Porsche Releases More Cayenne S V6 Hybrid Details - Sales to Commence in 2010

If you're going to go for a large and powerful SUV, you might as well opt for one that consumes as less fuel and emits as less CO2 as possible - at least that's the logic behind vehicles like the forthcoming Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid that will be available worldwide from the beginning of 2010. According to the German automaker, the hybridized Cayenne will consume less than 9.0 liters of fuel per 100km (26.2 mpg US) in the New European Driving Cycle (EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available) and emit some 20 percent less C02 than comparable combustion engine vehicles with similar power output.Talking about power, the Cayenne S Hybrid uses a supercharged Audi 3.0-liter V6 engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), for 333-horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm. The V6 is mated to a 52-horsepower three-phase synchronous electric motor that produces up to 221 lb-ft of torque and also acts as an alternator, while the combined power units are joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Also on board is a 154-lb. no-maintenance 38 kW nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery which takes the place of the spare tire under the luggage compartment.

Porsche said that the company's engineers have been able to drive the SUV at speeds up to 86 mph (140 km/h) without at all using the supercharged V6 combustion engine. In terms of performance, the Cayenne S Hybrid is said to cover the 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in just 6.8 seconds.

For those that prefer sedans over SUVs, you'll be glad to learn that a similar hybrid system will find its way into the new Porsche Panamera four-door saloon sometime after the car's market debut in late summer 2009.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.com

Porsche 911/998: First time on video

The new 2011 Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet have been caught on video for the first time. This is the new generation of Porsche's flagship sports car, internally referred to as the 998.

Our spies showed up on the scene while three prototypes were at a fuel stop. They took full advantage, capturing over two minutes of raw video, showing the much-loved car from many different angles. Engineers have been looking into winter performance capabilities of the 998 in the north of Sweden, where extreme weather pushes cars to their limits. Two cabrios and a coupe were being road tested.

The drivers looked to be doing some reconnaissance work of their own, snapping several photos of the spies as they headed back to the highways.

Generational improvements will include raised headlights, new side mirrors placed on the doors, with LEDs expected at both the front and back. Inside, more room will be made at the back, requiring the car to be stretched a bit longer. Power should come from direct-injection engines, with a possible 3.0-liter version coming standard. Customers will have the choice of upgrading to an all-wheel-drive version, or keeping the standard RWD. Transmission choices include a manual transmission, or the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch currently seen on the 2009 model.

Source: CarPix

Next Generation Porsche Boxster Caught in the Snow

Spy shots starring Porsche cars are as popular as ever regardless of the fact that the Stuttgart-based automaker is churning out different models like it was a fashion show. The 2011 Boxster is the subject of this spy photo spread showing the car undergoing winter testing in Scandinavia.

Porsche used the body of the current Boxster to obscure the real star of the show. Even after their hard work one or two details cannot be hidden. The two rear lights clusters show a cleaner look with two or perhaps three round lights in each. It may be a another red herring but the roof is made of cloth instead of composite metals which means the Boxster hasn't gone coupe cabriolet like its rivals the Mercedes SLK and the new BMW Z4. Other than that no other serious detail can be made out from these spy pictures. An evolution rather than a revolution in styling will be the design stance taken by Porsche for the next Boxster then.

The Porsche Boxster was launched in 1996 to complement the 911 range. It was the first Porsche designed as a roadster from scratch as it wasn't based on any existing model. Upgraded engines were introduced in 2000 and both styling and engines changed in 2003. Further improvements were made to the Boxster in 2005 and in 2007. Last November a new face-lift version appeared at the LA Auto Show with yet more power and features such as the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) 7-speed double clutch gearbox.

Source: Porsche