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It is believed the new diesel engine is based on Audi's single-turbo 3.0-litre V6, enhanced by Porsche for 225kW with an increase to 3.2 litres and two turbochargers.
Porsche Cars Australia boss Michael Winkler says the company will look at all options to meet demand for diesels.
“When we introduced the Cayenne, the global SUV market was 95 per cent petrol,” he says. “Three years later, in 2007, 80 per cent were six cylinder. Now, 80 per cent of the luxury SUV market are diesel. We would be stupid not to at least look at it.”
Winkler acknowledges a changing world.
“I was adamant there would never be a six-cylinder Cayenne. Now there is,” he says. “We are in the process of buying a company [Volkswagen] that makes some of the best diesels in the world.”
Meanwhile, flagging sales mean Porsche's delicate Boxster urgently awaits its much-needed 2009 makeover.
Clues to the new model, which receives marginal body panel changes, centre on the transfer of technology from the existing 911 series.
These changes are expected to include LED lights at nose and tail, aerodynamic aids, new ducting for engine cooling and optional cornering and xenon lighting.
“Sales are starting to slide as the car is in run-out mode,” Winkler says.
There is no shortage of potential custom so the appeal in the new model will lie in extracting more performance and reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The Boxster is expected to pick up technology just released in the 911. This lightweight, more compact and responsive engine adds direct-petrol injection to maximise power and minimise fuel use.
The Boxster may get a bigger capacity — 3.0-litres — for the entry model and 3.6-litres, up from 3.4, for the Boxster S.
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