Porsche Panamera Range Could Add Hybrid V8 Model

In recent years, Porsche experimented with hybrid powertrains in models such as the Cayenne SUV and Panamera fastback sedan. With the 918 Spyder hypercar, which combines a 4.6-liter V8 with two electric motors, Porsche showed that it’s a quick learner in this domain. But what would you say if Porsche were to upt the ante of the recently presented Panamera 4 E-Hybrid with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 mill from the Turbo?

As reported by AutoExpress, the German manufacturer is considering a V8-powered derivative of its eco-friendly Panamera. Compared to the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, which produces 455 horsepower from its twin-turbo V6 and hybrid powertrain, two extra cylinders and a little more displacement could ramp output to current-gen Turbo or former-generation Turbo S levels. In other words, something in the region of 542 to 562 horsepower.

Speaking to Porsche head honcho Oliver Blume at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the cited publication highlights that such a proposition is “also feasible, but unconfirmed, that both powertrains [V6 hybrid and V8 hybrid] could feature in a future Porsche Cayenne.” Considering that a new-generation Cayenne is just around the corner, everything is possible from this point of view.

But then again, don’t forget to take this hearsay with the mandatory pinch of salt. Porsche, along with nearly every other automotive brand controlled by the Volkswagen Group, is pushing for electrification like there’s no tomorrow. In this regard, next-generation 911 will get some sort of electrification. But more importantly for Porsche's future as a car brand, the Mission-E Concept from 2015 will morph into a full-fledged electric vehicle for the road.