Porsche will be adding a new model to its range of hybrid cars. The company announced today it will produce a plug-in hybrid version of the Panamera Sport Turismo, the most powerful Sport Turismo in the German automaker’s lineup, with delivery to dealerships in Canada and elsewhere scheduled for spring 2018.
Equipped with all the features introduced in the second-generation Panamera, the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo will generate a total of 680 hp via its 4.0L turbo V8 engine working in tandem with an electric motor, both harnessed by an 8-speed transmission providing fast-shifting power to the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) adaptive all-wheel drive system. Able to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and maintain a top speed of 310 km/h (140 km/h on electric power alone), the new hybrid will also provide drivers with an all-electric range of 50 km.
Exhilarating practicality
That range and the impressive overall fuel efficiency of the high-performance new model are attained in part thanks to design elements like its low leading edge and adaptive roof spoiler. But will it be practical? The car has a 4+1 seating configuration, higher roof line for easier access, wide tailgate opening and increased cargo capacity (425 litres, or 1,295 litres with the split 40/20/40 rear seats down) to go along with the legendary Porsche driving dynamics to make for a car that is both practical and a joy to use on a daily basis.
Performance-enhancing hybrid technologies
Porsche’s stated approach is one of integrating hybrid technologies that actually enhance the performance of their cars. The company’s engineers thus repeated the Porsche 918 Spyder supercar’s all-wheel drive system’s boost strategy in the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, with the result that the car’s maximum torque of 626 lb-ft is attained at just 1,400 rpm.
Porsche Canada is accepting orders on its newest hybrid model effective immediately, with the starting price set at $214,900.
Want to know what the drive will be like? Read our first-drive review of the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which we tested this summer.
