Porsche exec says company will meet tough U.S. fuel standards

Of all the auto manufacturers struggling to meet strict U.S. fuel-economy standards of 35.5 mpg by 2016, Porsche is probably one automaker that has it the worst. However, Detlev Von Platen, the Porsche’s North American president, told Reuters that meeting the company will do what it takes. The U.S. fuel economy standards will affect 2017 model year light vehicles, including cars and light trucks.

Von Platen said that meeting the standards is a key challenge for Porsche and that gasoline-electric hybrids will make up 10 percent to 15 percent of two of its top sellers in the U.S. market. That will include the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and the upcoming Porsche Panamera S Hybrid.

“We have been hit the hardest in this market on the (fuel efficiency) standards,” said Von Platen. The company’s best-selling 911 lineup gets less than 20 mpg in city driving.

Porsche has also revealed plans to do electric sports cars. The German automaker recently said that it is testing research vehicles with all-electric-drive.

Refresher: The 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, is powered by a 333-hp 3.0L supercharged V6 gasoline engine mated to a 47-hp electric-motor. The system allows the SUV to produce 380-hp and a maximum torque of 427 b-ft. Porsche says that that allows the same performance level of a V8 engine while increasing fuel-economy by 20 percent. Prices start at $67,700.

2011 Porsche Cayenne:

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters