With the economy slowing down and fuel prices reaching an all time high in the U.S. and Europe, Porsche are probably left with no choice but to introduce diesel engines.

Industry experts are predicting Porsche will upgrade Audi’s V6 turbo diesel engine in its Cayenne. The diesel Cayenne is expected to achieve 23mpg, which should help improve the Porsche’s carbon footprint and allow the Cayenne to be registered in lower tax bracket in countries where registration taxes are based on emissions.

Reports claim the 240hp diesel Cayenne will be on sale by March next year. Porsche is expected to produce up to 15,000 diesel Cayenne’s annually, with prices to start at approximately £45,000 / $85,000.

According to Automotive News Europe, the diesel Cayenne was originally scheduled to be launched in January but was pushed back so it wouldn’t overlap with the introduction of the facelift model Boxster.

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