Garage Preview: Porsche Delivers First Hybrid Vehicle

This month Porsche is getting into the game of offering its first hybrid with the 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid sports utility. This is quite surprising since the German automakers - specifically Audi and VW - have been focusing on pushing diesels, while the Japanese and Asian brands have been ramping up hybrids.

The Cayenne S Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds on its way to a top test track speed of 150 mph, yet it delivers an impressive estimated 21 mpg city/25 highway under current EPA regulations. Its base MSRP is $67,700 (excluding destination), and like all Cayenne models, it is not subject to a gas-guzzler tax.

Like most hybrids the Cayenne S Hybrid can drive for a time on electric power alone at speeds up to 37 mph. However, it delivers efficiencies at cruising speeds through its ability to ‘sail’ or coast with the combustion engine turned off. It can do this for up to one mile, and this not only saves fuel but also minimizes emissions. Wow, can you say fast and fuel saver in the same sentence? Isn't this an oxymoron?

With a combined power output of 380-horsepower from the supercharged V6 combustion engine and an electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid delivers performance nearly equal to the Cayenne S with its 400-horsepower V8 and fuel economy estimates that exceed those of the Cayenne with the V6 engine. A comparable Cayenne, producing similar horsepower as the hybrid, but offering significantly less fuel savings will cost about $60,800.