Filed under: SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche, Luxury

Less than 24 hours after leaked shots of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne made their way onto the internet, we now have the official images and details about the third generation of Porsche’s love-it-or-hate-it sport-ute. Visually, the new Cayenne gets some obvious Panamera-inspired touches up front (i.e., headlamps), and like past generations, Turbo models (pictured above) get a much more aggressive overall fascia than the lesser models. And even though it looks a bit more petite, this Cayenne is actually 1.9 inches longer than the 2010 model, with 1.6 inches of added wheelbase length.

The big news for the 2011 model year is the introduction of Cayenne S Hybrid-Porsche’s first production hybrid vehicle-which uses a parallel full hybrid drive system. The gasoline engine is a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 (sound familiar?), and when mated to a 47-horsepower electric motor, total output for the hybrid is rated at 380-hp and 427 pound-feet of torque, all of which is fully delivered at just 1,000 rpm. Porsche says that the Cayenne S Hybrid is capable of driving up to 40 mph solely using electric assist, and the gasoline engine can be completely switched off at cruising speeds up to 97 mph. We’ll have official fuel economy numbers when the new Cayenne goes on sale.

From there, the rest of the Cayenne range is more of the same. Base models use a 300-horsepower V6 mated to a new eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Cayenne S models use the same basic 4.8-liter V8 as the outgoing model, though power is up to 400 hp, and it’s important to note that the S is actually 400 pounds lighter than its predecessor, with the dieting sure to improve fuel economy and overall dynamics. Top-rung Cayenne Turbo models use a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8 churning out 500 horsepower.

The Cayenne’s interior has also been given a much-needed once over, and we’d be lying if we didn’t say that the Panamera appears to have had a lot of influence here, as well. Still, we like the overall layout and are glad that Porsche has fitted a better-looking (and, more than likely, better to use) steering wheel, though we’d have preferred column-mounted paddles to the +/- nubs fitted the the wheel. Still, we can’t wait to get our driving gloves wrapped around it.

Follow the jump to read all of the information in Porsche’s press release, and to see a video of prototype Cayennes blasting through the sand dunes of Dubai – it’s cool stuff, we promise. We’ll have live shots from Geneva next week.



[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Porsche Cayenne revealed before Geneva debut [w/video]

Officially Official: 2011 Porsche Cayenne revealed before Geneva debut [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A natural gas hybrid

National security. We all know that foreign oil dependence is a national security risk, but our increasing national debt might be an even bigger national security risk if not taken seriously, claimed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently.

While I couldn’t agree more, it seems to me that energy independence is the key to both risks.

Finish reading: Is new drilling a necessary evil?

If you were wondering how to ride on two wheels with your SUV, here’s how. They say it’s middle eastern fun in a stolen Land Cruiser, we think it’s crazy.

Amongst other Honda moniker bearing automobiles in Geneva, a notable concept getting a preview will be the single seater 3R-C prototype which is a battery electric powered machine. Honda aims to make the world have a feel of the future mobility options in urban areas where clean technology will be the key. Riding on the three wheels, the Honda 3R-C Concept comes with a canopy which covers the driver’s seat when the commuter is parked and when the wheels get rolling, the same canopy becomes a shield. Honda has put in plenty of thought by even incorporating a lockable boot area in such a puny commuter thereby making it ideal for future urban needs.

With the Geneva Motor Show approaching closer, global automakers have made sure that they have their best commuters ready for the event. As far as Abarth goes, it will be staging the Abarth Punto and the Abarth 500C courtesy of its collaboration with Fiat.

Abarth Punto may replicate Fiat Punto’s name but the spec sheet hints at a completely different offering with a 1.4L Multi-Air engine that produces 162hp and helps the automobile dash from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds. The Abarth 500C will come with a rocking’ electric soft top and a third brake light integrated in to the rear spoiler. Under the hood will be a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine that produces 138hp and help the car pelt from 0 to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.

Drooling over the brand new Volvo C-70 Convertible, the folks from Heico Sportiv have come up with a facelift tuning design that will blow you away. “Our program kicks in where Volvo’s leaves off,” says Heico Sportiv General Manager, Holger Hedtke. “It’s characterised by supplementation rather than substitution,” he added. Check out the presentation video below.

I am eagerly awaiting the Mini Countryman official unveiling at next month’s Geneva Motor Show and there is more reason to get excited as the SUV will feature the all new MINI Connected- Infotainment system. Full marks for styling as the infotainment set-up will be integrated into the centrally mounted speedometer.

This is actually great news for Apple handheld owners as the system is built to interface with the iPhone from Cupertino while compatibility with other smartphones remains a mystery. Connected’ is not blessed with the ability to live stream internet radio for the passengers but the interface is sure customizable and so is the navigation that renders precise information access at all times. All that is required to control the MINI Connected is the joystick mounted in the cnetre of the console.

BMW is keen to offer eco-friendly options to the world and a decision has been made to assemble the electric cars at the Leipzig facility. BMW chose the facility for its flexibility and capability for increased capacity. Models like the ActiveE, an electric variant of the 1series, will be produced in limited lumbers up front and then the Megacity EV will be rolled out in 2013. While the assembly will be in Leipzig spare parts will also be built in Wackersdorf and Landshut while the Li-on batteries will come from SB LiMotive which is joint venture between Samsung and Bosch. Megacity will be a battery laden commuter and carbon fiber usage will ensure high economy courtesy of the low overall weight.

The street legal version of the 599XX, the Ferrari 599 GTO is the next big arrival in the auto industry and spy photographers in Maranello managed to get a handsome look at one of its prototypes. The prototype comes with a fresh looking carbon fiber roof and a huge rear diffuser set amidst two exhaust pipes. The front bumper also looks a fresh creation and so do the grille and the wheels. On the inside, all that the spy cams could click was the new seating set-up. Engine speculations for the Ferrari 599 GTO suggest a 700 PS 690 bhp 6.0L V12 monster that will help the street legal version hit 100km/h in 3.2 seconds while topping it out at 350km/h. Slated for a debut later this year, the 599 GTO will cost around €340,000. [via WCF]

Bespoke automaker TVR understands that a comeback as a brand is a challenge in the US and offering a supercar first up may be its best chance. It sure has the Swordfish hype to get things going its way but eventually, it will be the supercar that will decide the destiny and not some movie cameo. TVR should be ready with its sports car possibly at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the car will be developed in Germany. A crate’ engine integration from either GM or Ford will help the Russian brand to save money on engine development and homologation.