Hybrid Porsche Panamera hybrid announced

Porsche today announced the company will be building a hybrid drive version of the new Panamera model.

The vehicle will take the form of a four-door gran turismo and will share some proven components already previewed in the Cayenne Hybrid prototype, which is set to enter the market at the end of the decade.

The full parallel hybrid system will consist principally of a battery unit positioned in the luggage compartment of the new Panamera, as well as power electronics and a hybrid module between the engine and transmission - which comprises of an additional clutch and the electric motor.

Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid module is able to disengage either the combustion engine or the electric motor, or to combine both drive systems as one joint power unit.

Thus the Panamera may be driven in a number of different modes ranging from all-electric drive - which is absolutely free of emissions - all the way to the sporting style of motoring typical of a Porsche.

The new Panamera gran turismo will be making its world debut in 2009 and will be introduced initially with proven drive concepts.

The hybrid version will follow later, depending on market conditions.