Porsche is introducing their newly redesigned 2014 Porsche Panamera that will be a first in its class and will have other luxury manufactures take notice. Porsche sent out a press release confirming the debut of the two new versions and a new engine, that will take place at the 2013 Shanghai auto show at the end of April. There are minimal visual changes to the car but whats more important is what is underneath.
First questions about plug-in hybrids are usually how far and how fast can it go on electric power alone. Porsche has done quite a good job in providing some answers. The E-Hybrid can go at least 36 kilometers in electric mode only, or a little over 20 miles. But the tests were done with both a/c and heat deactivated, so real world numbers should fall in-between 18-36 kilometers. As for speed, Porsche says in all electric mode speed can reach up to 135 kmh or a around 80 mph. The 95hp electric motor helps to propel the 2014 Panamera to a mid 5 second 0-60 mph.
The Panamera S E-Hybrid plug-in is an advancement of Porsche’s current hybrid technology. New technology has allowed for the increase in performance. This includes a better performing lithium-ion battery and a more powerful electric motor. The updated battery will be able to be charged in about two and a half hours with a 240 volt outlet, according to Porsche.
Porsche has really grasped the latest technologies and applied them to the e-hybrid. Using Porsche’s Car Connect app, a whole range of functions can be controlled remotely. Options include; preheating or cooling of the interior, battery life indicator, charging status, finding the Panamera in a parking lot, and other information such as the driving range. Most of these options will be available across the Panamera lineup using Car Connect.
Next, Porsche is introducing an all new 3.0 V6 bi-turbo engine replacing the 4.8 l V8 in the both S and 4S models. The V6 produces about 20hp more than the V8 while returning a 18% increase in fuel economy. So about 420 hp and 380 lb-ft should be just right. No word on the current V8 turbo model changes.
Brand new for 2014 is what Porsche is calling an Executive model of the Panamera. This longer car adds about 5.9 inches to the wheelbase creating a more spacious rear cabin. The extra length allows for plenty of legroom for the rear passengers. Standard on all Panamera Executive body styles. is the innovative air-ride suspension. The ride quality will be extremely smooth, but still handle like a Porsche should.
The press release also mentions an all new 300 horsepower diesel engine as an option to replace the current oil burner. Panamera’s new diesel production is slated to start early next year.
Finally, the base price for the 2014 Porsche Panamera is about $78,000 and goes up to the top Executive turbo that can reach as high as $160,000+. The E-Hybrid falls in the middle at about $99,000.
It’s exciting to see Porsche have the first plug-in hybrid in the luxury market while maintaining its high performance leadership.  The new 3 liter twin-turbo V6 matches the older GTS non-boosted V8 on power, but it should be even faster at high elevation due to lighter weight and boost. Roman and Nathan were very impressed with the 2013 Panamera GTS in this TFLcar video review.
