Two new powerful Cayenne hybrids from Porsche

Porsche has announced the launch of its most powerful Cayenne models yet, and they’re both hybrid.

The 404kW Turbo S and Turbo S Coupe (up to now the most potent members of the Cayenne breed) have been outperformed by two newly launched hybrid models: the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe.

Both SUVs are powered by a 4.0l twin-turbo V8 engine capable of putting out 404kW coupled with an electric motor producing 100kW. The petrol-electric pairing generates a combined 500kW and 900Nm of torque.

Porsche quotes a very optimistic fuel consumption of 3.9l/100km, but this is unlikely to be attainable in real-world driving.

This new hybrid powertrain allows both models to sprint from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 295km/h; their petrol-powered counterparts reach 286km/h.

In E-Power driving mode, the electric motor can, on its own, propel the vehicle up to a maximum speed of 135km/h and the car can drive for up to 40km on electric power only.

The lithium-ion battery is installed beneath the load-space floor and has a capacity of 14.1kWh. The high-voltage battery can be fully charged within 2.4 hours with the standard 7.2kW on-board AC charger when using a 400V connection with a 16-amp fuse. The charging process takes six hours from a conventional domestic socket with a rating of 230V and 10 amps.

Both hybrid models feature lime-green brake calipers and have exteriors that have been slightly modified to improve aerodynamics. Each comes standard with a Sport Chrono Package that specially tunes the vehicle for sporty performance.

The two high-performing models have been further enhanced with Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brakes, Dynamic Chassis Control, Sport Chrono Package and Torque Vectoring Plus.

The adaptive three-chamber air suspension, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), softens and stiffens the ride as driving conditions demand. Up to 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels and rear-axle steering are also available as optional extras.

All Cayenne models feature LED headlights, a cruise-control system with speed limiter function, camera-based pedestrian protection and Park Assist at the front and rear — including a rear-view camera system in the Cayenne Coupé.

Optional extras include LED matrix beam headlights, a head-up display, Night Vision with thermal imaging camera, and the Porsche InnoDrive digital co-pilot including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road sign recognition, active lane guidance, junction assistant and emergency braking.

• Porsche’s super hybrids will go on sale locally by the end of 2019, at R2,749,000 for the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and R2,817,000 for the Coupe Turbo S E-Hybrid.

• This article was originally published by the Business Day.