Like the previous generation, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid that was launched at the Paris Auto Show uses a turbocharged V6 and an electric motor to move about, but it might be joined by a beefier version.
A previous report from Motor Trend had suggested that Porsche is cooking “a 918 with back seats” that would borrow the 918’s high-performance hybrid technology. That model could be far more ordinary than originally thought.
The reason is that, according to Auto Express, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume revealed the German car maker is considering a faster variant of the second-gen hybrid Panamera, which could feature the same 4.0-litre V8 as the Turbo and the upcoming Turbo S.
Since the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid already boasts a power output of 462 HP and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, the V8 variant could go as high as 700 hp and 800 Nm.
The powertrain, mated with an eight-speed PDK gearbox, should be enough to propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about three and a half seconds and all the way to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). Significantly faster than the current hybrid’s 4.6 seconds and 278 km/h (173 mph) respective figures.
Even though he described the combination of a high-performance engine and electric motors as “attractive”, Blume said there are no current plans to introduce a hybrid 911, Boxster or Cayman. So, unless Weissach has something entirely different in mind, this really leaves only one candidate, doesn’t it?
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid pictured
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