Paul A. Eisenstein: 2011 Porsche hybrid is green but still mean

21.09.09

The Porsche Cayenne has always struck some people as a bit of a oxymoron, but the German manufacturer has probably done the right job in any setting in sport "back in sport utility vehicle. Now, however, Porsche goes further, and with the next move of its hybrid Cayenne S 2011, it hopes to prove that an SUV can be both medium and green.

Although the mechanism hybrid electric or HEV, is still a year away from production, we were given an opportunity to log some miles, when Dr. Michael Leiters, project manager, rolled in Motown with its first prototypes.

At first glance, you would not there something different about the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S intersect - not unless you parked on a scale where it would weigh in about 400 pounds more than the base Cayenne V-6 . In light of everything that the automaker has packed in the nooks and crannies of the big UTE, not as you think.

The primary engine of the HEV is a new derivative of the Audi 3.0-liter V6 making sincere injection of 333 horsepower. Couples with a 52 hp (38 kW) electric motor powered by a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery.Dissimilar to existing hybrids, the Toyota Prius, for example, there is no transmission CVT-style, but a new eight-speed transmission and a single involuntary "clutch disengagement" to connect and disconnect the electric motor powertrain .

Surprisingly, this approach can operate seamlessly and had nothing to rubberbanding - when the engine speed up, but it takes time to drive to bag up - you have experience with other hybrids.

Source: Norwich Bulletin