In the very recent past, performance hybrid systems have not had the best record for generating strong sales.  That trend seems to be shifting gears, with green being the new black, and luxury carmakers jumping on the bandwagon, so to speak!  Porsche is even joining the ranks of luxury hybrids, with its new 2011 Porsche Cayenne S hybrid.

Porsche evidently feels that the luxury hybrid market is the key to the future, and rightfully so.  With new fuel economy standards being adopted in the United States and other countries, even the luxury carmakers are preparing for a green future.  It is a good business move that has the double bonus of being good for the environment, which is in turn good for everyone.

Back to the 2011 Cayenne hybrid itself, it is an off-road capable model that has the capacity to hold its own on the track, yet astound with a shocking 20 miles per gallon highway.  Porsche is focusing on technology, which should lead buyers to consider buying the hybrid models, as the focus on the futuristic technology is first and foremost, and buyers can be assured of high performance and improved gas mileage.  Who doesn’t like the sound of better gas mileage?   

Now let’s discuss the specifications of the hybrid Porsche Cayenne.  It features an all-new full parallel hybrid system, developed together with that of the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg hybrid.  The engine is a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 pushing out 333 horsepower, exactly the same as the Audi S4, plus an electric motor system boosting 47 horsepower (34 kW).  Basically, it offers the performance of a V8 with the fuel economy of a V6.  A dry decoupling clutch, carefully meshed with electronics, allows the system to select one power source or another, either electric or gas.  Another perk, the hybrid V6 Cayenne is faster than the regular V6 Porsche Cayenne, hitting the 0-60 mark in 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 150.

Finally, what sets this Porsche hybrid apart from the others is that there is no need to “feather-foot” it to reap the benefits of increased fuel economy.  It was programmed to always be prepared to induce mileage gains, whether driving slowly and gently, or driving it with enthusiasm.  In other words, you can drive it like a Porsche is meant to be driven!  It is always on alert with both power sources, for a seamless interchange, with a throttle response befitting a sports car.

With the clutch pack disengaged, or both power sources completely, you can ‘sail’ the hybrid Cayenne up to 97 miles per hour, allowing the gas engine to turn off and take advantage of higher fuel efficiency, even at higher speeds.

 

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