Porsche Panamera S Hybrid On Sale In Australia

Porsche has revealed the hybrid version of its Panamera saloon this week, along with a list of figures that make it the most efficient Porsche to date.

Joining the likes of the Cayenne Hybrid and the upcoming 918 Spyder Hybrid, the 2011 Panamera S Hybrid is set to go on sale in Europe from June, followed by the US later in the year.

The Panamera S Hybrid is driven by the same powertrain featured in the Cayenne Hybrid, combining a 250kW supercharged V6 with a 34kW electric motor, sending power to the rear wheels through Porsche's eight-speed Tiptonic S transmission.

Energy for the electric motor is drawn from a nickel metal hydrid battery, which also stores kinetic energy recovered from braking and driving.

The big Porsche can be driven either by the petrol engine alone, the electric motor alone, or - most often - a combination of the two.

Together with low rolling-resistance tyres, the hybrid arrangement sees the Panamera S Hybrid returning fuel consumption figures of 6.8 l/100km and CO2 emissions figures of 159g/km.

Top speed is listed at 270km/h, and the 0-100km/h sprint is covered in 6.0 seconds - just 0.6 seconds short of the regular Panamera S. 

The Panamera S Hybrid is also equipped with adaptive air suspension and adaptive shock absorbers, along with a unique readout with details of the Hybrid powertrain's status. 

Australia

Porsche Australia has announced availability today of the Panamera S Hybrid in Australia. Orders are open now, with deliveries to begin in August. The Panamera S Hybrid is priced at $298,300.