Microsoft, Magic Car Pics
Video: Porsche at the Geneva Motor Show
Porsche has gone hybrid-mad at the Geneva Motor Show 2011, announcing the addition of a new hybrid Panamera S, following the success of the Cayenne S Hybrid, as well as the company's 918 RSR Hybrid making its European debut.
First though, Porsche treats the journalists capable of making the 0730 press conference deadline with a replica of its original 1900 hybrid, powered by two petrol engines plus electric motors at the wheels. There's nothing new in the this business.
The 918 RSR Hybrid, first seen at the Detroit Motor Show in January, sits neatly alongside Porsche's new hybrid products and showcases Porsche's 'Intelligent Performance' philosophy.
The new Panamera S Hybrid, meanwhile, is powered by the same 333hp, supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and 47hp electric motor combo as found in the Cayenne S Hybrid, returning 41.5mpg 'without sacrificing sportiness and elegance' it says.
With a distinctly 'black' theme, Porsche is also showcasing its limited edition 911 and Boxster S Black Editions. Based on the standard 345hp 911 Carrera, the Black Edition will be limited to 1,911 units with the Boxster S Black Edition limited to only 987 units.
Another European debut is the 330hp Cayman R. Porsche is calling the R the 'definitive mid-engined coupe', but with a hefty price-tag of £51,731, the R will have to be special to warrant the extra over the Cayman S.
Gallery: Porsche at the Geneva Motor Show
2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
What is it?
Porsche's luxurious four-door gains hybrid power for 380hp and emissions of just 159g/km.
What's hot?
Say what you like about the Panamera's styling, the new S Hybrid version brings Porsche's 'Intelligent Performance' mantra to life to dramatic affect and proves luxury, prestige and performance can be achieved with low emissions too.
The powertrain of a supercharged V6 (sourced from Audi) and electric drive system is familiar from the Cayenne Hybrid and its VW Touareg brother. But in the Panamera the results are more impressive still.
Capable of 0-62mph in six seconds dead and 168mph flat out the Panamera S Hybrid has performance stats you'd expect of a Porsche. But not the fuel consumption or emissions figures.
With optional low rolling resistance tyres developed by Michelin specifically for the Panamera, it'll achieve 41.5mpg and 159g/km on the European NEDC cycle, making it the most fuel efficient and least polluting Porsche ever made.
It'll even travel a mile and a half on pure electric power if you're gentle with the throttle, the Cayenne's 'sailing' mode switching off the petrol engine while coasting at speeds of up to 103mph too.
All this tech doesn't come cheap though, the frankly staggering £86,396 price tag making it second only to the Panamera Turbo in terms of the four-door range but including sweeteners like standard air suspension and PASM adjustable dampers.
What's not?
That price, for starters. OK, it's impressively green but nearly £10,000 over a standard Panamera S seems like an awful lot of money to pay for hybrid technology.
How much and when?
£86,396, available to order now
MSN Cars verdict
You've got to admire what Porsche has achieved on the green stats and for markets where it matters the hybrid Panamera is sure to be a winner.
2011 Porsche 918 RSR
What is it?
Porsche's 757hp hybrid racer powered by a direct-injection 3.4 litre V8.
What's hot?
The 3.4-litre direct-injection V8 developed directly from Porsche's Le Mans exploits, coupled with the extra go from the car's electric motors gives the 918 RSR Hybrid a staggering 757hp.
Energy is harvested under braking and stored in a flywheel mounted in the cockpit of the 918 RSR Hybrid, giving a total of 202hp that can be deployed to the front wheels.
According to Porsche, the car is a technology test bed for its intelligent performance and high efficiency concept. This kind of hybrid system isn't really appropriate for the road but how long before we see some sort of hybrid 911?
What's not?
The fact that Porsche is unlikely to ever take the 918 RSR Hybrid racing.
How much and when?
N/A
MSN Cars verdict
A test bed of highly innovative tech with a drop dead gorgeous shape and proper performance to match.
Video: Porsche at the Geneva Motor Show
Gallery: Porsche at the Geneva Motor Show
More Geneva Motor Show news
Follow our coverage on Facebook
Keep up to date with the latest news on Twitter
