Review Of 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

Sum ‘n’ Substance

Yeah, you read the title write, Porsche has announced the 2011 hybrid Cayenne S. Looks like all the manufacturers are turning to Hybrid technology to combat the soaring fuel prices. Even Lamborghini has joined the band wagon too, with a concept to be announced in 2012. while the average sports-car enthusiast might scream bloody murder, this is not Porsches first outing into the hybrid world. As a matter of fact Porsche was one of the earliest developers of the hybrid engine with the Lohner-Porsche Mixte Hybrid. Built by Ferdinand Porsche nearly 2 centuries ago, the Mixte had four electric motors at its wheel- hubs and electricity was delivered with the help of batteries and a tiny generator. This was the concept on which many other companies like the Chevrolet volt, Cadillac Escalade etc followed. But since the mixte, there has been no Porsche hybrid. With all the eco- changes and economic instability, Porsche have finally woken up and pulled out all the old plans from the closet that built the Mixte. They have selected the most commercial Porsche to turn into a hybrid vehicle.

The vehicle layout is similar to the Toureg and the  Q7, since the hybrid powertrain was  developed by its parent companies, Volkswagen and Audi. Under the bonnet we have a 333 horses generated by 3.0-liter twin-supercharged DOHC 24-valve V6 and also combined with a 38-kilowatt/ 52 horse electric motor . this entire assembly is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission that adds two overdrive gears compared with the old six-speed Trip-tronic. The torque produced is a good, 406 lb-ft. Porsche has tried to increase the mileage by decreasing the curb weight of the Cayenne. They have shed at least 30 percent of the hybrid modules weight, the power steering is electro- hydraulic and the air conditioning instead of being belt- driven is connected to a 240-cell, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery located under the cargo area at the back. The transmission is powered by electricity which replaces the oil pump and the vacuum pump for the brakes is relocated. So the curb weight is 5300 lbs. the drive train is in a parallel layout allowing only gas, gas-electric and only electric power. Shifting between the three power modes is done with a single disengagement clutch without the need for any additional gears or clutches. The entire transition takes around 300 milli seconds and is practically undetectable. For all this gadgetry to function there is an Hybrid manager ECU unit that monitors and processes 20,000 data parameters to achieve optimum performance and fuel-efficiency.

The result? The Cayenne Hybrid can do a 0- 60mph in less than 6.3 seconds and manages a fuel-economy reading of 27mpg. Although the car is still in its development phase, the figures are simply astonishing. There also is “sail” function on board the Cayenne that can do 86 mph only on electric power and also manages a damn good 36mph for 1.2 miles before the battery runs out. The KERS technology inspired from motor racing, like Formula 1 more and the dual function of the electric motor working as an alternator, both are responsible in recharging the battery.

The overall performance of the hybrid was no short than fantastic either. The power blurted out from the hybrid was on par with the conventional cayenne. Even the electro- hydraulic steering was good, may be a little over-cooked, but still good. The status display on the Hybrid shows the battery levels, recharge, fuel efficiency and other such parameters.

To conclude, Porsche’s engineers wanted the Cayenne Hybrid to work and feel like a normal Porsche Cayenne, and I think, they’ve succeeded. The Porsche cayenne hybrid, is still on the road to perfection and will hit the market later next year, and will retail for $60,000.