Porsche has joined the ranks of car-makers that offer diesel engines.

From next February, the Stuttgart marque will launch a Cayenne SUV with a 240hp 550Nm 3-litre V6 turbodiesel that consumes just 9.3 litres of fuel per 100km and emits 244g of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Porsche says the decision is made in response to new regulations in European markets that result in tax incentives for vehicles with diesel engines. Apparently, Porsche customers are particular about running costs, too.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 22, 2008.