A ripple of excitement began a few days ago when Porsche->ke1 first announced that they would be bringing a new hybrid model to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. There were plenty of models we would have liked to see clutching on to a hybrid engine setup. In fact, we were expecting an alligator-sized model to be causing this movement in the water, but instead, it seems we are getting more of a stray leaf than a full-blown animal. When the Geneva Motor Show opens its doors in March, Porsche will be unmasking their new Panamera S Hybrid. Oh joy (insert sarcasm here).

It's not a secret that many of us don't exactly share the same enthusiasm for the Porsche luxury sedan as does Porsche or any of the sedan's owners. We simply can't understand why Porsche would create a speedy family-carrying sedan. That being said, there are many fans of the Panamera->ke1840 out there and we guess that keeping up with the times and going green would be the next logical step.

The new Porsche Panamera S Hybrid is will be getting all of its powertrain and technological cues from the Cayenne S Hybrid. Under the hood, we'll find a 3.0 liter V6 compressor engine with an output of 333 HP combined with an electric motor that adds an extra 47 HP. With this hybrid system, the Panamera will deliver a fuel economy of 39.79 mpg.

The new model will go on sale this June, with prices in the US market prices starting from $ 95,000.

Hit the jump to read more about the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid.

2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
  • Engine/Motor: V6 hybrid
  • Horsepower: 380
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Hybrid model features the same silhouette of the fuel-powered Panamera. It gets a low, wide stance and a sleek roofline, while still trying to maintain true sports car proportions. The car's front will be distinguished by a Bi-Xenon headlight design with LED technology, while the rear gets a new lid with a large glass screen and a spoiler. The final touch is provided by a new set of wheels, starting with a standard 18" and going up to the optional 20".

The new Panamera S Hybrid will feature an extensive color palette of no fewer than 16 exterior colors. In total, there are two solid, nine metallic, and five special colors to choose from.

Interior

The view from the inside of a Panamera is where the real joy in owning one comes into play. Everything is so well positioned within reach of the driver that leaving that seat once you have arrived at your destination becomes difficult. The interior of the Panamera S Hybrid will offer an elevated center console, four individual seats, and, of course, a comprehensive range of personalization options. These options include seven interior colors and five two-tone combinations, plus a range of optional packages featuring fine woods, carbon fiber, and aluminum.

The hybrid model comes with a standard adaptive air suspension including an adaptive shock-absorber system with PASM, Servotronic, and a rear wiper. The new Gran Turismo also features the Cayenne S Hybrid’s innovative display concept that provides the driver with all the relevant information about the vehicle’s specific hybrid driving status. This helps you to get the car to actually achieve its quoted mile per gallon mark. Don’t forget that this is a Porsche – meaning when you mash on the right pedal, the real engine will kick in. If you really want to save the environment, get a Prius. If you want to look cool and save the environment, get a Fisker Karma. This car already has enough critics to its name and making it one of the first Porsche hybrid models as well may bring a few more to the table (ourselves included).

Powertrain

The new Panamera S Hybrid combines a 3.0 liter V6 engine with an output of 333 HP with a 34 Kw (47 HP) electric motor. The electric motor gets its power from a nickel metal hydride battery (NiMh) where the electrical energy recovered from braking and driving is stored.

The car can drive on pure electric mode for up to 1.24 miles at a top speed of 53 mph. The electric motor operates as both a generator and a starter. Together with the decoupler, it forms the compact hybrid module located between the combustion engine and the transmission. This means that the car can run in one of three modes at a time. It can be fully powered by the gasoline motor, fully powered by the electric motor, or run in conjunction with both. This ensures that the car will have ample power on tap as well as receive the best gas mileage. The Cayenne Hybrid model also had several other efficiency options ranging from electrohydraulic steering to more efficient A/C and electric power systems. These improvements are unconfirmed for the Panamera, but don’t rule them out.

When equipped with standard tires, the Panamera S has a fuel economy of 39.79 mpg. With a boost in fuel economy, speed inevitably suffers, but not enough to render it useless. The Panamera S Hybrid is able to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 168 mph.

Prices

The new Porsche Panamera S Hybrid will go on sale this June, with US prices starting from $95,000.

Competition

The list of competitors for the Panamers S Hybrid include models like the Audi A8 and the BMW 7-Series.

The A8 hybrid, although still in a concept form, is powered by a 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder unit rated at 211 hp and 258.15 lb-ft of torque. This engine is then combined with an electric motor that develops a total of 45 hp and 155.63 lb-ft of torque. There's not much to write home about here so the win goes right on over to the Panamera. These Hybrids are coming from companies that want to meet more stringent efficiency standards from world governments - they are not environmental crusaders. The Fisker Karma that will be coming on the market shortly will feature full electric power and better styling than any of these cars. It may be hard to compete once more of these stylish, full-electric cars are available to the consumer.

The BMW 7-Series Hybrid, however, is a worthy competitor as it combines a V8 engine with 449 HP and a three-phase synchronous electric motor. The result is a maximum output of 465 HP and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft. The ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 155 MPH. Clearly, the BMW is faster than the Panamera, plus a family car from BMW doesn't nauseate us as does one from Porsche.