Porsche Snatches 1-2 in Michelin Challenge Bibendum

An event that has attracted a fair amount of attention this year, the Michelin Challenge Bibendum managed to bring a lot of satisfaction for the car makers who are planning to change the world with their vehicles in the not-so-distant future.

As one of the car makers with the pedigree to consider, Porsche saw the event not necessarily as a challenge, but as a means to advertise two of its finest products. And advertising it did, after the two models, the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid and a more regular 911 Carrera managed to win first and second place in the Intercity Rally in the combustion engine driven production vehicle category.

The Bibendum was the first on the road adventure for Porsche's soon-to-be-hit the Panamera S Hybrid. Set to launch on the market in June 2011, the model will offer for EUR106,185 the same powertrain as the Cayenne S Hybrid, but on a smaller body. That's a 333 hp 3.0l supercharged V6 and a 47 hp electric motor, neatly wrapped in the distinctive bodywork of the Panamera.

With this heart on board, the Panamera S Hybrid is capable of reaching 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph). The car can be driven on electric power alone for about 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) at speeds of up to 85 km/h (53 mph).

“The double victory by the two Porsche models is proof that the optimum blend of efficiency and driving dynamics is capable of winning even a competition based on sustainability criteria,” Porsche said about the achievement.