Porsche Panamera Hybrid: Performance and incredible hybrid efficiency
Capable of operating emissions-free up to 165 km/h, Panamera S Hybrid is the most economical Porsche of all time
Debuting later this year, the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid marks the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s Porsche Intelligent Performance development philosophy. Without sacrificing sportiness and elegance, the new four-door combines the total power output of 380 hp with fuel consumption of only 6.8 L/100 km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), equating to CO2 emissions of just 159 g/km. That makes the Panamera S Hybrid the most economical Porsche of all time.
It achieves these values in part thanks to low-rolling-resistance tires developed specially for the Panamera. But even with standard performance tires, the new Porsche hybrid model’s fuel consumption is an unprecedentedly low 7.1 L/100 km, equating to 167 g/km CO2.
The Panamera S Hybrid sets new standards, when measured in terms of Porsche performance as well as in terms of hybrid vehicle characteristics. It accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds and can reach a top track speed of 270 km/h. Its range in purely electric mode is approximately two kilometres, with electric-only acceleration possible up to 85 km/h. The Porsche hybrid drive is also the only system in the world able to reduce consumption at high speeds thanks to a so-called "sailing" function, which disengages and switches off the gasoline engine at speeds of up to 165 km/h.
The Panamera S Hybrid is driven by the same engine combination that has already proved itself in the Cayenne S Hybrid. Primary propulsion is provided by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine delivering 333 hp, supported by a 47-hp electric motor. Both machines are capable of powering the Panamera S Hybrid either alone or in combination. The electric motor, which can operate both as a generator and a starter combines with the decopuling clutch to form the compact hybrid module located between the combustion engine and the transmission. The electric motor is connected to a nickel metal hydride (NiMh) battery, where electrical energy recovered from braking and driving is stored. The transmission is the same eight-speed Tiptronic S fitted in the Cayenne models, with a wide spread of ratios.
The Panamera S Hybrid has an even higher level of standard equipment than the eight-cylinder Panamera S. It is fitted as standard with the adaptive air suspension, including Porsche’s PASM adaptive shock-absorber system, Servotronic variable-assist power steering and a rear wiper. Inside, the new Gran Turismo also features an innovative display that provides the driver with relevant information about the status of the vehicle’s hybrid drive systems.
With the launch of the new hybrid variant, the Panamera model line now consists of six different models. The new offering underlines the strategic importance of the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy, with a combination of sportiness and environmental responsibility unique in its segment. As such, it builds on the Panamera’s considerable success worldwide, with over 30,000 vehicles having already been delivered.
The Panamera S Hybrid will go on sale in Canada in fall 2011 at a price of $108,700.