Porsche is one of the few European automakers to have never offered a diesel option, but that streak will officially come to an end in 2009. Porsche has confirmed that it will launch a diesel-powered version of its Cayenne SUV next March.
According to The Detroit News, Porsche’s current fleet fuel economy of 20 mpg would cost the automaker more than $736 million in fines by 2016, a leading factor in Porsche decision to go diesel.
Prior to the latest report, Automotive Industry Data — which has long been known for its outstanding sources within Porsche — revealed that Porsche would offer a diesel-powered Cayenne SUV in mid-2009.
Backing up the claim of Porsche’s move to diesels is a recent round of spy photos showing a diesel-powered Cayenne. While there are no markings giving away the Cayenne as a diesel, it was seen filling up at a diesel pump and has a unique exhaust setup. Spy photographer also said the prototype had an unmistakably diesel exhaust note.
And because of Porsche’s close relationship with Volkswagen , Porsche has a number of diesel powerplants to choose from. However, don’t look for the diesel Cayenne to use any of VW’s V12, V10 or even V8 diesel powerplants. Instead, Porsche will use VW’s 3.0L TDI V6 — with 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque — to help keep weight to a minimum.
Porsche revealed to Automotive News that it originally planned to reveal the diesel Cayenne along side an updated Boxster in January, but decided to move the Cayenne debut back to give the Boxster an exclusive early year introduction.
