CAFE? Yeah right! says Porsche
The way the draft rules have been defined for the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard, Porsche is at a distinct disadvantage. Because the standards for any given vehicle are based on the size of the vehicle, Porsche's relatively small cars have to meet a higher standard than other manufacturers. Apparently Porsche doesn't really care. Detlev von Platen the new CEO of Porsche Cars North America has declared that the German sports car (and SUV) builder will not downsize its vehicles or engines and will not use diesel engines. Porsche doesn't plan to change the high performance nature of its vehicles according to von Platen, although they will increase the fuel efficiency of those vehicles. The Cayenne SUV and the upcoming Panamera four door will both get a new hybrid powertrain that will be shared with Volkswagen and Audi. However, the Cayenne hybrid won't appear until at least late 2010. Porsche has managed to increase the fuel economy of its vehicles to the point that none of the current models are subject to the gas guzzler tax and last year the company average was high enough to avoid a CAFE fine. Going forward that will almost certainly change as Porsche doesn't have any expectation of meeting the 41.3mpg average the new draft rules would impose on the company by 2015.
[Source: Autoweek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Andrew Leinonen 9:42AM (6/03/2008)
I would be pretty upset if manufacturers like Porsche were given an exemption because of their business model. Given their massive profit margin, they can certainly stand to pay enough to offset their fuel consumption. Weekend toy or not.
Of course, that surcharge obviously just gets passed along to the consumer. But Porsche buyers can certainly stand to pay for it, too.
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Sam Abuelsamid 10:09AM (6/03/2008)
Andrew I don't think anyone is talking about an exemption for Porsche. I think they just realize that they will not meet the requirement for their cars and will pay whatever fines there are and pass it along to customers
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rgseidl 11:05AM (6/03/2008)
I think it was Marie Antoinette who captured Porsche's mentality most succinctly: Let them eat cake!
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Rick 11:44AM (6/03/2008)
If I can't have a turn, then I'm going home!
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Turbofrog 11:44AM (6/03/2008)
Yeah, I wasn't trying to insinuate that there was going to be an exemption. If anything, I expect things will be going in the opposite direction.
I expect there will always be a market of people who couldn't care less and will always be willing to shell out the extra cash for speed.
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steven 12:19PM (6/03/2008)
I think a few people are missing the issue with the pahse in of the so-called 35MPG CAFE standard. Porsche would be required to meet a 41mpg average by 2015, but ironically Toyota will only be required to reach approx 34 MPG. Keep in mind too that Prosche already sells cars that get better mileage than an Camry V-6.
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MikeW 2:47PM (6/03/2008)
Porsche sells one powertrain combination that exceeds the Camry V6. 2.7 boxing 6 & 5 speed stick. 20/29 (on premium)
The camry was tested on regular and returned 19/28.
The 2gr-fe V6 is supposed to use European mid-grade (95RON)
So if Toyota test with that, and installs the RAV4's electric power steering in the Camry, the mileage should improve to at least 20/29.
and the Camry V6 is as fast as the 5 speed stick 2.7 boxster/cayman.
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Joseph 3:20PM (6/03/2008)
Porsche is reaaaally stubborn.
I don't blame them; if I was in charge of Porsche, I think I would do the same thing they are doing now: no diesels, no downsizing, we make performance cars.
Porsche makes relatively fuel-efficient vehicles, if you compare their sports cars to the others available. I'm happy to hear them repeat that they intend to move towards hybrids.
Now if only Porsche would start making EVs....
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Das Boese 6:44AM (6/04/2008)
Methinks they object to the CAFE rules because they still plan on gaining control of VW.
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