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April 12, 2010
 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. Click image to enlarge |
The Cayenne S Hybrid’s two drive units are connected to one another by a decoupling clutch. A hybrid controller constantly coordinates their complex interaction, and intelligent management of the clutch makes the transition among various driving modes seamless. This decoupling enables a “sailing” mode, in which the gasoline engine shuts off when the driver lifts off the accelerator at speeds up to 156 km/h (97 mph), further enhancing fuel economy. Eliminating combustion and engine braking resistance at steady highway speeds results in significant fuel savings.
The Cayenne S Hybrid employs a permanent all-wheel drive system incorporating a self-locking centre differential. Non-hybrid Cayennes get an all new “active” all-wheel drive system that primarily drives the rear wheels, but will direct power to the front wheels as needed through an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch. This system can be paired with Porsche’s new Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV) option. PTV Plus uses variable torque distribution on the rear wheels as well as an electronically controlled rear axle differential lock to improve driving dynamics and stability when cornering.
  2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid (top); 2011 Porsche Cayenne S. Click image to enlarge |
New styling brings the Cayenne closer to the Porsche family look. New headlights resemble those on other Porsches, with the high-beam lamps positioned closer to the centerline of the car and the low-beams toward the outer edge. The Porsche family resemblance continues at the rear with quarter panels flowing to the back and accentuating the Cayenne’s broad shoulders.
Inside, the luxurious interior features a high centre console like the Panamera that rises up at an incline to meet the dashboard centre stack and a touch-screen infotainment interface. The centre console grab handles of the original Cayenne remain, but with a new design that is carried over to all four doors.
The rear bench seat now slides fore-and-aft by 16 cm (6.3 in.), and the backrest can be adjusted to three different angles, or up to six degrees providing more comfort for rear seat passengers.
Porsche’s traditional set of five round instruments in the driver’s gauge cluster includes a high-resolution circular 4.8-inch TFT screen to the right of the tachometer. It can be used to change radio stations, vehicle settings, or access the navigation system or view the map. The Cayenne S Hybrid instrument cluster differs as the instruments provide the driver with all technical details related to the car’s hybrid system.
The new Cayenne comes with the latest generation of audio and communication systems found in the new Panamera, with Bose® Surround Sound System and the Burmester® High-End Surround Sound System.
 2011 Porsche Cayenne S. Click image to enlarge |
When the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo go on sale in July, they will have a base price of $76,000 and $123,900 respectively. The Cayenne V6 and Cayenne S Hybrid, which arrive later in the fall, will be priced at $58,200 and $80,800.
For the money, Porsche promises more standard equipment. For example, all Cayenne models will include Bluetooth connectivity and the universal audio interface to connect an iPod or USB stick to the Porsche Communication Management system. Speed-sensitive steering and a moonroof will be standard on the Cayenne S, Cayenne S Hybrid and Cayenne Turbo. And Canadian cars will have standard heated seats and steering wheel. More details will be available closer to the on sale dates.
Related posts:
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- What’s New: 2009 Porsche Cayenne
- Porsche to unveil all-new Cayenne in New York show
- Porsche Canada announces 2011 pricing
- Porsche unveils new Cayenne Turbo S in China
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