Coming to America, Porsche's first diesel.
Even the most upscale automakers apparently aren’t immune to the impact of rising fuel prices.
Germany’s Porsche will introduce a diesel-powered version of the big Cayenne sport-utility vehicle next year, the maker planning to introduce the new model during the New York Auto Show this week.
While the Cayenne diesel will see a significant jump in mileage, the maker claims, it also insists a buyer won’t sacrifice much when it comes to performance, the 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel still able to launch from 0 to 60 in just 7.2 seconds – on the way to a top speed of 135 mph.
European luxury makers have actually been leading the push into diesel, well ahead of their Detroit and Asian competitors. Perhaps no surprise considering that diesels account for about half of the overall European automotive market – and a disproportionate share of the luxury segment due to tax and fuel cost advantages.
But Porsche lagged behind German rivals Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen, only introducing the Cayenne Diesel in Europe in 2009. The version coming to the States is essentially the same as that European offering, but tweaked to meet even tougher American emissions regulations.
The Cayenne will use a 3.0-liter turbodiesel making 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. While the maker is waiting for official EPA mileage numbers the tentative figures are 28 mpg Highway, 20 City, with a full-tank range of 740 miles.
The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel is also rated to tow 7,716 lbs.
The new model will be priced at $55,750 plus $975 destination charges. It’s expected to join Porsche’s U.S. line-up in September.
Meanwhile, Porsche also plans to give the third-generation Boxster its North American debut at this week’s NY Auto Show.
The addition of the Cayenne Diesel continues the slow but accelerating revival of “oil-burner” technology in the normally diesel-phobic American market. In fact, Mazda will also be launching its own new diesel at the NY Auto Show, a version of its new SkyActiv-D powertrain being introduced in the Takeri concept car – which is expected to strongly influence the design of the next-generation Mazda6.
(Click Here for more on the Mazda Takeri SkyActive diesel.)