Porsche Cayenne, Panamera Hybrids Coming, Eventually


Porsche rolled out its hybrid version of the Cayenne SUV at the L.A. Auto Show even though they couldn’t tell us if it was a production or a concept. Because the Cayenne Hybrid is expected for production by 2009 — definitely before the end of the decade officials told us — it doesn’t really fit the concept mode.
Other news came that the still unrevealed Porsche Panamera four-door sport sedan will get the same hybrid technology as the Cayenne. There are no official numbers for the system besides that it should reduce fuel consumption by 30% and should be able to cruise on electric power at 75 mph. We’ll keep waiting on more word of these luxury green

 

I guess it is only on V6 model. If you want to drive fast, Don't bother it now.

 

Hold On! Based on recent press reports I've read, the Cayenne Hybrid (CH) is pretty quick off the line. It uses the instant available torque from the electric motor PLUS the torque from the gasoline engine (which increases torque as a function of engine speed). Press Reports (from Europe) for Fuel Mileage are coming in at 32 MPG. I'm assuming they are talking Imperial gallons, so MPG in the States would be lower.

My wife's '99 Honda CR-V gets only 22 MPG (combined, but mostly highway) and we are planning on replacing it soon. The CH is top on my list at the moment to replace the CR-V. When it comes to town, I'm already in-line for a test drive.

If I want to drive fast (and I usually do), I'll drive the Dakara or the 500E.

 

Kind of off topic... I was on Craigslist searching on hybrids. Found a bunch of Prius, Civic, Insight that are 4-6 yo that had replaced battery pack. I suppose it's okay as they have 10 yr warranty. However, I'd not like to do a $3-5k battery replacement every 4-6 yrs on a hybrid when similar econo sedans (civic, corrolla, echo, fit) can pull 30-33 mpg already.

 

Interesting news. I'd like to see the HP and MPG for this once it's released.