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2010 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
They say better late then never. The Cayenne Hybrid was originally planned for a 2008 release date, but problems in developing the drive train caused unexpected delays. The new planned release is in late 2009. Thankfully, the 2010 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid looks like it may have been worth the wait.
Porsche created the Cayenne after a slump in sports car sales in 1990's nearly put the independent manufacturer out of business. The decision to branch out has been well worth the effort: Porsche has been seeing unprecedented profits and growth since the Cayenne's 2003 release.
The Cayenne Hybrid is a reaction to criticism of Porsche as public focus has turned more towards global warming and environmentally friendly vehicles. Working in collaboration with Volkswagon and Audi, Porsche has developed a new drive train that is lighter then any hybrid engine on the market.
Initially the hybrid was predicted to improve fuel efficiency by 15%. When Porsche put its Cayenne Hybrid demonstration car on display at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, it showed an impressive 30% increase in fuel efficiency. Some estimates suggest that the Cayenne Hybrid will be at 26 miles per gallon, or better, by the time it hits the sales floor.
In addition to increased fuel efficiency, the information suggests an impressive capability in the electric motor. The Cayenne Hybrid will be capable of coasting at 75 miles per hour on just electric power.
The Cayenne Hybrid is what is known as a full hybrid, meaning it can run entirely on either engine or both together. The unusual size and configuration of the electric motor has caused Porsche to place it in what is normally the spare tire well, avoiding the unusual hood configurations sometimes seen in hybrids, such as the bulge in prototypes of the BMW X6. There has been some speculation that the Cayenne Hybrid will come with drive-flat tires standard, to make up for the loss of the spare tire compartment, but I wouldn't put it past Porsche to find a way to squeeze a spare tire in somewhere else. Porsche, as their website tells you, is good as squeezing things (a bit of extra horsepower, another few pounds of torque . . .)
Originally, the hybrid was expected to come out with a $44,000 price tag, however the delay in production, and the dollars loss of buying power, have some experts predicting a price closer to $50,000. Either way, as always, Porsche is for the driver who isn't afraid to spend for the privilege.