Porsche will introduce a new brake energy recovery system as a standard feature in all V8 Panamera models starting this August.
The new technology is said to deliver a considerable improvement in fuel economy to the Panamera. In the Panamera Turbo model, the energy recovery system accounts for a 0.7 liters/100 km improvement in consumption. When combined with the new option of low roll-resistance, all-season 19-inch tires, the Turbo's fuel-economy rating drops to 11.3 liters/100 km from its current 12.2 rating. In the Panamera S and 4S models, the technology enhances fuel economy by about 0.5 liters/100 km to 10.3 and 10.6 liters/100 km respectively.
The energy recovery system works by generating electrical power from the brakes which can then be used to charge the car's battery. Consequently, the technology also relief the alternator current from having to charge the battery during acceleration, providing more energy to the engine and improving economy.
Porsche has also optimized its Auto Stop Start function for a quicker jump off the start. It looks like Porsche is aiming for the day when it can offer a V8 Panamera with a fuel-economy rating under 10 liters/100 km, which they are very close now.