The 2018 Porsche Cayenne-E-Hybrid will be launched in the country by the end of September. The SUV gets an improved battery pack, the 3-litre V6 is massaged to get 6.7 more horses and the power output from the electric motors has increased by 40.3 per cent. The SUV now gets boost strategy that is seen in the Porsche 918 Spyder. This gives a performance boost for the SUV as the electric motor can be used in all the standard Sport Chrono Package driving modes. In pure electric mode, the Cayenne-E-Hybrid goes up to a distance of 44km and a maximum speed of 135kmph (claimed).
The SUV features minor cosmetic changes like the redesigned front bumper and grille, a set of horizontal strips below the headlamps instead of the round fog lamps and a sharper looking LED tail lights with a horizontal LED strip connecting them. The head-up display also makes it into the Cayenne-E-Hybrid. Other features include a heated windscreen and massage seats. The SUV also gets a new set of 22-inch alloys.
The 3-litre V6 engine now makes 335bhp and the combined power output from the electric motor and the V6 engine is 456bhp. Compared to the existing model, peak torque is up by 110Nm, now at of 700Nm and it is available from a low 1000rpm to 3750rpm. Transmission is via an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Porsche says that it has redesigned the powertrain to reduce the interruption of tractive force. Also, the separating clutch now uses an electro mechanical system instead of the previously used electro-hydraulic system for faster shifting times. Top speed too is up by 10kmph, now at 253kmph. 0-100 sprint time too is reduced by 0.9 seconds, as the SUV hits the ton from standstill in 5 seconds. Porsche claims that the fuel economy of the SUV is between 29.4-31.2kmpl, averaging 30.3kmpl as per New European Drive Cycle (NEDC). The SUV gets an optional 7.2-kilowatt on-board charger and a 230-volt connection with 32 amps for charging the battery in just 2.3 hours.
“In pure electric mode, the Cayenne-E-Hybrid goes up to a distance of 44km and a maximum speed of 135kmph”
The SUV comes equipped with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and gets Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is available as standard. The electric Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), roll stabilisation system and a trailer connection that can take loads up to 3.5 tonnes are offered as options.
Expect prices and other details of the SUV for Indian market to be announced soon.