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Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo gets its driving debut

George Kennedy — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Wagon, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Porsche, Design/Style, Luxury

We've been fans of the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept ever since we first laid eyes on it at the Paris Motor Show back in September. And just when we finally managed to get that sensational rump out of our minds, Porsche has gone and released a video of the sexy beast in action. The video also features the German automaker's general manager of advanced design style, Mitja Borkert, as well as Porsche Design Studio chief Michael Mauer. The two speak on the themes of the Sport Turismo, namely "form follows function." They also state the obvious; that the Panamera Sport Turismo is instantly recognizable as a Porsche yet simultaneously different from any other Stuttgart stormer before it.

Also discussed is the 335-horsepower, supercharged V6 powerplant, working in unison with a 95-horsepower electric motor in a parallel hybrid setup. Porsche states that the Sport Turismo has a 30-km (18.6 mile) pure-electric range. We are also treated to various shots of the futuristic instrument cluster and center control console. The former consists of a large TFT screen with video side view monitors, while the latter is a combination of touch-capacitive and touchscreen controls.

While visually stunning, the important mission statement of this vehicle is perhaps best summed up by Mauer, "This Sport Turismo Concept is as well, showing that there is no contradiction between sportiness and functionality." Though wowed by the driving footage in the video below, Mauer's statement evokes a combination that we can get behind - especially when the resulting concept car solves the production Panamera hatchback's unfortunate rear end so beautifully.

Continue reading Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo gets its driving debut

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Porsche approves development of third-generation 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Michael Harley — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Porsche, Racing

Porsche has announced that it will continue development on its innovative 911 GT3 R Hybrid, delivering a new third-generation model in 2012 in an effort "...to gain extra practical experience under racing conditions and make the hybrid drive even more efficient."

The rolling race laboratory, as the automaker prefers to call it, ran the 2011 season in second-generation trim. That version used a 470 horsepower gasoline-powered 4.0-liter flat-six to drive the rear wheels and 202 horsepower worth of electric motors to drive the front wheels - with electricity generated by a 36,000 rpm flywheel mounted on the passenger side of the cabin. With a curb weight of just 2,866 pounds and total system power of 672 horsepower, the all-wheel-drive Porsche GT3 R Hybrid 2.0 accelerated to 60 mph in about 2.5 seconds.

We drove Porsche's 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0 at the famed Estoril race circuit outside of Lisbon, Portugal, just last month. Despite the second-generation model being the answer to all of our enthusiast prayers, we assume Porsche will reduce the overall weight of the system, increase the duration of the boost and reduce the deafening noise level in the cabin. There's always room for improvement.

While we don't expect the 911 GT3 R Hybrid 3.0 to be there, Porsche's factory-supported teams kick off the 2012 season in 911 GT3 Cup cars at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in late January.

Continue reading Porsche approves development of third-generation 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Porsche approves development of third-generation 911 GT3 R Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Porsche resurrects 1900 Semper Vivus full-hybrid for Geneva display

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche, Specialty, Electric

Porsche Semper Vivus hybrid - Click above to watch the video after the break

Think the Toyota Prius was the first hybrid automobile ever made? Think again. Honda Insight? Keep guessing. In reality, the world's first hybrid was designed and built by none other than Ferdinand Porsche, founding father of the present-day Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart. That's right, the same brain that brought us such ingenious machinery as the Volkswagen Beetle and the glorious Auto Union racers built the world's first fully functional hybrid automobile.

Now that the modern-day Porsche brain-trust is once again showing interest in hybrid technology, the German company has decided to bring back the 1900 Semper Vivus, which literally means always alive. Although the technology behind hybrids has come a long way - Porsche's first hybrid used about 4,000 pounds of lead acid batteries and could barely climb any kind of grade - the basic principles are actually much the same.

To wit, just like that original Semper Vivus, Porsche's latest hybrid, the 2012 Panamera S Hybrid, features an engine (in this case a supercharged V6 putting out 333 horsepower), an electric motor (which adds another 47 horses) and a battery pack. All the major bits and pieces are the same, except with massive improvements in power and efficiency.

