Performance boost is because of a newly developed diesel hybrid power train in conjunction with the already economical 4-cylinder 2.1 liter direct injection cohesively working with the hybrid automatic transmission 7G- Tronic Plus. The E300 power is because of various components cohesively working to increase performance. There’s an electric motor supplied by Bosch that replaces the torque converter of the transmission. This arrangement adds an additional 20 kW and 259 Nm to the engine that delivers 204 horsepower and produces 500 Nm torque. The mechanical layout is not simple. Between the electric motor and the diesel engine is placed a single multi-plate clutch which is connected to input shaft of the transmission. Although the length of the transmission is changed because of the electric motor, it’s packaged in the same amount of space that’s occupied currently by the torque convertor in the transmission.

The arrangement and assembly ensures that on electric- only mode, distribution of power through the electric motor to the rear wheels in conjunction with 7-speed auto transmission is tuned and balanced. In accordance with the power on the installed motor, ease with high speeds and acceleration vary. Freewheeling and sailing is highly improved with configuration and arrangement. Sailing is of integral importance in vehicles that are heavy. It’s only when arrangements of various components work in unison that efficiency increases. Although the electric motor gives a significant boost to fuel efficiency the overall efficiency is increased with the transmission working in conjunction with the electric motor.

Inward and outward energy flow during acceleration, braking and regeneration is important. Parasitic losses and clutch drag is reduced with the electric motor and auto transmission working in tandem. Daimler engineers are of the opinion that larger motors will be used to enhance various aspects of performance. Engineers reveal, up to 50 kW motors will be used in future platforms. The new Hybrid system is expected to be equipped with the next generation S-Class Mercedes that will arrive in the third quarter of 2013. Also on the cards for the North American market is the E400 Hybrid that will be powered with a V6 gasoline engine, believed to deliver 306 hp and produce 370 Nm torque.

Mercedes Diesel Hybrid – World’s car in the Luxury segment

Fortunately, GM will put this hybrid technology in trucks soon, a very smart hybrid application. Unfortunately, this technology will probably not ever find its way into GM’s cars or sedans. Yesterday’s AutomotiveNews claimed that, currently, GM has no plans to make such hybrid vehicles. And, even if they did, it would take at least two years to roll out.

The future of hybrid cars, as far as GM is concerned, is either E Flex, such as in the Chevy Volt, or a lithium-powered BAS, or mild hybrid system.

No dual mode hybrid cars for GM?

The full parallel-hybrid system of the Panamera will be configured with the battery unit positioned below the luggage compartment. The hybrid module containing an additional clutch and electric motor will be between the engine and transmission.

The word for Porsche is that the hybrid module will be able to run on gasoline or electric power or a combination of both. The goal is for zero emissions, fuel savings in city and highway driving and maximum performance when desired.

Automotive spy photographer Brenda Priddy said the Panamera is scheduled to be shown at the 2009 Geneva show in early March.

Porsche Panamera Hybrid