Geneva 2011: Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Porsche has chosen the show floor at the 2011Geneva show to unveil a brand new model, the Panamera S Hybrid. According to the manufacturer, the 380 hp GT car is actually the most economical Porsche ever made, with a combined fuel economy of 6.8 l/100km (34.6 mpg US), while also boasting the lowest CO2 emissions of any large sports sedan in the luxury segment with 159 g/km, when fitted with the optional lower-rolling resistance all-season tires from Michelin.

As we expected, the Panamera has borrowed its powertrain from the Cayenne S Hybrid. This combines a 333 hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 sourced from Audi with a 47 hp (34 kW) electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 380 hp.

Both engines are capable of powering the Panamera S Hybrid either alone or in combination. The electric motor also operates as a generator and a starter, saving weight in the process. Together with the separating clutch, it forms the compact hybrid module located between the combustion engine and the transmission.

All that is enough to push the Panamera S Hybrid to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph). The car can drive on electric power alone for about two kilometers (1.24 miles) at speeds of up to 85 km/h (53 mph).

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