The 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid is the second hybrid offering from the German automaker. Power for the rear-wheel drive, gasoline-electric hybrid comes from a supercharged V-6 mated to a 47 horsepower electric motor.

Highlights:

• First hybrid sport sedan from Porsche
• 4-passenger cabin
• Gasoline-electric hybrid powerplant
• 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine
• 47 horsepower electric motor
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive
• Arriving in late 2011

Introduction
In 2002, Porsche surprised loyalists with the introduction of its Cayenne SUV. Eight years later, the automaker (traditionally known for its small sports cars) introduced its first four-door sedan _ the 2010 Panamera. Less than a year after the sedan's introduction, and following on the heels of the automakers first hybrid (2011 Cayenne S Hybrid), Porsche has introduced the all-new 2012 Panamera S Hybrid.

As expected, the Panamera shares nearly all of its hybrid technology with its big sibling _ except for the driveline-the Panamera is rear-wheel drive while the Cayenne is only offered with a full-time all-wheel drive system.

Today's Panamera lineup includes the standard Panamera (300 horsepower V-6), the Panamera S (400 horsepower V-8) and the Panamera Turbo (500 horsepower V-8). The new Panamera S Hybrid, with a combined system power of 380 horsepower, is designed to slot just above the eight-cylinder Panamera S, in both pricing and standard options (thus explaining the "S" in the nomenclature of the Hybrid).

Unlike some hybrid models, which are designed solely to maximize fuel economy, the Panamera S Hybrid has been engineered to deliver Porsche's expected level of performance plus efficiency not typically associated with this level of sport sedan.