Now, it's Porsche openly confirmed that the launch of the Panamera S Hybrid is on track for 2011. Though new tech isn't being created for upcoming Panamera but it is being build on Cayenne S Hybrid platform. That means it will sport a 329-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a 46 hp electric motor. Like the Cayenne S Hybrid, the Panamera's parallel hybrid setup boasts the ability to operate at low speeds under electric power alone.
Photos copyright �2010 Drew Phillips
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Porsche Develops Research Cars with Electric Drive
Stuttgart. Electric drive will take on an increasingly important role in the further enhancement of Porsche Intelligent Performance. To combine greater efficiency with even lower fuel consumption and emissions, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is working consistently not only on the ongoing development of hybrid concepts already in regular production, but also on practical tests as part of the Stuttgart Model Region for Electromobility, using three research cars with all-electric drive based on the Porsche Boxster.
In the test process, these three electric Boxsters are to provide an initial first important insight into new electric drive components and battery systems for all-electric vehicle drive. This field test intended to also provide further findings on the infrastructure required for electromobility, user behaviour and the demands made of future products, is to start in early 2011.
Michael Macht, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche AG, sees this contribution made by Porsche as absolutely essential: "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."
Porsche has been committed to electric mobility for a long time, thus helping to preserve the environment and save resources in our world: The spectacular concept study of the 918 Spyder high-performance mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid combines high-tech breakthroughs in engine technology and electromobility with a truly fascinating range of further qualities. Emissions otherwise to be found only on a super-mini of just 70 g/km CO2 with three litres fuel consumption for 100 kilometres in the NEDC (equal to 94.1 mpg imp), come with the performance of a super sportscar developing well over 600 horsepower.
The hybrid system of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid has been developed especially for racing, with two 60 kW (82 hp) electric motors on the front axle boosting the 480 hp six-cylinder power unit fitted at the rear. Replacing conventional batteries there is an electrical flywheel power storage system re-charged whenever the driver applies the brakes and thus delivering energy to the electric motors. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has already proven its racing qualities in the 24 Hours of N�rburgring.
Introducing the Cayenne S Hybrid, Porsche also offers the first production car in the range able to run under electric power alone. With maximum output of 380 hp, the Cayenne S Hybrid makes do in the NEDC cycle with just 8.2 ltr/100 km (equal to 34.5 mpg imp), and CO2 emissions reduced to a mere 193 g/km. This hybrid technology will also be featured in the future Panamera S Hybrid due to enter the market next year.