HybridPorsche Panamera

Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will also be building a hybrid drive
version of the new Panamera. This four-door Gran Turismo with
sporting driving dynamics so typical of Porsche will boast the
proven components featured in the Cayenne Hybrid entering the
market at the end of the decade. And thanks to its newly
developed full parallel hybrid, Porsche's Sports Utility will offer
average fuel consumption of less than 9 litres/100 kilometres.

We still expect the Panamera will use the 4.8-liter V8 variants
found in the current Cayenne SUV. With roughly 400 horsepower
for the base model and 500 hp for the Turbo, the Panamera
should have little trouble keeping up with its German competition.
And like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Porsche has also
announced its intention to add a hybrid sedan to its lineup. The
Porsche Panamera Hybrid will use the same system slated for
the Cayenne Hybrid and is expected to arrive in late 2010.

Our spy shooters have caught the 2010 Porsche Panamera
once again, this time during some hot-weather testing in Death
Valley, California. And once again, the upcoming four-door
Porsche has left us scratching our heads over its design.

Incorporating elements from both the 911 and the Cayenne, the
Panamera looks like it's having a hard time pulling off the whole
"four-door coupe" idea. The high window line makes it look bulky
in profile, while the massive hatchback window does little to slim
down the big rear end. We'll assume for now that the car will
look far more elegant when all the tape comes off, but for now
the Panamera looks like it could take over from the Cayenne as
the least attractive Porsche in the Stuttgart company's lineup.

Porsche has announced a hybrid drive version of the forthcoming four-door Gran Turismo Porsche Panamera. The hybrid Panamera will use the
components of the Cayenne Hybrid expected in 2009 and is an interesting technical solution as the hybrid module can disengage either the combustion
engine or the electric motor, or combine both drive systems as one joint power unit. Thus the Panamera hybrid will be able to be driven in a number of
different modes ranging from all-electric through to the muscle car sporting style of motoring so typical of a Porsche. The full parallel hybrid system will
consist primarily of the battery unit positioned in the luggage compartment, the power electronics, and the hybrid module between the engine and
transmission comprising an additional clutch and the electric motor. The Panamera will be the fourth Porsche model series, and other striking features of
the car will include a wide and low body offering dynamic proportions and muscular design to convey an outstandingly sporting yet compact overall look.
The roomy interior space of the Panamera offers two sporting and comfortable single seats in the rear that will allow adults to relax with surprisingly
generous headroom in full comfort and, should they wish, with all the performance and speed of a genuine Gran Turismo.
Sitting in the elegant and modern cockpit distinguished by its high-quality materials, the driver will enjoy an unmistakable Porsche driving experience.
The new Panamera Gran Turismo will be making its world debut in 2009 and will be introduced initially with proven drive concepts. The hybrid version will
follow later, depending on market requirements. [gizmag.com]