So not totally dead, then.
While reports circulate that they’ve walked away from diesel altogether, German sports car manufacturer Porsche has clarified that it hasn’t killed off oilers from its range altogether. Instead, it will continue to offer revised diesel drivetrains for its Cayenne and Macan models, with the first of the new breed expected to arrive in the Cayenne later this year. The Macan diesel will arrive in 2019 along with a model refresh.
Porsche’s true intentions with diesel were revealed by sales boss Detlev von Platen during an interview with Automobilwoche, a sister publication of Automotive News Europe.
“Presently, the planning process foresees one for the Cayenne and probably for the Macan, too. For the SUV models, it [diesel] makes sense where customers want range and torque.” — Detlev von Platen, Head of Sales & Marketing, Porsche AG
When asked about when we could expect to see the new Cayenne diesel in Europe, he suggested a date later this year.
Last week, we carried a report that stated that Porsche was axing its diesel offerings altogether, instead putting greater focus on its electrified powertrains. Porsche has, historically, never developed its own diesel engines, sourcing them instead from sister-brand Audi. While von Platen made it clear that diesel would make a reappearance in the Porsche range, he echoed similar statements we heard last week about the importance (or lack) of diesel to Porsche as a brand.
“[Diesel] was never extremely relevant. Only about 14% of the 246,000 cars we sell worldwide are diesel. We see big demands for our plug-in hybrids, especially with the latest generation, now that its electric range has been extended to 50-kilometres. That, plays a big role.” — Detlev von Platen, Head of Sales & Marketing, Porsche AG
The direction that Porsche wants to take for the future is clear, though. Later this year, the company will launch its Mission E, a four-door fully-electric saloon to take on the Tesla Model S and next-generation electric Jaguar XJ. Three variants of the Mission E will be offered at launch: A 300kW model, a 400kW model, and a 500kW model. All models will feature all-wheel drive and a two-speed automatic transmission, and be capable of hitting 100km/h in less than 3-seconds, before hitting a top-speed of 250km/h.
When it arrives, the Mission E will carry a sticker price around the $95,000 mark, putting it comfortably between the Porsche Cayenne and Panamera, and right up against the American Tesla Model S.
