New engines for Porsche SUV

The biggest and ugliest Porsche is about to get two new reincarnations, including a hybrid version which is claimed to run on less than nine litres of fuel per 100km.

It will bring the number of these beasts available in Australia to four, joining the V6, V8 and V8 Turbo models. There are some notable differences to the new addition, with improvements all round. First, it has a slightly more powerful V8 engine, as well as exterior enhancements and a sportier performance.

The 4.2-litre V8 has an extra 15kW over the current Cayenne S engine, which increases its performance to 298kW at 6500rpm. The torque is unchanged at 500Nm from 3500rpm.

While based on the Cayenne S, the new GTS version has undergone some styling changes and is distinguished from the other models by its 21-inch alloy wheels, two new exterior colours, and its lower ride height, which has been reduced by 24mm. It also features some styling from the Turbo model at the front and rear, as well as newly developed 12-way sport seats.

Porsche claims the special model has slightly faster acceleration than the Cayenne S, which does the 0 to 100km/h dash in 6.6 seconds.

The GTS is said to complete the same task in the mid six-second mark. The new model will come standard with a six-speed Tiptronic S transmission, air suspension and the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). Pricing for the Australian market will not be revealed until closer to launch date.

Like many large SUVs and the other Cayenne models, the GTS has a fairly high combined claimed fuel consumption of 13.9 litres per 100km, slightly higher than the 13.7 litres per 100km the Cayenne S produces. But those after a less thirsty Cayenne don't have to wait too much longer, about three years to be precise.

Porsche is jumping on the hybrid trend, recently announcing it will introduce a hybrid version of the SUV, which is expected to be revealed to the public in 2010.

The more environmentally-friendly large Porsche will be based on the Cayenne's direct fuel injection 3.6-litre V6 engine, and will also feature an electric motor.

Porsche is aiming to make the new version of the SUV 25 per cent more fuel efficient. Prototypes are already being tested on the road overseas and are recording fuel consumption figures as low as 9.8 litres per 100km.

But Porsche is hoping to go even lower, aiming for about 8.9 litres per 100km by the time the hybrid hits the market at the end of this decade.

That's more in line with a medium-to-large car than a giant SUV.

The fuel efficient Cayenne will feature electric-powered steering, airconditioning and vacuum pumps for the brakes.

And it's not the only hybrid Porsche has on the drawing board.

It's believed the company is also planning to develop a hybrid version of the new Panamera four-door Gran Turismo, which is expected in 2009.