Porsche Plans Cayenne with Hybrid Engine

September 16, 2005 Porsche plans to launch a fourth version of the Cayenne Sports Utility Vehicle by the end of the decade. This vehicle will be powered by hybrid drive (gasoline engine and electric motor) being developed together with Volkswagen Group. This environmentally-friendly drive concept in the Cayenne will be based on a Full Hybrid Drive System, meaning that the vehicle will be powered by both a gasoline combustion engine and an electric motor able to operate both independently of one another and together in a joint process. A second clutch between the two drive units will allow the electric motor to operate fully independently whenever appropriate. The vehicle's power electronics, focusing on the position of the throttle, will determine the level of electrical energy to be supplied by the storage battery fitted at the rear of the vehicle to the electric motor in order to generate the drive power needed. Once the second clutch is closed, both the combustion engine and the electric motor are able to convey their power to the transmission. As soon as the electrical energy available has been consumed, the electric motor is automatically deactivated and the vehicle is driven entirely by the combustion engine.

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