Last Auto News - Porsche Confirms Baby Boxster and Hybrid SUV Models

Last Auto News -

Several sources have confirmed new Porsche models are in the pipeline. These include a new entry-level model. Left Lane News reports, “Speaking with Autocar, Volkswagen Group chairman Martin Winterkorn confirmed that a smaller Porsche model was undergoing serious consideration.

They note that the new sports car model, codenamed “new 356,” is “expected to carry a price tag just a few grand smaller than that of the base model Porsche Boxster” and could “hit the road in late 2012.”

Top Speed, which describes the new model as a “Baby Boxster,” says it “will be built on a new steel and aluminum platform that will also be used for the future Audi R4 (that has also been confirmed for June 2011). New for the 356 will also be the engine, a forced induction flat four that is currently under development and that will deliver a total of 250 HP.”

Motor Trend speculates on the engine, noting, “It was unclear whether that meant turbo or supercharged power, but regardless, it’ll probably be one quick ride.”

A new small SUV model is also rumored, but Porsche has yet to confirm it or release details. Left Lane News reports that Porsche’s only current SUV, the midsize Cayenne, may get a hybrid model as part of its next-generation line-up.

“According to Autocar, the Cayenne Hybrid will return up to 34.5mpg and spew just 193 g/km C02,” they write. “Incredibly, that’s 5mpg better than the base model Cayman. Not bad for a vehicle that can tow 7,700 pounds and still accelerate from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds.”

The Cayenne Hybrid is expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. However, it may never see U.S. shores. “Porsche is yet to confirm whether the Cayenne S Hybrid will be launched in the U.S. and the same goes for the hybrid version of the Panamera sedan due towards the end of the year,” writes Motor Authority.

Meanwhile, you can still get your hands on another new Porsche vehicle. Edmunds Inside Line reports the face-lifted 2010 911 Turbo arrives at dealers this week. It features 20 extra horsepower and 15 more pound-feet of torque than the previous model. It’s also 13 percent more fuel-efficient and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds.

Edmunds says the 911 Turbo is “priced at $132,800 for the Turbo Coupe and $143,800 for the Turbo Cabriolet. The official on-sale date is Saturday, January 30.”

If you’re in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year’s best cars as well as this month’s best car deals.