Motoring: Meet the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

Porsche Canada is putting the spotlight this weekend on its new-for-2011 Cayenne S Hybrid SUV at Toronto's Green Living Show, at the Direct Energy Centre, April 15-17. The sports car maker's first production hybrid vehicle, the Cayenne S Hybrid (starting at $77,500) delivers the performance Porsche drivers expect with surprising fuel efficiency. Think of it as a guilt-free Porsche with a purpose.

In the intelligent interaction of its 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid focuses on maximum efficiency. Depending on driving conditions, either drive unit can operate independently or together. The 47-bhp (34-kW) electric motor is the ideal partner for the 333-bhp engine, which produces high torque at low engine speeds. With peak torque at 427 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm, the Cayenne S Hybrid's performance is on par with a V8-powered Cayenne S, with significantly lower fuel consumption.

What makes the Cayenne S Hybrid unique from other hybrids on the market is its ability to cruise at high speeds on electric power alone. The gasoline engine can be completely switched off and disengaged from the drivetrain at speeds of up to 156 km/h. In this so-called "sailing" mode, the drag forces exerted by the combustion engine and their braking effect are eliminated in the interest of lower resistance and fuel consumption. With its low emissions, the Cayenne S Hybrid is not only the cleanest Cayenne model, but also the cleanest vehicle in Porsche's entire portfolio.

The hybrid's two drive units are connected by a decoupling clutch. A hybrid controller controls their complex interaction and intelligent management of the clutch makes the transition among various driving modes seamless. Like many hybrids, the Cayenne S Hybrid can cover short distances on electric power alone, free of emissions and noise to 60 km/h. For aggressive acceleration, the motor provides a power boost to the gasoline engine.