Porsche to Unveil New Full Hybrid Model at Geneva Show, Can You Guess What it is?

Porsche is continuing its foray into the eco-friendly segment with a new full parallel hybrid vehicle that’s headed for the Geneva show, according to a statement released today. However, the Germans are keeping specific details hush-hush, only stating that the new model is set to build on the success of the Cayenne S Hybrid and “signals a new chapter” in the brand’s “Porsche Intelligent Performance” philosophy.

While we can’t confirm anything, signs point to a hybrid version of the Panamera four-door coupe, which was last mentioned (but long ago teased) at the end of January. Porsche then said that it’s considering a diesel-powered Cayenne for the States, which could be followed by diesel and gasoline-electric hybrid Panamera variants as well.

Given the Cayenne S Hybrid reference, it’s possible that the Panamera hybrid will use a similar powertrain setup with the SUV model, which features a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine and a 47HP (34 kW) electric motor for a combined output of 380HP (279 kW) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Porsche will also display in Geneva the 918 RSR hybrid racing car concept and hardcore Cayman R, plus the recently introduced 911 Black Edition and Boxster S Black Edition.

Porsche Reportedly Considering Long-wheelbase Panamera for the U.S. and China

Porsche purists have never been too fond of the Cayenne and Panamera, but customers less interested in heritage and pedigree have bought plenty of them. In fact, both models have significantly boosted the automaker’s 2010 sales, so not only are the Germans going keep them in their lineup, but will also continue to pump out new versions, at least according to the latest rumors. Citing inside sources, Autoweek reported today that Porsche is now considering a...long-wheelbase version of the Panamera, which could go on sale in the United States and China as early as 2012.

The same sources stated that the four-door coupe’s wheelbase could be extended by as much as 5 inches (12.7 cm) for a total of 120 inches (3.05 meters), enabling the Panamera to go after the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Lang that boasts a 124-inch (3.15 m) wheelbase.

The additional length is said to result in longer rear doors, which will also improve access, one of the current Panamera’s flaws.

In other news, Porsche has allegedly postponed its plans for new Panamera body styles (convertible and shooting brake) until 2015.

“We've decided to wait until the second-generation model before adding alternative body styles,” a high-ranking Porsche official told the news site. “We're already flat-out meeting demand for a single body style as it is,” he added.

Edo Competition Turns Porsche Panamera Turbo into a 750HP Beast Named...Moby Dick

We can think of quite a few reasons why Edo Competition chose to name its latest creation after the imaginary white whale in Herman Melville's classic 1851 novel, Moby Dick, but we'll let you, our readers, humor us with your answers in the comments section after the break. Back to the German Tuner's Moby Dick on wheels, the white Panamera benefits from a hefty power boost as well as modifications to the exterior and interior.

On the outside, the tuner turned to Mansory for a full bodykit, which includes restyled bumpers, widened wheel arches, lowered side skirts and a new bonnet. However, the aerodynamics package is just the prelude for what lies underneath.

First of all, there’s a lowering module for improved handling, as well as 22-inch wheels that can be painted either to match or to contrast the car's exterior color.

But the real McCoy is found under the bonnet, in the form of an upgraded, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which now produces 750HP, up from stock model's 550HP. Edo Competition says the Moby Dick can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4 seconds and achieve an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).

As part of the engine conversion, turbocharged Panamera also comes with an upgraded exhaust system.

For the interior, the tuning firm used a combination of materials including leather, wood, metal and carbon fiber. Don’t like this combo? No problem, as Edo Competition says virtually anything can be tailored to the customer’s taste.