Jan 21, 2008

Porsche to Build Hybrid Four-Door

Porsche shocked the automotive world with its revelation that it was planning to introduce a four-door sedan to compete against exclusive luxury vehicles like the Maserati Quattraporte. Now it has shocked the automotive world again with the announcement it will offer a hybrid-powered version of the car. The Panamera Hybrid will utilize the same gasoline-electric drive concept as the Cayenne Hybrid SUV that will be in showrooms by the end of the decade. Porsche says that vehicle will consumer 30 percent less fuel than its conventionally powered twin.

The full parallel hybrid system of the Panamera will be configured with the battery unit below the luggage compartment. The hybrid module, comprised of an additional clutch and electric motor, will be between the engine and transmission. Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid module will have 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, Porsche's fourth model line, will make its world debut in 2009.