Cayenne Hybrid pips Camry

Porsche is claiming its new high-performance Cayenne Hybrid SUV will use just 8.2L/100km when it arrives Down Under mid-year.

Details of the new petrol-electric full-size SUV were released today ahead of the all-new vehicle's debut at Geneva Auto Salon next week. The Hybrid is the pin-up of the new Cayenne range that also includes petrol and diesel V6 models as well as a 368kW turbo bahnstormer.

The Cayenne S Hybrid's Euro combined cycle fuel consumption is just 8.2 litres/100km and it pumps out 193g of CO2 per km. As the European testing and Aussie standard are aligned, the vehicle will likely log the same stats Down Under. Toyota's fleet darling the Camry returns an Aussie combined cycle figure of 8.8L/100km

The new S Hybrid is in fact the 'cleanest' vehicle in Porsche's entire line-up.

The Porsche's hybrid system is the same as highlighted in the launch of VW's new-generation Touareg. Under the skin The VW and Porsche share major componentry (not just hybrid powertrain) in this new generation -- just as they did with the first-gen Cayenne and Touareg.

In the Porsche, the supercharged petrol V6 is rated at 245kW and the electric motor 34kW. When required the combined output is 279kW, with peak torque of 580 Nm delivered at only 1000rpm.

The two drive units are coupled via a clutch which allows the S Hybrid to run on its electric motor or combustion engine alone, or in combination.

Says Porsche: "Given a reserved, moderate style of motoring, for example in a residential area, this allows the driver to cover short distances on electric power alone and therefore absolutely free of emissions and with hardly any noise at a speed of up to 60 km/h.

"To ensure fast acceleration from take off, the electric motor may however serve to provide additional thrust through its boosting effect. Intelligent management of the separator clutch makes the transition among the hybrid-specific driving modes inconspicuous, comfortable and quick.

"At the same time the combustion engine may be completely switched off at speeds of up to 156 km/h, being fully disengaged from the drivetrain when no further power is required. In this so-called 'sailing' mode (cruising along without power), the drag forces exerted by the combustion engine and their braking effect are eliminated in the interest of lower drive resistance and fuel consumption."

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) believes the S Hybrid will account for around 15% of local Cayenne volume. The SUV overall accounts for around half of Porsche's sales Down Under.

PCA spokesperson Paul Ellis told the Carsales Network the S Hybrid is an important vehicle for the company.

"It's important we're able to launch the new Cayenne range with the S Hybrid. There's customer demand for the car but it's also an important technical statement for the brand," Ellis told the Carsales Network.

When asked whether the S Hybrid grab a significant share of the SUV's local volume, Ellis commented: "We believe the hybrid will be around 15 per cent of Cayenne volume but this is new water for Porsche, in Australia and internationally."

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