2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid Test Drive - Popular Mechanics
Powertrain: 333-hp supercharged V6, 47-hp electric motor, eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive. What's New: The Panamera S Hybrid borrows and tweaks the supercharged 3. 0-liter direct-injection V6, 34-kilowatt electric motor and eight-speed transmission from Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid. In addition to the new hardware, the car gets an "E-Power" switch that allows drivers to choose electric-only driving for the city that works up to 53 mph. When everything works in concert, Porsche's hybrid sedan will scoot to 60 mph in under 6. 0 seconds, making it the quickest hybrid currently on the market. It's attached to the front of the torque converter and can drive the transmission on its own, giving the Panamera S Hybrid a 47-hp electric motor with eight speeds. However, a mechanical clutch connects the engine, electric motor and transmission for a maximum output of 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. In sailing mode, when the car is off throttle or going down an incline, the engine can turn off and the electric motor can either provide occasional power or act as a generator. Source: www.popularmechanics.com
