Panamera Hybrid launch in 2011

Days after launching the new Cayenne Hybrid, Porsche has confirmed it will launch a hybrid version of its four-door sports-coupe, the Panamera in 2011.

The Panamera hybrid will use the same petrol-electric powertrain as the Cayenne hybrid. It will be powered a 46bhp electric motor mated to a 329bhp, supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. The hybrid system is a full parallel hybrid, in which the electric motor or the petrol engine, or both, can power the drive system.

In case of the Cayenne hybrid, the electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and the gearbox. The hybrid also has the capability to coast with the engine off and disconnected from the transmission at speeds up to 150kph. The all-wheel drive Cayenne hybrid uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The Panamera hybrid will become the second regular production Porsche to be offered with a hybrid drivetrain, after the Cayenne. The firm also intends to put its 918 Spyder hybrid supercar concept into production and has created a 911 hybrid racer.

Porsche is also developing three all-electric Boxsters and will begin trials of these cars in Germany next year.