FRANKFURT, Germany — Porsche conducted the scheduled unveiling of its much anticipated 2006 Cayman at the auto show here, but it also announced it will build a hybrid version of its existing Cayenne sport-utility vehicle.
Porsche said the hybrid Cayenne, to be launched at the end of the decade, will cut fuel consumption about 15 percent while retaining its driving dynamics. The full-hybrid system, which will use a gasoline internal-combustion engine and an electric motor that will operate independently or jointly, is being developed with Volkswagen Group, which also announced a hybrid recently (for China).
Hybrids have been the big buzz at the Frankfurt show, with Audi surprising everyone by announcing a hybrid version of the upcoming Q7 sport-utility vehicle. Showgoers are anticipating an announcement soon from Mercedes-Benz about a hybrid version of the just unveiled S-Class. And more parties are expected to be added to the hybrid development partnership between General Motors and DaimlerChrysler — and now BMW — Inside Line has learned.
Porsche expects further sales momentum with the two-seat Cayman S coupe when it arrives in North America in January. The Cayman S is positioned and priced between the 911 Carrera and the Boxster S.
What this means to you: European automakers are entering the hybrid fray kicking and screaming, but in the end, it means more hybrid choices for consumers.
Porsche said the hybrid Cayenne, to be launched at the end of the decade, will cut fuel consumption about 15 percent while retaining its driving dynamics. The full-hybrid system, which will use a gasoline internal-combustion engine and an electric motor that will operate independently or jointly, is being developed with Volkswagen Group, which also announced a hybrid recently (for China).
Hybrids have been the big buzz at the Frankfurt show, with Audi surprising everyone by announcing a hybrid version of the upcoming Q7 sport-utility vehicle. Showgoers are anticipating an announcement soon from Mercedes-Benz about a hybrid version of the just unveiled S-Class. And more parties are expected to be added to the hybrid development partnership between General Motors and DaimlerChrysler — and now BMW — Inside Line has learned.
Porsche expects further sales momentum with the two-seat Cayman S coupe when it arrives in North America in January. The Cayman S is positioned and priced between the 911 Carrera and the Boxster S.
What this means to you: European automakers are entering the hybrid fray kicking and screaming, but in the end, it means more hybrid choices for consumers.
Add A Comment »