jayk of TopSpeed.com wrote:We’re still a few weeks away from the Paris Motor Show, but Porsche couldn’t wait to spill the beans on its new Panamera Hybrid. The model incorporates battery-powered technology similar to what’s used on the 918 Spyder hypercar, not to mention the 919 racer that took the checkered at Le Mans this year.
First, the eco stuff. By default, the Panamera starts in all-electric mode. Providing the all-electric muscle is a motor rated at 136 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This time around, the hybrid’s battery got an energy boost, and is now rated at 14.1 kWh, versus the outgoing model’s 9.4 kWh. Keep it off the dino juice, and you’ll still be able to coax 31 miles from it.
Now for the fun stuff. Kick over the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6, and you’ll get a peak output of 462 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which is good enough to push the hybrid to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Top speed is rated at 172 mph.
Routing the muscle is an eight-speed PDK transmission, which feeds all four wheels as standard. Keeping the shiny side up is a standard three-chamber air suspension.
In the cabin, you’ll find two 7-inch displays behind the steering wheel, plus a 12.3-inch display mounted in the dash. The Sport Chrono Package is equipped as standard.
The 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid gets its official public debut at the Paris Motor Show next month. Pricing is currently unavailable, but expect it to hit North American dealers next summer.
