2010 Geneva Preview: 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid joins Cayenne lineup

Porsche has officially released details and images of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, which will make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show next month. The biggest news for the 2011 model year is the availability of the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid that features a parallel full hybrid drive system allowing it to return a combined fuel-economy of 29 mpg.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is powered by a 333-hp 3 liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine mated to a 47-hp electric-motor, allowing it to produce a total output of 380-hp and a maximum torque of 427 b-ft. Porsche says that that allows the same performance level of a V8 engine.

Both drive units are connected together by the Hybrid Manager, which is essential to run the Cayenne S Hybrid on its electric-motor or combustion engine alone, or with both drive units working together. Now when you drive a Porsche, you rarely have a modest style of driving; however, Porsche says that if you have a “moderate style of motoring” you can drive the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid on electric power alone at speeds of up to 40 mph.

The Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid also features something called a “sailing mode.” While to ensure fast take-off from the line, the electric-motor may require the assistance of the V6 gasoline engine, Porsche says that at times, the combustion engine may completely switch off at speeds of up to 97 mph – meaning it can be fully disengaged from the drivetrain when no further power is required.

Joining the Cayenne S Hybrid in the U.S. market will get the base 2011 Cayenne model running on a 300-hp 3.6L V6 engine mated to a new 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, with fuel-economy increased by 20 percent. The 2011 Cayenne S gets a 4.8L V8 making 15 more horses than before for a total of 400-hp and a fuel-economy jump of 23 percent. Last but not least, Porsche will offer the U.S. the 2011 Cayenne Turbo, which will run on a 500-hp 4.8L twin-turbocharged V8, consuming 23 percent less fuel than its predecessor with improved performance and acceleration. Porsche says that together with the Cayenne S Hybrid, three of the new Cayenne models produce less than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne will make its stateside debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Sales of the 2011 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo will start in July, while the base Cayenne and the Cayenne S Hybrid will arrive in the fall. Prices will be announced closer to launch date.

Hit the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2011 Porsche Cayenne:

Press Release:

Next-Generation Porsche Cayenne Led by Intelligent, Powerful Hybrid

All-new SUV debuts in Geneva with more room, technology, performance, and significantly less weight and fuel consumption

ATLANTA ““ February 25, 2010 ““ Led by a technologically advanced full hybrid model, the all-new, next-generation Porsche Cayenne sport-utility vehicle will debut at the Geneva motor show in early March. In line with the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy, the entire range, from the entry level Cayenne with a V6 engine to the 500-horsepower Cayenne Turbo, all deliver improved performance while using less fuel and producing fewer emissions than ever before.

The New Porsche Cayenne will make its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show (press days: March 31 and April 1, public days: April 2-11). The Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo go on sale in July as a 2011 model, and U.S. pricing will be announced soon. Porsche dealerships will offer the Cayenne and Cayenne S Hybrid in the fall.

The performance of a V8 with the fuel efficiency of a V6

The highlight is the new Cayenne S Hybrid featuring a highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive system. With a combined power output of 380 horsepower from the supercharged V6 combustion engine and an electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid combines the performance of a V8 with the economy of a V6.

Through continuous interaction between the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid focuses on maximum efficiency. Depending on driving conditions, either drive unit can operate independently or together. The 47-horsepower (34 kW) electric motor is the ideal partner for the 333-horsepower engine, which produces high torque at low engine speeds. With peak torque at 427 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm, the Cayenne S Hybrid”s performance is on par with a V8-powered Cayenne S.

The Cayenne S Hybrid”s two drive units are connected by a decoupling clutch. A hybrid controller constantly coordinates their complex interaction, and intelligent management of the clutch makes the transition among various driving modes seamless. Like many hybrids, the Cayenne S Hybrid can cover short distances on electric power alone, free of emissions and noise up to 60 km/h or almost 40 mph. For aggressive acceleration, the motor provides an extra “˜boost” to the gasoline engine.

What makes the Cayenne S Hybrid unique is its ability to cruise at high speeds on electric power alone. The gasoline engine can be completely switched off and disengaged from the drivetrain at speeds of up to 97 mph. Christened by the Weissach engineers as “˜sailing” ““ or cruising — mode, the drag forces exerted by the combustion engine and their braking effect are eliminated in the interest of lower resistance and fuel consumption.

All new-generation Cayenne SUVs set high standards for efficiency and performance. Compared with the former models, fuel consumption is down by up to 23 percent in the New European Driving Cycle and CO2 emissions are significantly reduced, despite the increased performance. Actual EPA-certified fuel economy figures will be available when the cars go on sale in North America in July.

A new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission with a wide range of gear ratios and the Automatic Start Stop function (first introduced on the Panamera) contribute to these improvements. So does efficient thermal management of the engine and transmission cooling circuits, on-board electrical network recuperation, variable deceleration fuel cut-off and the Cayenne”s intelligent lightweight construction.

New Cayenne sheds weight, gains space, yet looks more sleek and compact

Thanks to a special combination of materials as well as changes in the overall vehicle concept, such as a new all-wheel drive system, weight has been significantly reduced on all models. Despite an even higher standard of safety, the Cayenne S is 400 lbs lighter, which not only improves fuel consumption and lowers emissions, but also boosts performance, agility, and handling.

The completely new Cayenne design leaves no doubt that it is part of the Porsche family. Its sporting character is evident from all angles, and its Porsche shape and design highlights are more distinct than ever before.

The new Cayenne is 1.9 inches longer than its predecessor, and an added 1.6 inches in wheelbase ensures extra space and greater versatility. But despite larger exterior dimensions, the new Cayenne looks far more compact and dynamic.

Inside, the luxurious interior features a high center console that, like the Panamera, rises up at an incline to meet the dashboard center stack with high-quality fittings and a touch-screen infotainment interface. Porsche”s traditional set of five round instruments in the drivers gauge cluster includes a high-resolution circular TFT screen to the right of the tachometer. It can be used to change radio stations, vehicle settings, or access the navigation system or view the map. Rear-seat comfort is much improved, as well. The bench slides fore-and-aft by 6.3 inches, while the backrest can be adjusted to three different angles.

The Cayenne V6 and V8 engines are more powerful and more fuel efficient

The entry-level Cayenne with its 300-horsepwer 3.6-liter V6 engine and mated to the new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission consumes 20 percent less fuel in the New European Driving Cycle than its predecessor.

Fuel consumption is also down significantly on the high-torque Cayenne S. Its 4.8-liter V8 produces 400 horsepower, 15 more than the previous model. When combined with the overall weight savings, performance is markedly increased, yet fuel consumption is down by 23 percent in the New European Driving Cycle.

The Cayenne Turbo, with its 500-horsepower, 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 also consumes 23 percent less fuel than its predecessor despite its improved performance and acceleration.

Together with the Cayenne S Hybrid, three of the new Cayenne models produce less than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometer. At 193 g/km, the Cayenne S Hybrid is not only the cleanest Cayenne model, but also the cleanest vehicle in Porsche”s entire portfolio.

– By: Omar Rana