Porsche to Unveil First Production Hybrid, the All-New Cayenne S Hybrid SUV, at the New York Auto Show

ATLANTA, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche will introduce the next-generation Cayenne sport utility vehicle, including a hybrid gas-electric version, to the North American market on March 31 during a press conference at the New York International Automobile Show.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100324/CL76043 )

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."

Cayenne's dynamic new design offers less weight and more room

The Cayenne's new exterior leaves no doubt it is part of the Porsche family. Its sporting character is evident from all angles, and its Porsche shape and highlights are more distinct than before. From a dimensions standpoint, it is 1.9 inches longer than its predecessor, and its wheelbase adds 1.6 inches, ensuring extra interior space and greater versatility. Still, despite its larger exterior, this next-generation Cayenne looks even more compact and dynamic.

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.

Inside, the luxurious interior features a high center console that, like the Panamera, rises up at an incline to meet the dashboard center stack and a touch-screen infotainment interface. Porsche's traditional set of five round instruments in the driver's gauge cluster includes a high-resolution circular TFT screen to the right of the tachometer. It can be used to change radio stations, vehicle settings, access the navigation system or view the map. Rear-seat comfort is improved, as well. The bench slides fore-and-aft by 6.3 inches, while the backrest can be adjusted.

The advanced Cayenne S Hybrid

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 standard for Sport Utility Vehicles

All new-generation Cayenne SUVs set high standards for efficiency and performance. Compared with the former models, fuel consumption is down by up to 23 percent in the New European Driving Cycle and CO2 emissions are reduced. Actual EPA-certified fuel economy figures will be available when the cars go on sale in North America in July.

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.

Three other new Porsche models are making their New York debuts next week.  Most prominent is the agile, light and dynamic 2011 Boxster Spyder roadster, a purer Porsche roadster weighing in at just 2,811 lbs. This sleek version of Porsche's popular mid-engine sports car is the lightest Porsche available is on sale now with an MSRP of $61,200. Also on display will be the 2011 911 Turbo Cabriolet featuring  a 500-horsepower 3.8-liter engine, the first entirely new engine in 911 Turbo's storied 35-year- history. Finally, the new Porsche Panamera, the company's first four-door Gran Turismo, will grace the Porsche display in New York.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 200 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 61-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful brand in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the highly acclaimed Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, high-end Cayenne sport utility vehicles and the four-passenger Panamera Gran Turismos, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.

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SOURCE Porsche Cars North America, Inc.