Let’s start with the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. Porsche has combined a new plug-in hybrid system with a significantly revamped 2.9-litre V6 biturbo petrol engine that by itself puts down 304hp.

Combined with the plug-in hybrid system, total output rises to 470hp and 650Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h.

Pure-electric range increases to 96-kilometres in the WLTP cycle.

The standard equipment of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid includes 19-inch wheels, black brake callipers and matrix LED headlights.

A high-resolution HD matrix LED lighting system is available as an option.

Its more powerful sibling, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid also has a 2.9-litre biturbo six-cylinder engine that, by itself, delivers 353hp.

Total output with the plug-in hybrid system rises to 544hp and 750Nm of torque.

0-100km/h is dispatched in just 3.7 seconds, and top speed arrives at 290km/h.

The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid sports 20-inch wheels in Panamera AeroDesign, silver Sport tailpipes and red brake callipers. Brake callipers in Acid Green and Black are optionally available.

The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid brakes with ten-piston brake callipers at the front as standard.

Alternatively, the PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake), with 440-millimetre discs up front and 410-millimetre discs at the rear, is available in conjunction with 21-inch wheels.

Greater electric range, faster charging speed, better throttle response and better driving performance is what this new-generation of plug-in hybrid system brings to the Panamera.

At a gross 25.9 kWh, the new high voltage battery provides around 45 per cent more capacity in a comparable space. Also new is the 11kW on-board AC-charger that shortens charging time to two hours and 39 minutes.

Not only is charging performance improved, but so is output. With 190hp and 450Nm of torque, the completely-new electric motor offers significantly more power than its predecessor.

It can also regenerate at the rate of up to 88kW when decelerating, aiding the plug-in hybrid system’s electric-only range.

Panamera E-Hybrid models always start in purely-electric E-Power mode. Once the state of charge of the battery is under a certain minimum value, the system automatically switches to Hybrid Auto mode, which adapts the operating strategy to the current driving situation. This is further optimised by car and navigation data to maximise electric-only efficiency.

All Panamera variants come with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). In the E-Hybrid models, Porsche Active Ride active suspension, that adjust their settings up to 13 times per second, can be added to offer optimised traction and cornering performance with a high degree of comfort.

The Panamera’s extended standard equipment includes ParkAssist with Surround View and a cooled smartphone tray for wireless charging with up to 15 watts. Options such as rear-axle steering, Remote ParkAssist, Passenger Display and air quality system are also available.

The Executive body style with a longer wheelbase is also available in Singapore only in conjunction with the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid variant; options such as the four-zone automatic climate control or a larger centre console are included as standard.

Prices in Singapore will be announced at a later date, and deliveries are expected to start in the second half of 2024. For more information, contact Porsche Singapore.

Photo Credits: Porsche

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

Toyota made a big splash at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, revealing a whole host of new cars and technologies. Exhibits like the 24-hour Le Mans winning car and the new 2024 Prius are cool and all, but what really stole the show was this special debut revealed by none other than Toyota president Akio Toyoda himself.

Keen Initial D fans will instantly recognise the pair of AE86 Corollas, with one in Trueno guise and the other a Levin. What’s so special about these two cars you might ask? Well, the pair were showcased with brand new hydrogen fuel cell and electric powertrains, a game-changer for the automotive industry.

Electric powerplant

The electric powertrain Levin, dubbed the AE86 BEV Concept, borrows a roster of parts from other Toyota models. An electric motor from Toyota’s Tundra Hybrid, a lithium-ion battery pack from the new Prius plug-in hybrid, and other parts from the Toyota and Lexus hybrid range. 

Sugar, spice, and everything nice.

Delivering tofu in silence

The other AE86, based on the Trueno body style and dubbed the AE86 H2 concept, feels more at home with the general petrolhead, The car still retains its legendary 4A-GE heart, a real gem of the retro JDM world.

But, what’s really amazing is the fact that instead of petrol, the engine has been retrofitted to burn hydrogen, with the hydrogen being supplied from a Toyota Mirai tank at the back.

Nostalgia meets technology

Toyota really knows how to make us automotive enthusiasts happy, and both cars retain their original factory looks on the inside. They even have fully-functional manual transmissions complete with three pedals, although there isn’t mention of how this manual system actually works. Roll cages, bucket seats made from recycled materials, plus other retro trinkets in the cabin, and it’s almost like this rolled off the factory floor in the 80s.

Unfortunately, Toyota has not disclosed other details of the cars, which probably means mass production of these concept cars is an unlikely outcome. However, these show that Toyota is capable of producing fun cars with sustainable powertrains, and these proofs of concept restore faith in what is effectively a sea of boring EVs.

Mr Toyoda himself mentioned that achieving total carbon neutrality cannot be done just by simply depending on new electric vehicles. The total percentage of BEVs on the roads today only accounts for roughly 1/20 of the total number of vehicles worldwide today, and this number won’t increase that quickly.

Mr Toyoda finishes off by saying that these AE86s can be potential options for owners in the future, being able to swap out their traditional powertrains should stricter government laws about fossil fuels get enacted.

Carbon-neutral power sources without sacrificing driving fun. Way to go Toyota!

Catch the latest news right here on AutoApp!