In celebration of 111 years of hybrid automobiles, Porsche spent the past four years recreating the Semper Vivus, and it will show off the fruits of its labor at the rapidly approaching 2011 Geneva Motor Show. In an effort to whet our appetites, the automaker has released a teaser video that you can see for yourself after the break, along with the requisite press release.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Video: Porsche resurrects 1900 Semper Vivus full-hybrid for Geneva display

Video: Porsche resurrects 1900 Semper Vivus full-hybrid for Geneva display originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche to unveil full hybrid in Geneva

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche is wading even deeper into hybrid waters by showing off a new electrified model at this year's Geneva Motor Show. According to the company, the vehicle will be a parallel full hybrid. Porsche says that the move to introduce another battery-laden model to the company's stable was bolstered by the success of the Cayenne S Hybrid as well as the gaggle of hybridized race cars and concepts that Porsche has unveiled as of late. The most recent of those, the 918 RSR hybrid, debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, but that's not the only battery-operated vehicle to wear the crest.

Porsche famously campaigned its 911 GT3 R hybrid racer on the tracks of Europe last year, and the 918 RSR predecessor, the 918 Spyder concept, have all helped underscore the automaker's commitment to the hybrid game.

The automaker's unnamed hybrid isn't the only new model headed to Geneva. Porsche says that it will also dust off the recently-unveiled Cayman R as well as the stealthy Black Editions of the 911 and Boxster. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche to unveil full hybrid in Geneva

Porsche to unveil full hybrid in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid to hit U.S. dealers in November

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 09:37:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Performance, SUV, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Only a few more days remain before the arrival of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. It'll carry a $21,000 premium over the plain-Jane V6 Porsche Cayenne, but for your $67,700 you'll hold onto the performance and gain a helping of frugality. The supercharged, 333-horsepower six-cylinder with battery help does 0-to-60 in 6.1 seconds and 25 miles per gallon is the highway return. Plus, you get a max speed of 37 mph in electric operation and all that instant torque. You'll find more info in the press release after the jump, and your checkbook is probably on your dresser if you're ready to do this dance right now.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: 2011 Porsche Cayenne

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid to hit U.S. dealers in November

2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid to hit U.S. dealers in November originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Oct 2010 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #200

Dan Roth — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Etc., Porsche, Subaru, Toyota

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

Episode #200 of the Autoblog Podcast goes down tonight, and we've got some things to talk about. Drop us your own feedback and questions below if you think there's anything we've missed, or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what we discuss this momentous evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #200

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #200 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche commits to a hybrid model in every vehicle line

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Porsche

2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fuel efficiency is a big deal for small sports car manufacturers. Boutique automakers and sports car specialists like Porsche figure to have a particularly hard time meeting rising efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions regulations all around the world because they don't manufacture vehicles that play in more fuel-efficient segments of the market.

With that in mind, it doesn't come as a surprise that Porsche is keenly interested in hybrid technology. Starting with the 2011 Cayenne and following with a similar hybrid system for the Panamera, Porsche plans to roll out fuel-saving technology across its entire model range.

That transition won't be an easy one. Both the Cayenne and Panamera use a front-engine layout and automatic transmission with an electric motor sandwiched in between, and such a system wouldn't work on the company's mid- and rear-engined models.

That's where the upcoming 918 Spyder comes in. According to Porsche development chief Wolfgang Duerheimer, "We want to learn how we can electrify all our sports cars in the future with the help of this short production run" of the hybrid 918 Spyder. In fact, all of Porsche's models are slated to be hybridized, says Duerheimer.

Other efficiency-raising efforts will include a 10-percent reduction in weight, increased use of carbon fiber bodywork and possibly even the return of four-cylinder engines, likely with forced induction and direct injection.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche Cayenne

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Report: Porsche commits to a hybrid model in every vehicle line originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche confirms 2011 launch of Panamera S Hybrid

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST

2010 Porsche Panamera 4S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Buried within Porsche's recent announcement regarding its plans to test three electric Boxsters, the company openly confirmed that the launch of the Panamera S Hybrid is on track for 2011. Though perhaps not as innovative or as those racy electric vehicles, the Panamera S Hybrid still hails from Stuttgart and, therefore, is bound to be one exhilarating ride.

