Porsche’s Panamera sedan will be offered with three different gasoline engines ranging from 400 to 500 horsepower. None of this should come as a surprise, but the German automaker has another trick up its sleeve — a hybrid powertrain, says the U.K.’s Car magazine.
Geared toward green motoring enthusiasts, the car will be equipped with a V6 putting out 300 hp, the report says. Other engine choices will include the 4.8L V8 engine found in the Cayenne — which puts out 400 hp with 415 lb/ft of torque — and a turbo version of that motor which is expected to deliver 500 horsepower.
The hybrid version will also offer the unique ability to accelerate quickly thanks to an additional 100 hp available in short spurts.
Porsche is also expected to an all-wheel-drive option for the car. While the gasoline Panamera is expected to arrive in 2009, the hybrid version will be a 2011 model, the report claims.
04/18, 12:48 PM
posted by:
mosh03
first comment! winner.
04/18, 12:48 PM
posted by:
JoshL
this could be very interesting and the start of a new fad in Hollywood. at least i wont be seeing those stupid Prius’s everywhere when i see a millionaire global warming nut. Now we can do 180 MPH and still get 40 MPG, WAHOO!!!
04/18, 1:22 PM
posted by:
Fromes
If they can have a hybrid that provides good MPG and that still provides the type of performance people expect from Porsche I think they will have a winner on their hands.
04/18, 2:03 PM
posted by:
Jazz
I agree Fromes.
They should push for a 2010 release though
04/18, 2:31 PM
posted by:
Wickedated
This car is horrid! That back end looks awful. Competing against the likes of the Aston Rapide and the upcoming Quattroporte, this thing will take a slap on the face from competitors.
04/18, 3:18 PM
posted by:
norby413
home and wicked,
Sounds exactly like the preclusions everyone had when they announced the Cayenne, which, I admit, is NOT the best looking thing out there.
But, can’t argue with results. They’ve sold DOUBLE the number of Cayennes they originally projected. The Panamera WILL be a succes. It has one huge advantage Aston and Masarati can’t match. IT’S A PORSCHE!
04/18, 6:42 PM
posted by:
SRT-4Ken
——————>homeboy234, can u send me a link with them “official pics”, cuz i been DYING to get my eyes on some, seriously……..
04/19, 4:08 AM
posted by:
55amg
what the hell!? have they gone mad? no eco Porsche please
04/19, 4:34 AM
posted by:
Hyperion
This car looks beautiful. As for the engine option, I think Porsche is doing it the right way. Offer a desirable product with drivetrains that go in both the high horsepower and green directions.
04/19, 7:51 AM
posted by:
Mr.AMG
Can they plz stop spending valuable time on hybrid crap. Porsche should be the last people worried about MPG right now. I’m sick of waiting for this beautiful 4 door coupe!
04/19, 1:30 PM
posted by:
norby413
Hybrids are not necessarily slower than pure gas engine rides. Look at the new Lexus hybrid line putting out 438hp, more than their regular engines.
Porsche is MORE than smart to contemplate a hybrid design, considering the eco-political climate, and the realities of rising gas prices. US regs may eventually require such measures, and that’s a third of Porsche’s entire business.
Besides, the technology of hybrids is fascinating. Plus, electric motors have 100% torque at 0 rpm!
04/19, 9:30 PM
posted by:
Piablo
Norby413 – I have to disagree, on condition. If the result Porsche is looking for in offering a hybrid Panamera is better fuel efficieny, i find the whole thing to be a paradox. If better fuel efficiency is the goal, don’t offer a super car with a V8 in the first place. That’s pandering to the poorly informed public at it’s worst. However, if the goal is to offer a powertrain that is superior in performance, and the only way to get there is slapping a half ton of batteries into the car, then I don’t despise it as much. But considering how awful the batteries are in the first place, it’s still a no go for me.
04/20, 4:36 PM
posted by:
norby413
Piablo,
Then don’t buy one.
The point is, fuel economy/gas usage is becoming a more and more touchy issue. If there is a solution to keeping high performance levels while improving fuel economy, AND improving company image, they’d be stupid not to make a hybrid. If a company with the engineering resources of Porsche tackles the problem, you can bet some new, innovative solutions will come out of it.
04/21, 10:32 AM
posted by:
55amg
i think a hybrid will ruin Porsche’s image