MotorWeek Gets First Look At Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Porsche uses new tech to make the Cayenne E-Hybrid a true driver’s vehicle.
There’s no escaping hybrids these days, but that’s really not a bad thing when hybrid tech has now become a byword for speed. No one ever called the 918 slow, and certainly no one will call the Cayenne E-Hybrid slow either. MotorWeek took a trip to France to try out the new model, and host Garick Zikan explains why this Porsche can carry pedigreed DNA even in a hybrid SUV format.
Zikan lets us know that power is ensured, as “engineers boosted total output by 39 horsepower to 455.” As well, the hybrid system has been adjusted to provide more power and more range, using technology learned from the 918. All that new work has netted a total of 516 lb/ft of torque. Considering that’s from an SUV with a small V6 is quite a wonder, and even better, all-electric range is pushed to 27 miles for this plug-in hybrid.
Technology has always been Porsche’s forefront, and in addition to the hybrid activity seamlessly happening in the background, driving assistance is cranked up as well. Cayenne E-Hybrids will feature Porsche’s InnoDrive, which is a smart cruise control system. “It can calculate 1.8 miles down the road choosing gears, and deciding if gas or electric would work best,” says Zikan. InnoDrive works off high-definition navigation maps, taking in speed limits and topographical changes into consideration. In stead of reacting to the extra load of a gradient, the system will adjust parameters of the car in a predictive manner. As well, it also uses radar and sensors to assist with the all too common traffic jam in order to reduce stress for the driver.
But like all Porsche models, the DNA of this Porsche is unmistakable, and in the US, will be available next year.
Join the 6SpeedOnline forums now!
