( Autoweek ) - Porsche gave us a glimpse of its prototype hybrid Cayenne sport/utility vehicle, and says it will cruise at 70 mph using the power from the electric engine alone. Engineers noted that the hybrid can't get to 70 miles per hour without the regular engine, but once it gets there it can cruise at 70 without the need for gas. Porsche says its hybrid Cayenne is headed for showrooms in two or three years, priced at about $44,000, similar to the regular Cayenne.
Porsche figures the hybrid will get about 24 mpg and says future developments may allow Porsche engineers to push toward 26 mpg.
The Cayenne Hybrid will have the clutch and electric motor positioned between the engine and the transmission. Porsche said the in-line configuration of the components is more compatible with the Cayenne platform.
Coordinating the car's three main components (engine, the electric motor and the battery) is the Hybrid Manager, the heart of the Cayenne Hybrid. The Hybrid Manager oversees some 20,000 data parameters and is one of the most powerful technologies found in any hybrid vehicle. The Hybrid uses unique, more efficient power steering and vacuum pump for the brakes and a unique air conditioner that can operate on electric power. The Cayenne Hybrid's electro-hydraulic steering - a first for a vehicle of its kind, will ensure the SUV drives like a Porsche.
Porsche plans to introduce similar hybrid technology in a version of its Panamera four-door. The Panamera will come in 2009, with the hybrid after that.