Okay so 2012 has only just begun, but we're already gearing up for the second half of the year when a rumored diesel-powered Porsche Cayenne might be hitting American dealerships. The vehicle itself is real, in fact, a diesel variant of the Cayenne has been roaming the streets of Europe for a while now. But if the rumors are true, this will be Porsche's first foray into diesel power trains in the United States.

The current-model Porsche Cayenne diesel rates at just over 32-mpg, about 88-percent more efficient than the current gasoline powered model here in the U.S. The 300-hp, V6 engine in the current model gets about 17 miles to the gallon - impressive for the powerful SUV, but well-worth the jump in efficiency in the long run. It's also higher than the Cayenne S Hybrid model, which currently hovers around 27 mpg. The diesel variant will swap out the 333-hp available in the hybrid for a 245-hp diesel six cylinder.

So, we have less than a year to wait before the arrival of the diesel-powered Porsche Cayenne. That might seem like a long time, but a powerful luxury SUV with increased efficiency will be well worth the wait.

At least, that's what we think here at Bert Smith Porsche, 3800 34th St North St Petersburg, FL 33714. Be sure to stay tuned with us for more Porsche news and updates, or contact us via our website at your convenience to learn more about any of the new Porsche models currently available for a test drive.