Teased: Porsche Cayenne plug-in E-Hybrid

The electric hybrid version of the third-generation Porsche Cayenne SUV is all set to be revealed this year by the automaker. Porsche recently teased the upcoming supercar in a video while going through some tough endurance tests in South Africa ahead of the global unveil. The video show Porsche testing the forthcoming plug-in in South Africa on rough asphalt roads and in cities, winter tests in Canada in -40 degree Fahrenheit temperature and summer tests at high altitude as well as the sand dunes of Dubai at nearly 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to Porsche, the current round of tests focuses on the hybrid units of the new Cayenne derivative in particular. Providing a glimpse of what the next-gen car would be, the teaser video shows a few near-production prototypes going through the different levels of the endurance test in the challenging terrains and difficult mountain passes at altitudes of more than 3,000 meters of the African country.

Talking about the third-gen Cayenne SUV, Peter Hass, Team Manager Quality Management and Testing, said, "Our goal is to deliver a vehicle to the customer that is 100 per cent perfect". Also, Oliver Laqua, Director Complete Vehicle Product Line SUV said, "The Cayenne has actually also been our door opener to hybridization. We've basically learned over time we need to upgrade the vehicle again in terms of emotional appeal and sport handling. Our new strategy, as predicated by the 918 Spyder and implemented with the Panamera, actually means that we offer the most emotional and powerful vehicle by far among all plug-ins in the Cayenne's derivative class."

The looks and appearance of the upcoming Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid will remain similar to the petrol-powered versions of the outgoing model. The teased prototypes are seen with neon green brake calipers indicating towards the hybrid nature of the cars.

Following the footsteps of the other Porsche cars, the next-gen Cayenne will also sport a powerful performance oriented powertrain. The upcoming Cayenne E-Hybrid will be powered by the same powertrain that does duty in the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, a 2.9-liter bi-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor. The combined output generated by the engine will be more than 455 bhp and develops a peak torque of 700 Nm. While the electric motor is a 14-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is capable of offering a longer electric range compared to the previous hybrid Cayenne. Other than this, the German automaker also has plans to introduce a Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid powered by 671 bhp 4.0-litre V8 engine later.

Currently, the existing Porsche Cayenne is offered in two engine options. While the base model comes powered by a 3.0-litre single-turbo V6 producing 335 bhp, the top-spec Cayenne S uses a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that churns out 433 bhp. The transmission duties are performed by the eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission that comes standard with both the engines.

The regular Cayenne E-Hybrid is expected to break cover in the following weeks as Porsche says the new SUV version is “on the cusp of the market launch.” However, Porsche also has plans to introduce a diesel powered Cayenne that is likely to become the very last diesel Porsche ever. Stay tuned to V3cars.com for further updates on the upcoming Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.