Environmentally Responsible Porsche? Uh Huh
Now that the Obama administration has acknowledged that global warming is real and bad and Americans have had a taste of $4 a gallon gasoline, going green is no longer just a fashion statement. But driving a Porsche? Honestly people, when is that not a fashion statement?
Can the two be reconciled? According to Porsche sales chief Klaus Berning, the answer is yes. In discussing the company’s new hybrid Cayene SUV that will appear in the U.S. late in 2010 — to be followed by the gasoline-electric Panamera (a high-performance sedan recently unveiled in Shanghai), Berning had this to say.
“It is clear that the customer in this segment wants this technical solution, which will communicate that they are successful, that I have a sporty car and that I care about the environment. We are planning serious volume.”
Yeah, sounds a little bit more like, “I wanna have my cake and eat it to.” Sorry. Just a station break for cynicism. Here’s the vitals on the Cayenne hybrid:
- nickel-metal hydride batteries
- full-hybrid system allowing for an electric-only mode
- 3.0-liter supercharged V6
- 14 mpg highway, 14 city
Not that impressive? Hence the source of my cynicism. We’re seeing just a few too many hybrids that emphasize style over substance for my taste, but hey, I guess we’ll take progress where we can get it — even when it comes in teeny, tiny little baby steps. I’m still holding out for a Smart ForTwo.