Brenda Priddy’s cameras caught the forthcoming 2011 Porsche Cayenne, featuring a sleeker design and, according to one of Priddy’s shooters, high-grade cabin materials influenced by Porsche’s new Panamera. The new Cayenne is also expected to offer gasoline, diesel and even hybrid engine options.
Gas engines should include a 4.8L V8 engine delivering 400 hp in the Cayenne S, while the flagship Cayenne Turbo will likely get the Panamera’s 4.8L twin-turbo V8 outputting 500 hp. The Volkswagen V6 TDI diesel, making 240 hp, should carry over to the next generation with minor improvements.
Considering that the first Cayenne S hybrid will appear as a 2010 model, its powertrain should carry over to the 2011 Cayenne virtually unchanged. Power comes from Audi's 333hp supercharged V6 connected to a three-phase synchronous electric motor drawing power from a 38 kW NiMH battery placed in the spare tire well.
The new Cayenne is also expected to adopt a more street-centric setup, meaning some of the current model’s off-road equipment could be dropped in the interests of improved handling. Priddy notes that Audi adopted a similar approach with its Q7 SUV, a model that despite its size has received positive reviews for its handling.
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