Porsche confirms hybrid Panamera

The car hasn't even been officially revealed yet, but Porsche has already confirmed its upcoming Panamera four-door 'coupe' will be offered with the same petrol-electric hybrid powertrain technology recently previewed in its Cayenne SUV (more here).

Porsche claims the petrol-electric powertrain reduces fuel consumption by 30 per cent, reducing emissions in the process -- an important consideration as the enviro lobby goes from strength to strength.

Although exact specifications of the Panamera hybrid are yet to be announced, Porsche has revealed the full parallel hybrid system will be configured with the battery unit positioned below the luggage compartment.

Meanwhile, the hybrid module -- comprising an additional clutch and electric motor -- will be slotted in between the engine and transmission.

Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid module has the ability to disengage either the combustion engine or the electric motor, or to combine both drive systems as one joint power unit -- as per the Cayenne hybrid.

The Cayenne hybrid that we drove six months ago pairs a 206kW 3.6-litre V6 FSI engine with a 34kW electric motor and the clutch that mates the two engages and disengages in just 300 milliseconds, making for seamless operation.

With a peak torque figure of 550Nm at 1500rpm, the Cayenne hybrid qualifies as a grunter. By comparison, a regular Cayenne V6 has 385Nm, while the V8-powered Cayenne S has 500Nm.

Porsche claims the hybrid powertrain's flexibility provides a zero emissions driving mode, fuel savings in both city and highway driving and "maximum performance when desired".

The four-door Panamera is also said to offer a high degree of flexibility via its overall packaging. Porsche is boasting of a "a unique design package that will afford equally generous front and rear space and seating comfort for four while retaining the sporting and unmistakable driving dynamics of every Porsche."

Representing Porsche's fourth model line, the Panamera will make its world debut in 2009, lining up against the likes of the Aston Martin Rapide, Mercedes-Benz CLS and the eventual production version of BMW's stunning Concept CS.

Introduced initially with conventional drivetrains, the hybrid version of the Panamera will be offered at a later date.

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