Porsche Cayenne Goes Hybrid

[ZachBowman]

If ever there was an SUV that begs for eco vandalism, it?s the Porsche Cayenne. The massive SUV is big for big?s sake. Though technically capable of tackling the challenges of the Trans-Siberian Rally, most Cayennes spend their time drinking their neighbor?s share of fuel and leaving more common motorists in the wake the behemoth?s sizeable carbon foot print. But according to Porsche, that may be about to change. The company says it plans to unveil the next-generation Cayenne at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and spear-heading the lineup is a new hybrid version of the bloated SUV.

We can expect concrete details as we get closer to the show, but for now we know the ute gets the majority of its power from a turbo 3.0-liter V6. Porsche rummaged around in the familial parts bin and plucked the engine straight from the delicious Audi S4. In that car, it?s capable of 325 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque, though so far Porsche isn?t saying exactly what the output will be in the Cayenne. An electric motor will add a bump in pep as well, and we?re guessing a start/stop function will help conserve fuel.

The good folk at Autocar were lucky enough to score some time behind the Cayenne S Hybrid Prototype?s wheel. According to them, the SUV feels just as fast as its standard internal combustion cousin. Does that mean Porsche will up the power in the standard version? It?s hard to tell just yet. We?ll keep you posted.

Source AutoblogGreen