The upcoming Panamera will borrow the hybrid hardware found in the current Cayenne S Hybrid. That means it will sport a 329-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a 46 hp electric motor. Like the Cayenne S Hybrid, the Panamera's parallel hybrid setup boasts the ability to operate at low speeds under electric power alone. When the production Panamera S Hybrid takes to the streets in 2011, it will become the company's second model to sport a hybrid powertrain, a remarkable achievement considering that few people associate Porsche with fuel efficiency. Follow the jump for more info on Porsche's fuel-saving plans.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche confirms 2011 launch of Panamera S Hybrid

Porsche confirms 2011 launch of Panamera S Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche 918 Spyder to contest 2011 Nürburgring 24

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Hybrid, Europe, Porsche, Racing

Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche made an impressive showing at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year with its 911 GT3 R Hybrid. But don't think for even one power-boosted second that its hybrid initiative was a one-time affair for the Stuttgart-based automaker. Not, at least, if the latest reports from Germany prove accurate.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, mere days after the conclusion of this year's race, Porsche is already preparing to campaign a competition-spec version of the 918 Spyder at the Ring next year. The 918 Spyder concept debuted just a few months ago at the Geneva Motor Show to rave reviews. Derived from the same program that gave birth to the 917, 911 GT1 and RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder packs 718 horsepower of combined output, 90 miles per gallon and a simulated Nordschleife lap time of 7:30, making it an ideal machine to contest the grueling endurance race. We'll just have to wait a year to find out whether it lives up to its promise or falls victim to arch-rival BMW.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport (translated)]

Report: Porsche 918 Spyder to contest 2011 Nürburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Porsche highlights Intelligent Performance of 918 Spyder, 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Porsche, Electric, Racing

Porsche 918 Spyder at the track - Click above to watch the video after the break

No doubt about it, the Porsche 918 Sypder was both one of the biggest surprises of the Geneva Motor Show and one of its most memorable vehicles. No surprise, then, that the German automaker has signaled its desire to put the hybrid sportscar into production.

Speaking of which, Porsche is once again hinting at its production goals for the 918 Spyder with a latest advertising campaign, calling the sportscar "The future of motorsport and series production." Doesn't get much more straightforward than that, eh? To go along with the new round of marketing, Porsche has released a new video that offers a bit more information about its showstopper, which you can find after the break.

In addition, there's a second video highlighting Porsche's new 911 GT3 R Hybrid, which managed an impressive sixth-place finish in its racing debut last weekend. Wanna see for yourself? Click past the break to watch both videos from Porsche.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Video: Porsche highlights Intelligent Performance of 918 Spyder, 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Video: Porsche highlights Intelligent Performance of 918 Spyder, 911 GT3 R Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid is not to be overlooked

Drew Phillips — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche, Racing

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

During Porsche's press conference here at the Geneva Motor Show, most of our attention was understandably on the 918 Spyder Concept, but the German automaker had several other significant debuts. One was the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, Porsche's first racecar to feature electric power sourced from a duo of motors that send power to a generator attached the flywheel. Like many hybrid production cars, the motors are charged whenever the brakes are applied, and the driver can use the extra power for 6-8 seconds for overtaking.

Porsche plans to do extensive testing with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid after jetting from Geneva, including a trial-by-fire at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race from May 15-16. Porsche claims that it has no intention of winning the race, but we can't imagine that they won't be at least competitive. You can get more details on the car in the press release after the jump, or browse through the high-res gallery of live shots below.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid is not to be overlooked

Geneva 2010: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid is not to be overlooked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche CEO reportedly says 'no hybrid sports cars'

Dan Roth — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Porsche, Electric

Go to any major city worldwide and you're likely to see a Porsche 911 roll by. It's far more common than seeing one making the cornstalks blur in the middle of farm country, anyway. Porsche CEO Michael Macht disagrees that his sports cars frequent metro areas. "They're not driven in the city," Macht told the UK's Autocar when discussing hybrid 987s and 997s. Of course, city driving is where hybrid powertrains rack up fuel economy credits, which Macht acknowledges before dismissing by saying, "It's technically possible but it's not part of the plan."

Despite the verbot on hybrid 911s, Boxsters and Caymans, technology will be thrown at the sports cars to improve efficiency. "We want brake regeneration and stop-start for our sports cars, but not hybrid," explains Macht. Just because there's no hybrids other than the Cayenne doesn't mean Porsche isn't playing with electrons. "There are some efforts to make a pure electric supercar," Macht notes, though such a vehicle would have to be capable of running as hard for as long as the petro-fueled Porsche cars - no 30-mile ranges here.

