Cayenne S Hybrid breaks new grounds for Porsche

Sales of the Cayenne in Europe are starting on 8 May, so let's see what does the parallel full hybrid drive in a midsize SUV promise. First of all it is the fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle of just 8.2 litres/100 kilometres. Secondly, it is the performance of an 8-cylinder. These two promises combined bring us the V8-like enyoment with an economy of a six-cylinder on a diet.

This goal has been achieved by the introduction of the new Tiptronic S 8-speed automatic transmission with Auto Start Stop and a wide spread of gear ratios, thermal management on the engine and transmission cooling circuit, on-board network recuperation, variable engine cut-off and intelligent lightweight construction. Total weight reductions, for example on the Cayenne S is 180 kgs. This effects not just the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, but also the performance, agility and handling.

At 193 g/km, the Cayenne S Hybrid is not only the cleanest version of the Cayenne with the lowest level of emissions, but also the cleanest Porsche throughout the Company’s entire portfolio.

Extra space inside and greater variability is ensured by the wheelbase now 40 mm longer. In all, the new Cayenne is 48 mm longer than its predecessor. The most significant eye-catcher within the brand-new, high-quality interior is the centre console rising up to the front with its upright selector or gearshift lever, giving the interior the typical character of a cockpit upfront. The rear-seat bench moves fore-and-aft by 160 millimetres, with the backrest angle adjusting to three different settings.

In the intelligent interaction of the 3-litre supercharged V6 and the electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid focuses on maximum efficiency from the overall system. Depending on driving conditions, the vehicle reaches this target with either only one drive unit operating by itself or with both drive units working together. In this context the 34 kW (47 hp) electric motor is of course the ideal partner for the 333 hp compressor engine with its high torque at low speeds. Together, the two drive units deliver maximum system output of 380 bhp and peak torque of 580 Nm at just 1,000 rpm, with the same kind of performance as the Cayenne S with its V8 power unit.

The two drive units are connected to one another by a separator clutch masterminded by the Hybrid Manager. Indeed, this separator clutch is essential to run the Cayenne S Hybrid either on its electric motor or combustion engine alone, or with both drive units operating together. Given a reserved, moderate style of motoring, for example in a residential area, this allows the driver to cover short distances on electric power alone and therefore absolutely free of emissions and with hardly any noise, driving at a speed of up to 60 km/h.

To ensure fast acceleration when setting off, the electric motor may however serve to provide additional thrust through its boosting effect. Intelligent management of the separator clutch makes the transition among the hybrid-specific driving modes most inconspicuous, comfortable and quick for the driver. At the same time the combustion engine may be completely switched off at speeds of up to 156 km/h, being fully disengaged from the drivetrain when no further power is required. In this so-called sailing mode, cruising along without power, the drag forces exerted by the combustion engine and their braking effect are eliminated in the interest of lower drive resistance and fuel consumption.

Cayenne S Hybrid is not the only variant that sets the Porsche’s environmental records straight. Fuel consumption is also down significantly on the Cayenne Turbo, with its 500 bhp (368 kW) 4.8-litre V8 biturbo consuming just 11.5 l/100 km in the NEDC driving cycle, 23 per cent less than its predecessor (14.9 l/100 km). The Cayenne S consumes 10.5 litres/100 kilometres with the 4.8-litre V8 delivering 400 bhp maximum output instead of the former 385 bhp.

Even the 3.6-litre V6 Cayenne when equipped with an optional 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission consumes less than 10 litres/100 km. As fantastic as it may sound, the Cayenne Diesel with its 176 kW, 550 Nm 3.0 V6 likewise reduces fuel consumption from 9.3 to 7.4 l/100 km.