Porsche plans on improving the fuel economy of its Cayenne SUV by introducing a hybrid-powered variant by the end of 2009. The German automaker indeed projects to reduce the fuel consumption of the Cayenne from 12.9 to 8.9 litres per 100 kilometers (over 30 percent less).
This improvement comes in the midst of new European regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO
2 ). The European Commission wants to reduce the average CO
2 levels at 130 grams per kilometer by 2012. The current Porsche Cayenne produces 320 to 378 grams per kilometer depending on the model. To achieve such an ambitious goal, the company is working with Volkswagen and Audi on the development of hybrid powertrains capable of capturing and storing kinetic energy during braking. This type of technology would allow the Cayenne to cover about 75 kilometers at a speed of 120 kph using electric power alone. Beyond that, the combustion engine would back up the electric motor.
photo: Porsche