VIDEO: Porsche's 34.6 MPG 2012 Panamera S Hybrid on the Move

Porsche is out to prove that luxury sports saloons can offer exceptional fuel economy and low emissions without losing on performance with its new Panamera S Hybrid model, the first details of which were released earlier today. Shortly after the presentation Porsche also published a short video of the hybrid model in motion, which you can check out after the jump.

The newest member of the Panamera family puts out a combined 380HP from a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and an electric motor, for a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds, Porsche said the hybrid model returns a combined fuel economy of just 6.8 lt/100km (equal to 34.6 mpg US) in the European cycle when equipped with low-rolling resistance tires, with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km, the lowest in its segment.

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New Panamera S Hybrid is The Most Fuel Efficient Porsche of All Time

Just as we suspected when Porsche first announced its plans to present a brand new hybrid model at the Geneva Salon, the German firm's 'surprise' is indeed the Panamera S Hybrid. According to the automaker, the new 380HP hybrid GT is the most economical Porsche of all time with a combined fuel economy of 6.8 lt/100km or 34.6 mpg US, and also boasts the lowest CO2 output of any large sports sedan in the luxury segment with 159 g/km (both figures achieved with the optional low resistance tires).

The latest addition to the Panamera family makes use of the same powertrain found on the Cayenne hybrid mating a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6 sourced from Audi to a 47 hp (34 kW) electric motor for a combined output of 380HP. Both motors are capable of powering the Panamera S Hybrid either alone or in combination, while the electric motor also operates both as a generator and a starter.

The electric motor is fed by a nickel metal hydride battery (NiMh) where the electrical energy recovered from braking and driving is stored. Power is transferred to the rear wheels by the familiar eight-speed Tiptronic S.

Porsche says the Panamera S Hybrid can complete the standard sprint to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (0-60mph in 5.8"), and reach a top speed at 270 km/h (168 mph). The range in purely electric mode is approximately two kilometres (1.24 miles) with electric driving possible up to 85 km/h (53 mph), depending on the driving situation.

When fitted with the optional lower-rolling resistance all-season tires from Michelin, the Panamera hybrid consumes on average 6.8 lt/100 km (34.6 mpg US.) with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km. With the standard tires, the hybrid model returns 7.1 lt/100 km (33.1 mpg US) with 167 g/km of CO2.

All Panamera S Hybrid models will come fitted as standard with the adaptive air suspension including the adaptive shock-absorber system with PASM, as well as a bespoke display concept that provides the driver with relevant information about the vehicle’s specific hybrid driving status.

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

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Porsche Reportedly Considering Long-wheelbase Panamera for the U.S. and China

Porsche purists have never been too fond of the Cayenne and Panamera, but customers less interested in heritage and pedigree have bought plenty of them. In fact, both models have significantly boosted the automaker’s 2010 sales, so not only are the Germans going keep them in their lineup, but will also continue to pump out new versions, at least according to the latest rumors. Citing inside sources, Autoweek reported today that Porsche is now considering a...long-wheelbase version of the Panamera, which could go on sale in the United States and China as early as 2012.

The same sources stated that the four-door coupe’s wheelbase could be extended by as much as 5 inches (12.7 cm) for a total of 120 inches (3.05 meters), enabling the Panamera to go after the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Lang that boasts a 124-inch (3.15 m) wheelbase.

The additional length is said to result in longer rear doors, which will also improve access, one of the current Panamera’s flaws.

In other news, Porsche has allegedly postponed its plans for new Panamera body styles (convertible and shooting brake) until 2015.

“We've decided to wait until the second-generation model before adding alternative body styles,” a high-ranking Porsche official told the news site. “We're already flat-out meeting demand for a single body style as it is,” he added.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autoweek

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Porsche to Unveil New Full Hybrid Model at Geneva Show, Can You Guess What it is?

Porsche is continuing its foray into the eco-friendly segment with a new full parallel hybrid vehicle that’s headed for the Geneva show, according to a statement released today. However, the Germans are keeping specific details hush-hush, only stating that the new model is set to build on the success of the Cayenne S Hybrid and “signals a new chapter” in the brand’s “Porsche Intelligent Performance” philosophy.

While we can’t confirm anything, signs point to a hybrid version of the Panamera four-door coupe, which was last mentioned (but long ago teased) at the end of January. Porsche then said that it’s considering a diesel-powered Cayenne for the States, which could be followed by diesel and gasoline-electric hybrid Panamera variants as well.

Given the Cayenne S Hybrid reference, it’s possible that the Panamera hybrid will use a similar powertrain setup with the SUV model, which features a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine and a 47HP (34 kW) electric motor for a combined output of 380HP (279 kW) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Porsche will also display in Geneva the 918 RSR hybrid racing car concept and hardcore Cayman R, plus the recently introduced 911 Black Edition and Boxster S Black Edition.

By Csaba Daradics

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Porsche Panamera Tuneathon Continues with Anderson Germany

Another day, another tuning proposal for Porsche's Panamera sports saloon which is proving to be particularly popular with the aftermarket industry. This one comes from Anderson Germany which has just finished tidying up the details on its latest project based on the non-turbo Panamera 4S.

Starting with the engine programme, a software update and a sport exhaust system that comes with a remote-controlled butterfly valve allowing the driver to control the tone, help increase the 4.8-liter naturally aspirate V8's output from 400HP to 485HP. Other go-fast features including a height-adjustable sports suspension and new 22-inch alloy wheels finished in black with red accents that are wrapped around tires sized 265/40 and 295/25 in the front and rear, respectively.

The car is then finished in a satin black shade and is fitted with a new body kit, while the mirrors, grille, door handles, logos, bar, tailgate and window frames are painted in a glossy black color. Anderson Germany also tinted the headlamps and tail light covers.

There's a variety of customization options available for the interior ranging from the carbon-style leather and black Alcantara seats with red diamond-shaped seams, to carbon fiber trims and accent LEDs for the door sills.

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Techart Rolls Out GrandGT Styling Program for Porsche Panamera

Seen for the first time at the Auto Zurich Car Show last December, Techart's GrandGT styling program for the Porsche Panamera is now available for sale. The tuner's box of goodies include a full carbon fiber body kit complemented by beefier alloy wheels, and a variety of cockpit modifications.

The exterior styling kit starts off with a new front bumper cover with the front grill insert and splitter in carbon fiber and continues with wider front and rear fenders, side skirts, a rear bumper with a diffuser, and a deck lid spoiler. A choice of alloy wheels in sizes 20- to 23-inches complete the new look.

The interior package offers buyers a variety of customizations ranging from carbon-fiber trim and Alcantara seats to illuminated door entry guards in a carbon fiber finish.

The tuner can also satisfy power-hungry drivers with several performance upgrades including a 571HP kit for the range-topping Panamera Turbo.

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