porche

By, 2014-02-11

New 69.2-mpg S E-Hybrid model joins `clineup

Porsche has revealed a facelifted of its strong-selling, second-generation Cayenne, including a new-to-the-range 410-hp gasoline-electric S E-Hybrid model that is claimed to offer 0-62 mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds, a 151-mph top speed along with combined cycle consumption of 69.2 mpg (U.S.) a zero-emission electric range of 22 miles at speeds up to 78 mph.

Set to make its public debut at the upcoming Paris motor show prior to the start of North American sales before the end of the year, the reworked Cayenne receives a series of exterior interior design changes together with a range of reworked gasoline diesel engines allied to new fuel saving technology -- all aimed at providing it with fresh appeal four years after it first arrived in local showrooms.

The midlife styling changes appear subtle but bring some significant changes to the front end of the Cayenne, which receives a larger engine bay aperture. It has a new bumper with additional blades within the air ducts for more efficient use of the intercoolers, more angular headlamps with stard Xenon main beams (LED with Porsche Dynamic Light System on the top-of-the-line Turbo), redesigned front wings a larger hood boasting subtle contouring.

At the rear, there are revised taillights that, like the headlamps, adopt a more angular shape. The license plate recess opening mechanism now also blend more elegantly into the tailgate. The Porsche design team has also added a revised bumper with integrated tailpipes.

Changes inside include a new multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles -- modeled on those used on the 918 Spyder -- as stard equipment together with a more contoured rear seat that comes with optional ventilation.

Heading the long list of efficiency-boosting features is a new coast function as well as an improved of the existing model’s stop/start system -- both of which have been integrated into its stard eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Further innovations include active air flaps located behind the grille. They open or close depending on the cooling requirements for the engine, constantly adjusting the volume of air entering the engine bay helping to reduce aerodynamic drag.

New to the Cayenne lineup is the S E-Hybrid, which replaces the S Hybrid. It runs the same Audi-engineered superged 3.0-liter V6 direct-injection gasoline engine as its predecessor. With 328 hp 427 lb-ft of torque, it is mated to a new electric motor that develops more than double the power of its predecessor at 94 hp.

Altogether, Porsche’s third dedicated plug-in hybrid model, after the 918 Spyder Panamera S E-Hybrid, delivers a combined output of 410 hp at 5,500 rpm 434 lb-ft of torque between 1,200 4,000rpm, improving on the model it replaces 35 hp 7 lb-ft.

The S E-Hybrid is claimed to accelerate 0.6 seconds faster than the S Hybrid from zero to 62 mph, with an official time of 5.9 seconds. Top speed has also increased, but only incrementally, to 151 mph. Porsche quotes a zero-emissions electric range of between 11 22 miles depending on the topography of the road driving style. Top speed in electric mode is limited to 78 mph.