Electric Bruce! Porsche Releases Details on Panamera Hybrid

Such teases, those Porsche types. Just weeks after telling the German press they're not quite sold on the whole hybrid thing, sales wise, the company's released details on the gas-electric version of its coming Panamera four-door. (Wait, did we say Panamera? Yes, we did.) That means the top-view rendering above, while informing us of the new e-gas tech with cutaway and callouts, provides one of the first representations of the actual car we've seen from the Stuttgart studio. As expected, the modular hybrid drivetrain is the same joint-VW/Audi rig found in the recently revealed hybrid Cayenne. The system allows for joint gas/electric operation during acceleration and electric-only propulsion at highway speeds. That for highly excellent and most precise driving dynamism, no doubt. (Press release after the jump.)

Porsche Panamera Hybrid — Teaser

Press Release:

PORSCHE® RELEASES MORE DETAILS ON PANAMERA™

—Ground breaking four-door GT to be offered with Porsche hybrid system—

ATLANTA, January 7th, 2008 - Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, announced today that it is developing a hybrid drive version of its highly anticipated four-door Gran Turismo. The Panamera Hybrid will utilize the same gas-electric drive concept as the Cayenne Hybrid that comes to market at the end of the decade and will claim a remarkable 30% reduction of fuel consumption.

The full parallel hybrid system of the Panamera will be configured with the battery unit positioned below the luggage compartment, and hybrid module, comprising of an additional clutch and electric motor, will be 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. This flexibility results in benefits such as a zero emissions driving mode, fuel savings in both city and highway driving and maximum performance when desired.

The Panamera, which represents Porsche's fourth model line, will make its world debut in 2009 and promises to redefine the Gran Turismo category by featuring 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. Introduced initially with traditional drivetrains, the hybrid version of the Panamera will be offered at a later date.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 212 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

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