As we reported earlier in March, Porsche may be considering a hybrid variant of the Cayenne. Well now, according to Detroit Free Press, Porsche is going to start offering gasoline-electric hybrid systems starting in 2009, with the Cayenne SUV being the first to go green.

Porsche will be relying on its relationship with Germany’s largest auto maker, Volkswagen, since it gives the tiny sports car maker the volume to produce hybrids. In a recent interview with Mark Phelan, Porsche executive, Bernd Harling, said “Going forward, Volkswagen is the key. Porsche’s low volume means we’re limited in our research and development. We must focus on what we can do best.”

The relationship could even spawn Porsche diesel cars in the future. Not many are aware, but Porsche did most of the engineering for Volkswagen’s upcoming Audi Q7 hybrid SUV.

Source: Detroit Free Press

To all of you States-based Subie fans, November 15th is your day. At 10:35 AM, the new Impreza STI will supposedly make its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in U.S.-spec trim. The good news comes courtesy of an email received by a Subaru dealer and posted on NASIOC, although it’s yet to be confirmed by any of our sources at Subaru. We’ll be on hand to fondle the new STI if it does make its debut next week, so as always, watch this space.

[Source: NASIOC via Inside Line]

Toyota’s Prius has been the perennial hybrid player for a few years now and Honda thinks it’s about time to provide it with some competition. Honda has big plans for its next generation hybrid, with annual worldwide sales expected to be in the neighborhood of 200,000 – half of which are destined to find homes in the garages of North American consumers.

Unlike the Civic Hybrid which has put a very small dent in the Prius’ success, the new model will only be available with a hybrid system and is rumored to take its styling cues from the FCX fuel-cell vehicle set to begin production next year. This new model will be joined by another hybrid based off the CR-Z concept that debuted in Tokyo.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]