WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – Porsche AG is currently developing a hybrid drivetrain for its Cayenne SUV in an attempt to cut average fuel consumption by a third, according to the Web site www.trendaz.com.

When the hybrid Cayenne enters the market in 2009, Porsche wants it to sip “just” 8.9 liters of petrol per 26.8 mpg, whereas the current entry-level 250- hp V-6 Cayenne guzzles 18.5 mpg. The introduction of the hybrid model is Porsche’s response to tighter carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions regulation in the European Union, as well as a growing interest in environment-friendly cars among consumers. Hybrid cars are equipped with an electric motor alongside the conventional combustion engine, enabling emission-free city-driving.