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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Panamera S Hybrid

Porsche has announced its most economical model ever.



The Panamera S Hybrid achieves 41.5 mpg (6.8 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km, according to the New European Driving Cycle test. The slight caveat is that those figures are only possible with specially developed - and optional - Michelin low rolling resistance tyres.





Nevertheless, even on normal rubber the hybrid manages 39.7 mpg (7.1 l/100km) and 167 g/km. Still very impressive considering that the best a purely petrol-powered Panamera will do is 25.0 mpg (11.3 l/100km) while pumping out 265 g/km of CO2.



Under the skin is the same technology that’s found in the Cayenne S Hybrid, which means a 328 bhp (245 kW / 333 PS) 3.0 litre supercharged six-cylinder petrol engine running in conjunction with a 45 bhp (34 kW / 47 PS) electric motor. Charge is stored in a nickel metal hydride battery, and an eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox is fitted as standard.





The Panamera’s range using only its electric motor for propulsion is a little over a mile (around two kilometres). That isn’t a lot, but even such a meagre distance could prove handy in city centre stop-start driving. Perhaps of more use is the ‘sailing’ feature which, at speeds up to 103 mph (165 km/h), will completely shut down the petrol engine when it’s not actually delivering any power to the wheels.



Harnessing the combined 373 bhp (279 kW / 380 PS) from its motor and engine, the Panamera S Hybrid will accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.0 seconds, while the more relevant 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) increment is taken care of in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 168 mph (270 km/h).





Pricing has been set at £86,227 for the UK and €106,185 in Germany. Standard kit includes Porsche Active Suspension Management, which offers continuous electronic adjustment of the dampers. Adaptive air suspension and Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering are also fitted.



Following an appearance at the Geneva International Motor Show, the Panamera S Hybrid is scheduled to have its market launch in June 2011.

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