| Future Green Tech | LA Auto Show 2007 | Porsche Cayenne Hybrid |
Porsche looks set to hit back at those who say big 4x4s can't be economical, with the German manufacturer targeting the release of a Cayenne Hybrid in the next decade. Making its US debut at the
Los Angeles motor show this week, the eco-friendly Cayenne was placed alongside arguably Ferdinand Porsche's first hybrid vehicle, the Lohner-Porsche, which made an appearance at the Paris World Fair in 1900 and used electric motors in its wheel hubs.
Using a similar electric motor philosophy, a 'Full-Parallel-Hybrid System' has been developed for the Porsche Cayenne, which is cleverly integrated into the drivetrain along with the clutch, helping to save weight and limit the motor's impact on interior space. The compact design should also help the Cayenne retain its uncanny handling ability.
Used in conjunction with a V6 petrol unit, under normal driving conditions fuel economy is said to hit a respectable 30mpg and emissions are much lower too. Early performance reports suggest that Porsche's hybrid motor is also the most powerful hybrid package yet - managing up to 75mph on guilt-free battery power alone.
Maybe there's hope for 4x4s after all...
Kyle Molyneux - 17 Nov 2007