Porsche is considering adding a diesel model to the Cayenne's powertrain lineup.

Porsche Canada manager of public relations Laurance Yap says that the American division -- which dictates most product decisions for North America -- was initially not interested in offering the oil-burner. Now, however, officials there are discussing the possibility.

Yap says management here definitely wants a diesel for the Canadian market and are elated the United States arm is rethinking its position.

U.S. interest in the engine, which is already available in Europe, is gaining momentum as competitive brands such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi offer diesel SUVs.

In Canada, there's a strong interest in diesel power, especially in luxury SUVs, with 70 per cent to 80 per cent of Mercedes SUV customers ordering diesel engines.

Volkswagen says 90 per cent of its Touareg buyers are buying diesel models.