New Panamera S Hybrid is The Most Fuel Efficient Porsche of All Time

Just as we suspected when Porsche first announced its plans to present a brand new hybrid model at the Geneva Salon, the German firm"s "surprise" is indeed the Panamera S Hybrid. According to the automaker, the new 380HP hybrid GT is the most economical Porsche of all time with a combined fuel economy of 6.8 lt/100km or 34.6 mpg US, and also boasts the lowest CO2 output of any large sports sedan in the luxury segment with 159 g/km (both figures achieved with the optional low resistance tires).

The latest addition to the Panamera family makes use of the same powertrain found on the Cayenne hybrid mating a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6 sourced from Audi to a 47 hp (34 kW) electric motor for a combined output of 380HP. Both motors are capable of powering the Panamera S Hybrid either alone or in combination, while the electric motor also operates both as a generator and a starter.

The electric motor is fed by a nickel metal hydride battery (NiMh) where the electrical energy recovered from braking and driving is stored. Power is transferred to the rear wheels by the familiar eight-speed Tiptronic S.

Porsche says the Panamera S Hybrid can complete the standard sprint to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (0-60mph in 5.8"), and reach a top speed at 270 km/h (168 mph). The range in purely electric mode is approximately two kilometres (1.24 miles) with electric driving possible up to 85 km/h (53 mph), depending on the driving situation.

When fitted with the optional lower-rolling resistance all-season tires from Michelin, the Panamera hybrid consumes on average 6.8 lt/100 km (34.6 mpg US.) with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km. With the standard tires, the hybrid model returns 7.1 lt/100 km (33.1 mpg US) with 167 g/km of CO2.

All Panamera S Hybrid models will come fitted as standard with the adaptive air suspension including the adaptive shock-absorber system with PASM, as well as a bespoke display concept that provides the driver with relevant information about the vehicle?s specific hybrid driving status.

The Panamera S Hybrid will enter the European market in June 2011 and cost ?106,185 in Germany, including VAT and country-specific equipment, while sales in the States will start a little bit later in 2011 at a base suggested retail price of $95,000 excluding destination (?70,320).

VIDEO: Porsche"s 34.6 MPG 2012 Panamera S Hybrid on the Move

Porsche is out to prove that luxury sports saloons can offer exceptional fuel economy and low emissions without losing on performance with its new Panamera S Hybrid model, the first details of which were released earlier today. Shortly after the presentation Porsche also published a short video of the hybrid model in motion, which you can check out after the jump.

The newest member of the Panamera family puts out a combined 380HP from a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and an electric motor, for a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds, Porsche said the hybrid model returns a combined fuel economy of just 6.8 lt/100km (equal to 34.6 mpg US) in the European cycle when equipped with low-rolling resistance tires, with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km, the lowest in its segment.

Techart Rolls Out GrandGT Styling Program for Porsche Panamera

Seen for the first time at the Auto Zurich Car Show last December, Techart"s GrandGT styling program for the Porsche Panamera is now available for sale. The tuner"s box of goodies include a full carbon fiber body kit complemented by beefier alloy wheels, and a variety of cockpit modifications.

The exterior styling kit starts off with a new front bumper cover with the front grill insert and splitter in carbon fiber and continues with wider front and rear fenders, side skirts, a rear bumper with a diffuser, and a deck lid spoiler. A choice of alloy wheels in sizes 20- to 23-inches complete the new look.

The interior package offers buyers a variety of customizations ranging from carbon-fiber trim and Alcantara seats to illuminated door entry guards in a carbon fiber finish.

The tuner can also satisfy power-hungry drivers with several performance upgrades including a 571HP kit for the range-topping Panamera Turbo.

Techart Rolls Out GrandGT Styling Program for Porsche Panamera

Seen for the first time at the Auto Zurich Car Show last December, Techart"s GrandGT styling program for the Porsche Panamera is now available for sale. The tuner"s box of goodies include a full carbon fiber body kit complemented by beefier alloy wheels, and a variety of cockpit modifications.

The exterior styling kit starts off with a new front bumper cover with the front grill insert and splitter in carbon fiber and continues with wider front and rear fenders, side skirts, a rear bumper with a diffuser, and a deck lid spoiler. A choice of alloy wheels in sizes 20- to 23-inches complete the new look.

The interior package offers buyers a variety of customizations ranging from carbon-fiber trim and Alcantara seats to illuminated door entry guards in a carbon fiber finish.

The tuner can also satisfy power-hungry drivers with several performance upgrades including a 571HP kit for the range-topping Panamera Turbo.

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Nissan 350Z Poses as a Porsche Panamera Convertible...

[Updated gallery] The Tokyo Auto Salon is always a blast featuring all sorts of unique tuning proposals, like this here Porsche wannabe. When our Tokyo show man Phil e-mailed the above photo, we assumed it pictured a Porsche -possibly a Boxster- modified to resemble a Panamera Convertible. We were quickly proven wrong, however, when he sent over an image of the interior and some video footage revealing that the Porsche Panamera tune was actually a...masqueraded Nissan 350Z Roadster. More photos after the jump.

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Porsche Considering Diesel-Powered Cayenne and Panamera Models for the U.S.

Porsche officials are exploring the possibility of adding diesel variants to the company"s North American lineup to help meet the growing demand for fuel-efficient cars. On sale in Europe since early 2009, the Cayenne diesel could be one contender for the job and may be followed by the Panamera with a diesel engine and a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

?We are discussing internally if we should introduce the Cayenne diesel in the U.S. this year. Also a Panamera diesel is an option?, said the brand"s sales and marketing chief, Bernhard Maier.

Beside the diesel version, Porsche is also currently selling the Cayenne S Hybrid with the two variants accounting for 30 percent of the model?s total sales worldwide.

Bringing the diesel-powered Cayenne to the States, which is the brand?s biggest single market, could give sales a further boost, after global Porsche deliveries rose by 27% to more than 97,000 units in 2010.

?We expect the diesel and hybrid share to grow further in 2011?, Mr. Maier said.

Citing inside company sources, Autonews Europe reported that the new Panamera variants are expected to be introduced before summer in Europe and could make their world debut at this year?s Geneva Motor Show in early March.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: ANE

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