Sad, sad, sad is the news out of the Rhineland. Porsche is replacing the rumbling 4.8-liter V-8 in its Panamera with a 3.0-liter twin turbo V-6 or hybrid engine. The latter will go in the Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid, while the former will be seated in the Porsche Panamera S and 4S models.
Interestingly enough, the sad news, is actually not all that depressing since the new V-6 is 20 more horsepower-y than is the V-8 it is replacing. It also churns out an additional 15 lb.-ft of torque to top out at 384 lb.-ft. The S E-Hybrid has a maximum single charge range of 20 miles and a zero-to-60, all-electric time of 5.2 seconds. Its top speed, using gas, is 167 miles per hour. Perhaps the death of the hybrid isn’t so nigh after all?
In addition to the Porsche Panamera S, 4S, and S E-Hybrid models, a pair of executive Panamera’s, the 4s Executive and the Turbo Executive, are joining the Porsche stable this upcoming model year. These will sport longer wheelbases and special features such as full-LED headlights and larger front air intakes.
The base Panamera price will be $78,100.
