Despite a higher standard of safety features, the Cayenne S, for example, is almost 400 lbs lighter, which not only improves fuel consumption and lowers emissions, but also boosts performance, agility, and handling.

The high-tech Cayenne S Hybrid that is debuting at the New York show next week features a highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid system. With a combined power output of 380 horsepower from the supercharged V6 combustion engine and an electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid combines the performance of a V8 with the economy of a V6.

Through continuous interaction between the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid focuses on maximum efficiency. Depending on driving conditions, either drive unit can operate independently or together. The 47-horsepower (34 kW) electric motor is the ideal partner for the 333-horsepower engine, which produces high torque at low engine speeds. With peak torque at 428 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm, the Cayenne S Hybrid’s performance is on par with a V8-powered Cayenne S.

The Cayenne S Hybrid’s two drive units are connected by a decoupling clutch. A hybrid controller constantly coordinates their complex interaction, and intelligent management of the clutch makes the transition among various driving modes seamless. Like many hybrids, the Cayenne S Hybrid can cover short distances on electric power alone, free of emissions and noise up to 60 km/h or almost 40 mph. For aggressive acceleration, the motor provides an extra ‘boost’ to the gasoline engine.

Like many hybrids, the Cayenne S Hybrid can cover short distances on electric power alone, free of emissions and noise up to 60 km/h or almost 40 mph. For aggressive acceleration, the motor provides an extra ‘boost’ to the gasoline engine.

A new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission with a wide range of gear ratios and the Automatic Start Stop function (first introduced on the Panamera) contribute to these improvements. So does efficient thermal management of the engine and transmission cooling circuits, on-board electrical network recuperation, variable deceleration fuel cut-off and the Cayenne’s intelligent lightweight construction.

The entry-level Cayenne with its 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine and mated to the new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission consumes 20 percent less fuel than its predecessor.

Fuel consumption is also down significantly on the high-torque Cayenne S. Its 4.8-liter V8 produces 400 horsepower, 15 more than the previous model.

The Cayenne Turbo, with its 500-horsepower, 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 also consumes less fuel than its predecessor despite its improved performance and acceleration.

Credits: wilswong