Hybrid Panamera coming

As anticipated, Porsche has confirmed that the Panamera S Hybrid will be launched in 2011. It’ll share the technology already used in the Cayenne S Hybrid, which means a combined 374 bhp (279 kW / 380 PS) from a supercharged six-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor.

In the Cayenne, that hybrid package is good for a 150 mph (242 km/h) top speed, while 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration takes just 6.5 seconds.  Despite the performance, it still manages a fairly respectable combined cycle fuel consumption of 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100km). But the benefits are most noticeable when it comes to CO2 emissions: the Cayenne S Hybrid’s figure of 193 g/km is actually better than that of the recently announced Cayenne Diesel.

When it arrives, the Panamera S Hybrid should record even better stats. That’s because it’ll probably be around 250 kg lighter than the Cayenne, and have a lower drag coefficient. If only it was a bit better looking…



Porsche is also starting work on a purely electric car, using three Boxsters as research cars. Michael Macht, President and CEO of Porsche AG, backed this up by saying, “We will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers product qualities typical of a Porsche.”