Cayenne Hybrid shows Porsche commitment to sustainable development2008 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

Shanghai/Beijing. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, presents a strong contribution to a sustainable and environmentally friendly automotive industry with the first Asian appearance of the innovative Cayenne Hybrid architectural car at Auto China Beijing 2008, held from April 20 to 28.

True to the spirit of Porsche, the company is taking its own approach to hybrid technology, opting for parallel full hybrid instead of the branched or split power hybrid concept. This provides many advantages compared to other hybrid technologies, including greater fuel savings at high speeds, improved acceleration and elasticity, and minimal influence on the size of the luggage compartment.

The Cayenne Hybrid car will be a unique vehicle combining superior fuel efficiency with agile driving dynamics. The revolutionary new model features a full-hybrid design where the hybrid module (clutch and electric motor) is positioned between the combustion engine and the transmission. Porsche selected this design because the in-line configuration of the hybrid components is more compatible with the existing Cayenne platform. This system proved in testing to be more fuel efficient, and the configuration is a better fit for Porsche as it will provide improved acceleration and engine flexibility compared to a conventional Cayenne. Other unique features of the Cayenne Hybrid designed to decrease fuel consumption include the power steering and vacuum pump for the brakes, as well as the air conditioning, which operates on electric power. The production model of this economical SUV, which Porsche is scheduled to bring to market within the next 24 months, will consume less than 9 litres/100 km.

The roots of the technology used in the Cayenne Hybrid go back more than 100 years in time. Way back in the year 1900, the company’s founder, Professor Ferdinand Porsche, developed the so-called Lohner-Porsche Mixte, which combined a combustion engine with an electric motor as well as the ability to store energy in a battery. The car was driven by a four-cylinder power unit connected directly to an 80 V dynamo. The generator provided the electric power for the wheel hub electric engines fitted in the front wheels. So it is fair to say that this was the first production car in the world to feature hybrid drive.

As China turns into one of the key future markets for Porsche, Auto China is becoming the most significant show for Porsche in Asia. With a display of the latest in fuel efficient automotive technology, Porsche continues to drive the trends of the automotive industry, true to its 60-year tradition of creativity and excellence.

4/22/2008