DESCRIPTION

Pros:

• A solid performer on the road, at the track, or off-road
• Dual personalities for the track or off-road play
• World-class interior that that abounds in luxury features

Cons:

• Options are expensive
• 2nd row comfort is equivalent to economy class
• Cargo capacity is limited to a few large suitcases

The all-new 2nd generation 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is Porsche's first production hybrid. As a hybrid, the Cayenne pumps out more power on less fuel, has increased efficiency over previous models, and is nicer to the environment with a much lower CO2 emissions count. MSRP for the 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid is $68,300.

New for the 2011 is the active all-wheel drive system that can be paired with the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus option to provide agile on -road driving dynamics and adept off-road capabilities. New safety systems such as the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), Lane Change Assistant (LCA), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are available as options. Plus, there are new high-end audio systems from Bose and Burmester.

The new Cayenne S Hybrid features a sophisticated parallel full hybrid system, but it has the capability of covering short distances solely on electric power, emission and noise free, up to 40 mph. With a combined power output of 380 horsepower from the supercharged V6 combustion engine and an electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid combines the performance of a V8 with the economy of a V6.

Through continuous interaction between the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid focuses on maximum efficiency with a combined peak output of 380 hp @ 5500 rpm. Depending on driving conditions, either drive unit can operate independently or together. The 47-horsepower (34 kW) electric motor is the ideal partner for the 333-horsepower engine, which produces high torque at low engine speeds, with peak torque at 428 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm.

Porsche's emphasis has always been on performance and the Cayenne S Hybrid does not disappoint with a 0 - 60 time of 6.1 seconds and a top track speed of 150 mph. EPA estimates fuel economy to be 20 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway.

Further fuel economy savings are enhanced by Porsche's "sailing" - or coasting - mode. Using the decoupling clutch, the gasoline engine can be completely switched off and disengaged from the drivetrain when the Cayenne hybrid does not need drive power and the driver lifts off the accelerator at speeds up to 97 mph. This enables the Cayenne to move along without combustion or electric power and a significant reduction of fuel consumption at steady highway speeds. The gasoline engine smoothly starts within fractions of a second as soon as the driver depresses the accelerator pedal.