After seeing UK sales drop by almost a third in the last twelve months, Porsche has made the bold decision to launch a diesel engine in its range – for the first time ever.
The sports car maker has so far resisted the introduction of diesel power, but falling sales, coupled with an increasing demand for economical and cheaper to tax cars has forced the firm to take, what many will see, as drastic action.
Porsche will fit the Cayenne, its large four-wheel drive, with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, supplied by Audi. The 240bhp engine will provide strong performance, but crucially can return 30mpg and emits 244g/km of CO2 – although this currently means it still sits in the highest band for road tax.
This is a major change of direction for the German firm, which has traditionally only built high performance petrol cars. But the introduction of CO2-based road tax in most European countries and the trend towards diesels is having an affect.
A more efficient and economical Cayman is due in 2009, while Porsche is also working on a hybrid version of the Cayenne (that will use an electric motor alongside a standard engine), although this isn’t due for several years yet.
The diesel Cayenne, which comes with an automatic gearbox as standard, will go on sale in February 2009 with prices starting at £40,250.
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