Porsche Panamera hybrid could be world's fastest

GoAutonews is reporting that first Porsche four-door sedan, the Panamera, will be produced with a range of engines including a V10 model and a hybrid version using the same drivetrain as the Cayenne hybrid revealed last week, potentially giving it the mantle of the world's fastest hybrid.

The V10, V8 and V6 versions of the Panamera are expected to roll out in 2009 with the hybrid to follow within two years. The hybrid will employ the Cayenne’s 34kW electric motor driving through the standard six-speed Tiptronic transmission. The high top speeds will be attained via use of Porsche’s “parallel” system that sees the electric motor positioned between the petrol engine and the transmission to boost stability and provide advantages over “power-split” systems commonly used by other manufacturers which transfer a fixed amount of torque via the electrical path and limit the top speed to the capability of the electric motor.

The four seat, four door Panamera will join the 911, Boxster/Cayman and Cayenne to complete Porche’s planned quartet . Following, the fourth series will be a sports coupé of the premium class and a genuine Porsche. Guaranteed by performance, sporting spirit, exclusivity. GoAuto predict that the Panemera will be revealed at the 2008 Paris motor show.