New Panamera hybrid scores top marks

Porsche will soon unveil its second hybrid model. The new Panamera S Hyrbid will join the Cayenne S Hybrid in bringing a sporting drive and class-leading fuel economy to the sector.

With a total output of 279kW (245kW petrol / 34kW electric), the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid promises a 'best case' fuel consumption figure of only 6.8L/100km while emitting 159g/km of CO2.

The figures mean that not only is the Panamera S Hybrid the most economical Porsche of all time, but also the class-leader in terms of fuel consumption and emissions output.

In all-electric mode, the sporty four-door has a cruising range of two kilometres at speeds of up to 85km/h. The system can also be utilised to exploit additional consumption reserves at freeway speeds, whereby the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine is disengaged and switched off at speeds up to 165km/h when not required (i.e: when coasting). Panamera S Hybrid's electric motor is powered by a nickel metal hydride (NiMh) battery pack that stores energy regenerated from braking and coasting, like any other hybrid car.

Power transmission is handled by Porsche's eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission as standard.

To further assist Porsche's state-of-the-art hybrid technology, Panamera S Hybrid is fitted with Michelin low rolling resistance tyres, specially developed for the low slung Grand Tourer. But despite all its frugal intentions, Panamera S Hybrid loses none of its exhilarating performance, accelerating from rest to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds, and on to a top speed of 270km/h.

Porsche centres across Australia are now taking orders for the Panamera S Hybrid with the first customer deliveries to commence in August.

The Porsche Panamera S Hybrid is priced at $298,300

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