The 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is proof that Porsche continues to innovate and reflect its independent thinking in the engineering of every car and SUV. Its hybrid SUV takes performance and efficiency to the max.
Overview
First, Porsche built and introduced an SUV proving many skeptics wrong. Now it makes another surprising move with the 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. This may sound like a game of chess. If you consider the road as the king, the hybrid SUV conquers it every time.
The Cayenne S Hybrid pairs a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged gasoline engine with an electrical motor powered by a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride (NiMh) battery pack turning the hybrid SUV into a fuel-efficient sporty performer. This sounds like a contradiction, yet the hybrid generates a total of 380 hp and maximum torque of 428 lb.-ft. through its 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission and permanent all-wheel drive system. This system thrusts the hybrid SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds working up to a top track speed of 150 mph. (That’s not a typo.)
The new Cayenne S Hybrid can also operate in electric-only mode at speeds of up to 40 mph. The SUV gets 333 hp and gains an additional 47 hp from two electric motors with the AWD system and self-locking center differential. This allows you to get the kind of acceleration you’d expect from a V-8, but with a mileage of a V-6.
Porsche Traction Management (PTM) provides a standard torque split of 60 percent to the rear and 40 percent to the front. If one of the wheels is about to lose grip, the self-locking center differential transmits the torque to the axle offering the highest level of traction. The PTM also distributes torque to the rear wheels to boost steering precision and driving dynamics.
“The hybrid version is meant to be clean and green without being boring or underpowered, and Porsche has done a wonderful job mating a real engine, a real transmission (instead of a CVT), and a clever hybrid package of battery, motor, charging system and electronic controls,” writes Aol Autos. When you’re ready to make your move to a high performing SUV that drives like a grand tourer, start at Park Place Porsche Dallas and ask about the 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.
Interior
This is a sampling of some of the interior features you’ll find in the 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.
Audio system. The CDR audio system has a 7-inch color touchscreen display to help you navigate the main menus and functions with ease. The integrated CD radio, featuring an FM twin-tuner with RDS, 30 memory presets, dynamic autostore and speed-sensitive volume control, includes a sound system with 10 loudspeakers and a total output of 100 watts. Audiophiles can combine the CDR with the BOSE Surround Sound System or Burmester High-End Surround Sound System.
Seating. The seats in the Cayenne models are practical, comfortable and sporty, just like the rest of the interior. All seats come with two-way head restraints and storage pockets on the front seat backrests. The seats feature 8-way electric adjustment including fore/aft, height, squab length and squab/backrest angle settings.
Rear seating. The rear bench offers fits up to three adult passengers and is styled to match the front seats. The bench features fore/aft adjustment of 6.3 inches and 40/20/40 split-folding.
Luggage compartment. Cayenne models have a spacious passenger area and a large versatile luggage compartment because of the adjustable rear bench. With a total volume of 23.7 cu ft., the Porsche Cayenne has more than enough space for up to six suitcases – depending on the size.
Other standard features include an easily accessible meshed storage compartment on the left and a practical load-through facility when the center section of the rear bench is folded down. With the rear seats folded, you get up to 59.7 cu ft. of space. Protect and hide items with the retractable cover with detachable storage cassette.
Exterior
This is sampling of some of the exterior features you’ll find in the 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.
Automatic headlight activation. This is standard feature automatically switches on the headlights when darkness sets or when driving through a tunnel during the day. Other features include an automatic switch-off and “Welcome Home” function, where the headlights stay on for a defined length of time to light your path from the SUV to the door.
Halogen main headlights. The projector-beam halogen main headlights feature automatic static range control and reflection high-beam lights for optimum road illumination.
Daytime running lights. Daytime running lights improve safety in the daytime by making your crossover more visible to other road users. In the 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, these lights are arranged horizontally in the front light units.
Wheels. The 18-inch Cayenne S III wheel is standard on the new Cayenne S Hybrid.
Safety
This is a sampling of some of the safety features you’ll find in the 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.
Braking system. Equipped with larger and more powerful braking systems, The 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid has excellent deceleration – even when there are five adults in the car, a trunk full of luggage and a braked trailer load of up to 7,716 pounds (Cayenne with manual gearbox: 5,952 pounds).
The hybrid has internally vented discs all round, ensuring consistent performance during heavy use. The SUVs also have six-piston monobloc aluminum brake calipers at the front and four-piston equivalents at the rear.
Electric parking brake. As you pull away, the new electronic parking brake automatically releases. You can manually activate and deactivate this safety feature.
Airbags. All new Porsche Cayenne models come with full-size front airbags for driver and front passenger as standard. These are augmented by Porsche Side Impact Protection (POSIP). This consists of a side airbag in each front seat, curtain-type airbags on each side of the roof for head protection for both rows of seats and side impact protection in each door.
Porsche Traction Management (PTM). PTM combines active all-wheel drive with an electronically variable multi-plate clutch, automatic brake differential (ABD) and anti-slip regulation (ASR). This provides a torque split of 40 percent to the front and 60 percent to the rear. If one of the wheels is about to lose grip, the self-locking center differential transmits the torque to the axle offering the highest level of traction.
PTM also ensures the variable distribution of engine torque to the rear wheels, which boosts driving dynamics and steering precision. This means that moderate brake pressure is applied to the inside rear wheel when approaching a corner at high speed. This supports the steering motion of the SUV, and improves its cornering dynamics.
Performance
At 288 volts, the hybrid has a maximum output of 47 hp. The synchronous motor – also acts a starter motor and alternator — with inner rotor design has compact dimensions and delivers high levels of efficiency. Working in tandem, the units deliver a total output of 380 hp and maximum torque of 428 lb.-ft., thrusting the hybrid SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds.