As an example, with its combination of materials for optimum weight as well as changes in the overall concept of the vehicle such as the Cayenne’s new active and extra-light all-wheel drive, weight is down on the Cayenne S by 180 kg (400 lb).

Together with the Cayenne S Hybrid, three of the five versions of the new Cayenne consume less than ten litres of fuel per 100 km (24 mpg US) in the New European Driving Cycle, with two models emitting less than 200 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. At 193 g/km, the Cayenne S Hybrid is the cleanest version of the Cayenne with the lowest level of emissions, and the cleanest Porsche throughout the company’s entire portfolio.

Cayenne Hybrid S. The hybrid is powered by a 333 hp (248 kW) 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and 34 kW (47 hp) electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, either one drive unit can operate by itself or both drive units can work together. Together, the two drive units deliver maximum system output of 380 bhp (283 kW) and peak torque of 580 N·m (427 lb-ft) at 1,000 rpm, with the same kind of performance as the Cayenne S with its V8 power unit.

The two drive units are connected to one another by a separator clutch masterminded by the Hybrid Manager. The system support all-electric drive for short distances at a speed of up to 60 km/h (37 mph).

To ensure fast acceleration when setting off, the electric motor may however serve to provide additional thrust through its boosting effect. At the same time the combustion engine may be completely switched off at speeds of up to 156 km/h (97 mph), being fully disengaged from the drivetrain when no further power is required. In this “sailing mode”, cruising along without power, the drag forces exerted by the combustion engine and their braking effect are eliminated in the interest of lower drive resistance and fuel consumption.

Other models in the range include:

• Entry-level 3.6-liter V6. Despite the increase in engine power to 300 bhp (224 kW), fuel consumption in the NEDC driving cycle in conjunction with optional eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission is down from the former model by 20% to 9.9 L/100 km (23.8 mpg US).

• Cayenne Diesel. The 240 bhp (176 kW), 550 N·m (405 lb-ft) 3.0L V6 likewise reduces fuel consumption by 20%, down from 9.3 to 7.4 L/100 km (31.8 mpg US).

• Cayenne S. With its 4.8-liter V8 power unit, fuel consumption has improved by 23% to 10.5 L/100 kilometers (22.4 mpg US). At the same time the new engine delivers 400 bhp (298 kW) maximum output instead of the former 385 bhp, offering significantly better performance.

• Cayenne Turbo. With a 500 bhp (368 kW) 4.8-liter V8 biturbo, it consumes 11.5 L/100 km (20.5 mpg US) in the New European Driving Cycle—23% less than its predecessor.