Porsche Isn't Killing Off Its Diesels After All

Feb. 24, 2018 2:40 PM ET by Mark Stevenson / 2 Comments

But Porsche still doesn't plan to bring diesel engines to America again.

This past week, it was reported Porsche would be ditching diesel entirely in favor of electrified and fully electric powertrains. It turns out, someone got their wires crossed on the matter. According to Car and Driver, Porsche released a statement clarifying its stance on diesel power. While Volkswagen Group brands won't be bringing engines burning the fuel to America anytime soon, the new Cayenne will, in fact, get a diesel engine in other markets. Diesel still has some life in it yet.

"Currently, the demand for diesel models is falling, whereas interest in [gasoline] and hybrid models is increasing significantly," Porsche UK said in a statement. "In light of these facts, Porsche has adapted its product planning. This decision means that Porsche currently does not offer any vehicles with diesel engines. However, it does not mean a diesel exit at Porsche. As announced, the new Cayenne is set to feature a diesel powertrain. The exact time of the market launch is not yet clear." The news of Porsche supposedly giving diesel engines a Dear John letter initially seemed plausible considering Volkswagen Group's relationship with the fuel over the past two years.

As part of the Dieselgate scandal, the Porsche Cayenne 3.0-liter V6 Diesel was caught in the crosshairs of U.S. emissions regulators, though the engine itself was supplied by Volkswagen Group luxury brand Audi and not developed by Porsche itself. Since the scandal, none of Volkswagen Group's brands-Volkswagen, Audi, or Porsche-have sold a diesel-powered vehicle in the U.S. On this side of the Atlantic, the new Porsche Cayenne arrives in base and S trims midway through this year. Those models will be powered by two turbocharged V6 engines making between 340 and 440 horsepower.

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Porsche Isn't Killing Off Its Diesels After All

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Porsche Isn't Killing Off Its Diesels After All

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