2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid |
When compared with the previous Cayenne models, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid stands 145 lbs lighter having shed 400 lbs overall from its shell. Agile on-road driving dynamics are provided by options like Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus and Porsche’s new active all-wheel drive system. An evolved version of the current Bi-Xenon light system is the Cayenne speed-sensitive headlight control called the PDLS (Porsche Dynamic Light System) is also offered on the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.
The Cayenne S Hybrid starts retailing at $67,700 and is currently available on order
The good: The mix of supercharged engine and electric motor gives the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid respectable power and the best city fuel economy of the Cayenne lineup. Handling comes up to Porsche sports car standards.
The bottom line: The 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid offers the performance you would expect from a Porsche, and better fuel economy.
Continuing a relationship between Porsche and Volkswagen that goes back to the first Beetle, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid shares a lot of DNA with the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, perhaps too much. The cars are built on the same platform, and get the same hybrid power train. The Cayenne S Hybrid looks like a Porsche, but is it different enough from the Volkswagen?
Maintaining a quiet elegance, the Cayenne Hybrid takes no great pains to advertise green-ness. That sort of mileage isn't bad, considering the Cayenne Hybrid's power. That gets the Cayenne Hybrid to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, according to Porsche, just a half second slower than the V-8-powered Cayenne S.
Behind the wheel, the Cayenne Hybrid steps lively, a mashed accelerator delivering thrilling, and smooth, acceleration. In Sport mode and driving aggressively, fourth is often the power gear for the corners.
In line with the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy, the entire range, from the entry-level Cayenne with a V-6 engine to the 500-horsepower Cayenne Turbo, all deliver improved performance while using less fuel and producing fewer emissions than ever before. The highlight is the new Cayenne S Hybrid featuring a highly sophisticated parallel full-hybrid drive system. Through continuous interaction between the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 and electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid focuses on maximum efficiency. The 47-horsepower electric motor is the ideal partner for the 333-horsepower engine, which produces high torque at low engine speeds. With peak torque at 427 lbs.-ft. at just 1,000 rpm, the Cayenne S Hybrid’s performance is on par with a V-8-powered Cayenne S.
The Cayenne S Hybrid’s two drive units are connected by a decoupling clutch. What makes the Cayenne S Hybrid unique is its ability to cruise at high speeds on electric power alone. Porsche dealerships will offer the Cayenne and Cayenne S Hybrid in the fall.