Porsche Adds Plug-in Hybrid To Panamera Sport Turismo Line

Moving ahead with its overall plan to add electric vehicles -- mild hybrid, full hybrid or full electric -- Porsche, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, will add a plug-in hybrid to its Panamera Sport Turismo line.

One of the big takeaways from the Dieselgate scandal was the Volkswagen Group’s significant commitment to electric vehicle technology. The automaker promised that by 2025 it would offer 30 new electric models. Each of the automaker’s subsidiaries is contributing to this effort. Indeed, it is likely that when the dust settles in seven model years, VW will not only have succeeded in its commitment, but it will also have surpassed it.

I.D. Series To Join VW Lineup By 2022

For example, the automaker recently introduced its I.D. series of electric vehicles, the I.D Crozz, the I.D. Buzz and its SUV, planned for 2022. VW also plans significant additions and changes to its Golf family, in addition to the already-manufactured e-Golf. The changes will range from full electric models to so-called “full” hybrids (running at 300-400 volts) and, finally, mild hybrid systems that operate at 48 volts.

From the VW brand name to Audi and Porsche, as well as the other members of the Volkswagen family are slated to contribute to the major electrification effort. Looking more closely at Porsche, the automaker plans to expand its hybrid offerings by adding a plug-in hybrid to the Panamera Sport Tourismo line.

The new offering – the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Tourismo -- combines Porsche’s 4.0-liter V-8 with an electric motor to deliver 680 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque. Its power rating makes it one of the most powerful production vehicles Porsche has done. Unique in its segment, the E-Hybrid Sport Tourismo features a large tailgate with a low loading edge and increased luggage capacity with seating for five. The features give the new Panamera flagship a high degree of practicality.

Using a boosting strategy derived from the 918 Spyder, the Sport Tourismo combines the output of the 136-horsepower electric motor with the 550-horsepower of the twin-turbo V-8 to create the power to move the Panamera from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds, completing the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds. The top end of the E-Hybrid Sport Tourism is 192 mph, putting it comfortably in the supercar class.

The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Tourismo uses a quick-shifting eight-speed Porsche double-clutch transmission. The electromechanical tranny sends power from the 668-horse powerteam to the active all-wheel-drive system. The AWD uses the Porsche Traction Management Team. A liquid-cooled lithium-ion 14.1 kWh battery powers the electric motor. It takes 12 hours to fully charge the battery through the standard 3.6 kW, 10-amp power connection. The charging time decreases to less than three hours if the optional 7.2 kW onboard charger links to a 240-volt, 40-amp connection.

Charging App Available

Charging can be started with a timer using the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) software or the Porsche Connect app for Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

The Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Tourismo comes equipped with all of the innovations of the second-generation Panamera. They include the digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, ground-breaking assistance options like the Porsche InnoDrive, which includes adaptive cruise control and optional rear-axle steering. The adaptive roof spoiler is set in three stages, depending on the driving situation and the vehicle settings. The spoiler can generate added downforce for the rear axle. Usually, the spoiler remains retracted with a slight downward angle of negative-seven degrees which cuts drag and creates optimum fuel consumption.

Two other settings – track speeds and over-55 mph – provide maximum handling and lateral dynamics, as well as top driving stability.

The top-of-the-line model features the Sport Tourismo’s raised roofline which allows easy access and egress from the rear of the E-Hybrid. The raised roofline also maximizes headroom. The lines allowed the designers to provide optimized tailgate opening characteristics while lowering the edge height to 24.7 inches.

Unlike other models in the Panamera Sport Tourismo series, rear seating is optimized for three. The two outer seats are individualized so that in the passengers gain maximum comfort. The reality that the E-Hybrid features 2+1 rear seating, although a more standard 2+2 configuration is available. In the 2+2 configuration, each seat is electronically adjustable, front and back.The rear seats can be folded down, yielding up to 45.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

The E-Hybrid Sport Turismo’s sporting heritage is also evident the standard equipment which includes Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control – Sport – including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, Power Steering Plus, and the Sport Chrono Package. Additionally, the wheels are 21-inch 911 Turbo Design. And, the package includes adaptive aerodynamic elements and three-chamber air suspension including the Porsche Active Suspension Management system.

Performance-Oriented – More or Less – Sports Sedan

If you are interested in having a performance-oriented Porsche (more or less) sports sedan, you can order the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo now. They should be here sometime in the spring. The suggested retail is $188,400, plus $1,050 delivery, processing, and handling fee.

The 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is available to order now and is expected to reach U.S. dealers in Spring of 2018. The base MSRP is $188,400, not including a $1,050 delivery, processing, and handling fee.

Source: Porsche