Porsche Cayenne hybrid is a go for 2009

As we reported earlier in March, Porsche may be considering a hybrid variant of the Cayenne. Well now, according to Detroit Free Press, Porsche is going to start offering gasoline-electric hybrid systems starting in 2009, with the Cayenne SUV being the first to go green.

Porsche will be relying on its relationship with Germany’s largest auto maker, Volkswagen, since it gives the tiny sports car maker the volume to produce hybrids. In a recent interview with Mark Phelan, Porsche executive, Bernd Harling, said “Going forward, Volkswagen is the key. Porsche’s low volume means we’re limited in our research and development. We must focus on what we can do best.”

The relationship could even spawn Porsche diesel cars in the future. Not many are aware, but Porsche did most of the engineering for Volkswagen’s upcoming Audi Q7 hybrid SUV.
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AMGC55 - 5/15/2007 2:10:00 PM

+5 Boost

kinda late eh?

Catsmeow - 5/15/2007 2:47:32 PM

+4 Boost

Isn't that the point though- just to be able to say that they're players in the hybrid game? Maybe something's better than nothing?

SupraNeverBack - 5/15/2007 3:08:31 PM

+3 Boost

Better than never. It got to be started somewhere. They are not exactly starting from scratch, since Toyota has paved a lot of roads for them, like batteries and many others, and more importantly been proving to them hybrids work, no risk taking because the risk has been taken by Toyota. They don't have to do market research, feasibility study etc...

Designer1 - 5/15/2007 3:30:34 PM

+3 Boost

About time.

Homer008 - 5/15/2007 3:43:20 PM

+1 Boost

This is an old news. Also, they won't have to worry about battery since they fallapart in 2-3 years off the road.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/15/2007 4:34:50 PM

-1 Boost

Booo! why is Porsche getting into this? The hybrid is such a cliché.

Caddyman07 - 5/15/2007 4:48:18 PM

-1 Boost

I sometimes think so too. Whats weird is that my grandmother doesnt even get the posted MPG figures for her Camry Hybrid. I think that says alot...

Caddyman07 - 5/15/2007 6:01:02 PM

-2 Boost

Please explain what you are getting at...

Will_ - 5/15/2007 10:40:23 PM

+1 Boost

This is going to hurt Porsche's image. Does anyone really think that the demographic of customers buying Porsches/BMWs care about fuel economy/hybrids? I'm actually arguing from a German talking point, but I've realized that it's true!

delan - 5/16/2007 12:29:18 AM

-1 Boost

Well damn Toyota, see what you done did?