Eco-Friendly Fun: Porsche Supercharges the Hybrid

NASHUA, NH (03/07/2011)(readMedia)-- With the introduction of the Panamera in 2009, Porsche brought its expertise at developing high-performance sports cars to the luxury sedan. In 2011, the new Panamera hybrid will carry on this tradition of innovation.

Without any sacrifice to the Panamera's formidable power, the 2012 Panamera S Hybrid promises to be the most fuel-efficient car Porsche has ever made. In fact, Porsche claims the new Panamera hybrid will get more horsepower per gram of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than the Toyota Prius, long considered the gold standard for eco-friendly hybrids. Porsche's newest hybrid will debut at the Geneva Motor Show and is expected to be available at New England Porsche dealers later this year.

The Panamera S Hybrid will run off a nickel-metal hydride battery stored in the floor of the trunk that will be charged with electrical energy produced by coasting and braking. Porsche reports that the new Panamera will have an electric-only range of 1.2 miles up to speeds of 53 mph, and Autoweek.com claims that Porsche is also working on a lithium-ion battery version that would plug in to extend the electric-only range.

"With the 2012 Panamera Hybrid, Porsche is proving that it is possible to have a gasoline-electric hybrid that is terrific fun to drive," said Larry Bedell, general manager of Porsche of Nashua, a New Hampshire Porsche dealer. "Aside from the remarkable fuel economy, you'll have no idea you're actually driving a hybrid."

The numbers confirm that the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid will deliver on performance. The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine produces 333 horsepower, while the brushless electric motor, in addition to functioning as the starting motor and generator, contributes an additional 47 horsepower. The total combined horsepower of 380, alongside the 159 grams per kilometer of C02 produced by the hybrid, means the Panamera hybrid gets 2.4 horsepower per gram of CO2, a number better than the 1.5 horsepower per gram earned by the Toyota Prius.

The most inventive use to which Porsche has put the electric motor, however, is the hybrid Panamera's "sailing" feature, which it shares with the Cayenne Hybrid. Sailing allows the gas engine to shut down once it's brought the vehicle up to a cruising speed and shift completely to electric power. This allows the Panamera to travel for short periods using only electric power, even at cruising speeds of 103 miles per hour.

"The Panamera will have a few things in common with the Cayenne Hybrid," Bedell continued, "including its eight-speed automatic gearbox. New Hampshire Porsche drivers count on Porsche not only to innovate but also to stick with what works, and their hybrids are no different."

Porsche reports that the new Panamera has a top speed of 168 mph and will be able to go from 0 to 62 mph in 6 seconds. Other vehicles with such impressive numbers enjoy a long drink at the gas pump, but the Panamera S Hybrid is expected to average 34.5 combined city and highway mpg, which not only beats out the Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid, but makes it the most fuel-efficient Porsche ever.

"Drivers who want all the highlights of traditional Porsches in an eco-friendly package won't be disappointed," said Bedell. "With the fantastic performance of the 2011 Porsche Panamera and this impressive fuel economy, how could they be?"

About Porsche of Nashua:

A 2010 and 2011 Premier Porsche Dealer, Porsche of Nashua delivers customer service equal to the quality of the Porsche brand. For new and used Porsche sales, Porsche service and Porsche parts, choose the New Hampshire Porsche dealership that stands out from the rest. Browse their inventory online at www.porschenashua.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/porscheofnashua, call them at 603-578-3744, or visit their dealership at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, NH.