Early launch for new Cayenne

Sat 9 Aug 2008
Porsche has rushed forward development of its next-generation Cayenne after recent market reports revealed that buyers are turning away from large, thirsty SUVs.

It’s now almost certain that the next Cayenne will arrive early in 2010 rather than 2011. Sources reveal that Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking is utilising his increasing influence over the VW Group to lobby hard for the premium SUV to be launched before VW’s cheaper second-generation Touareg hits the road in late 2010 or 2011.

These most recent spy shots reveal the 2010 Cayenne in more detail than ever. It’s a more compact car than its bulky predecessor, set lower and with a sleeker roofline. Sources suggest it will be lighter too, improving economy and CO2 emissions.

As the market demand for more fuel-efficient SUVs increases, Porsche has confirmed that its next-generation Cayenne will be offered with both diesel and hybrid powertrains as well as the more familiar range of high-powered petrol engines.

In fact, a diesel version of the current Cayenne will be launched in March 2009 using a version of Audi’s 3.0-litre V6 TDI with around 240bhp and 400lb ft torque. The same unit is likely to be available in the next Cayenne from its early 2010 launch date.

Some months after its launch, the next Cayenne will adopt a parallel hybrid system, which we’ll see for the first time on forthcoming 2009 Porsche Panamera saloon. A battery pack will be located beneath Cayenne’s boot floor working in combination with an electric motor and petrol engine to offer 30mpg fuel economy.

It’s all part of Porsche’s pledge to cut its overall model emissions by 20 per cent for 2012.

Source:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Porsche-Cayenne/234360/