[Source: Autocar]

Porsche CEO reportedly says 'no hybrid sports cars' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Porsche confirms development of electric sportscar

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche, Electric

Ruf Greenster concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quick trivia question: what automaker was the first to build a hybrid? Did you guess Honda or Toyota? Interestingly, a full 109 years ago, Professor Ferdinand Porsche built a fully functional hybrid automobile, though it was certainly a much different animal compared to the Prius and Insight hatchbacks of 2010. In any case, Porsche is looking to enter the hybrid and electric automobile market in a big way just as soon as battery technology will allow it.

Porsche's opening salvo in the eco-wars will be the full hybrid Cayenne and Panamera models, probably in late 2010 as 2011 models, but there's more to come. Speaking at a press conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Michael Macht, Porsche's recently-appointed president and CEO, says:

I am also convinced that one day Porsche will have an electric sports car in its line-up... We are therefore taking the first step in this direction with a full hybrid - in the Cayenne, the Panamera and maybe in the not too distant future also in a racing car or a production 911. Why not?

Recent spy photos indicate that Porsche may already be well into the development phase of its electric 911 program, so this news doesn't exactly come as a shock. Still, while Porsche is just talking about eco-friendly sportscars in press releases at Frankfurt, rivals Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are busy showing off their own factory concepts. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Porsche confirms development of electric sportscar

Frankfurt 2009: Porsche confirms development of electric sportscar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Is this Porsche 911 mule hiding a shocking secret?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche

No automaker is immune to global environmental pressures to reduce pollutants and limit carbon dioxide emissions. Even Porsche has gotten into the green game with both diese l and hybrid options for its Cayenne along with an expected hybrid powertrain for its Panamara range. Could that fuel-saving technology make a move closer to Porsche's sportscar roots? If so, would the battery pack go under the front hood in the rear-engined car?

According to a series of spy photos from our friends at NextAutos, the answer to those questions may be yes and yes. Although there aren't any logos on the car - save for some awesomely well-placed Batman stickers (Are we looking at the next Tumbler?), the bodystyle undoubtedly screams 911 while the details have us scratching our heads. What's with the oddly shaped bulge (complete with what appears to be a lightning bolt graphic) on the hood, or the fact that the photogs claim the car made virtually no noise as it sped away at high velocities?

For what it's worth, in addition to the hybrid Cayenne and Panamera programs, we also know that the German automaker is keenly interested in electric vehicles, including its iconic 911. In other words, these are spy shots that have our interest piqued even more than usual.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: Is this Porsche 911 mule hiding a shocking secret? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Cayenne Hybrid delayed until at least 2010

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, Porsche

Porsche came out swinging at the LA Auto Show with a Cayenne Hybrid it said could do 75 MPH on battery power alone. Now the carmaker isn't sure it wants to fight that fight any more. Speaking of hybrid market share, Porsche's head of distribution said, "The most optimistic forecast still only calls for a market share of 5 percent." And in that case, Porsche feels it might not be worth it to bring out a Cayenne Hybrid until the introduction of the next generation in 2010.

They would then use that model as the litmus test for other hybrids. The Panamera might get a hybrid variant in 2011 -- two years after its introduction -- or it might not happen until 2013. In fact, since Porsche still has no firm date set for getting a hybrid to market, all of these dates could be pushed back indefinitely. Contrast that with Audi, which wants to introduce a hybrid Q7 by the end of 2008.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid delayed until at least 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Auto Show preview: Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

Alex Nunez — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Green, Porsche

Click image for photo gallery

As was the case last year, the upcoming LA Auto Show will have a decidedly "green" tinge to it as automakers use the California setting to tout the alt-fuel offerings that they're both selling now and have under development. Porsche (now that it has removed Detroit from its calendar) calls LA its most important showcase, and will bring the Cayenne Hybrid along for all to see. Due by the end of the decade, the Cayenne uses a parallel hybrid system that will help the SUV achieve fuel economy of at least 26 US MPG. This, while retaining its off-road capabilities and and a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds, according to an earlier announcement by the automaker. Joining the Cayenne Hybrid on the stand will be Lohner-Porsche electric vehicle, which first made its debut at the 1900 World's Fair. Yep, they did in-wheel electric motors way back then, too. AutoblogGreen has more on Porsche's vintage EV, and we'll have a full complement of Autobloggers on hand in LA to get the skinny on the Cayenne Hybrid.

[Source: Porsche]

Gallery: Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

Continue reading LA Auto Show preview: Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

LA Auto Show preview: Porsche Cayenne Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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