Porsche releases details and an “image” of the hybrid Panamera

Porsche today, officially announced that they will be building a hybrid model of their upcoming Panamera. The vehicle will feature the same hybrid motor that is due out soon in their Cayenne. The claim is that it is an overall reduction of 30% in fuel consumption (compared to what, the current V6 or V8?). The beauty of the system is that it can fully disengage the combustion engine and run entirely off of the electric motor, making it a zero emissions mode. As I opened the press release I was hoping to see an actually image instead we got the above cutaway.

Full 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.