Porsche Panamera hybrid and V6 models coming soon

We have reported that the new Porsche Panamera made its world debut at Shanghai Motor Show two days ago. For now, the four-door Porsche will only be offered in various V8-engined guises, but more economical engines are expected to be arriving soon - including a hybrid model.

Currently, Porsche has a Cayenne SUV prototype that uses a 3.0L V6 hybrid engine sourced from Audi, and it wouldn't be surprising if this engine found its way into the Panamera for the more environmentally conscious Porsche buyers out there.

Porsche purists may balk at the idea, but there is also expected to be a conventional V6 engine for the new Panamera - in other words, Porsche's famed flat-six won't likely be making an appearance in the new four-seater model.

Porsche's head of research and development, Wolfgang Durheimer, explained to Drive that the flat-six engine doesn't fit in the front of the Panamera because of the particular shape of the engine bay, as well as the fact that the suspension would get in the way.

A V6-engined variant will certainly bring down the cost of the cheapest Porsche Panamera, which for now resides with the Panamera S that starts at a little under $90,000. Assuming a petrol-powered V6 becomes the entry-level model, with conventional suspension rather than Porsche's air suspension system, we could see the Panamera drop a large amount of that $90,000 price tag.

An exact date hasn't been set for when the two variants will arrive, though they are expected to be launched by the end of the year. Until then, there's always the completely electric Porsche 911 from Ruf, although unfortunately it only features two seats.

Citroen revealed C4 Sedan facelift at Shanghai Motor Show

The Citroen C4 Hatch and Coupe underwent a mild facelift late last year as part of its mid-cycle update. The updated sedan has made its debut at Shanghai Motor Show (20 April 2009).

Picking up a new name for the Chinese market, C-Quatre, the version shown in China is a preview of the C4 Sedan that will be sold in Europe by the end of the year. The new model can be distinguished by its restyled front end and updated interior, while the engine lineup should mirror that of the standard Hatch.

Designers have added new upholstery and a new grain on several trim parts, and incorporated the rev counter in the middle of the dashboard. Engine-wise, the C4 Sedan is available with two new petrol engines co-developed with BMW under the EP family guise. The first unit, the VTi 120, replaces the 1.6i 16V engine and delivers 120hp (88kW) from its 1.6L displacement. The second unit, the VTi 150, features a turbocharger and delivers 150hp (110kW). VTi stands for “Variable valve lift and Timing Injection”.

The HDi diesel engine range remains, featuring 92 (69kW), 110 (82kW) and 140hp (104kW) outputs.

Inside, the new C4 Sedan boasts a richer array of telematics equipment, notably a new-generation navigation system that comes with a Bluetooth function and can be connected to portable electronic devices.

The European-specific model will make its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Shanghai Show also saw the debut of the new Citroen corporate identity, which will roll out across Citroen’s 217 Chinese dealers this year through the 230 cities cover by Citroen in China. Citroen dealers employ 3100 staff in China and these are supported by 12 technical training schools and two sales training schools in Chengdu and Wuhan. The development of Citroen’s Chinese dealers has seen their position in JD Power customer service survey rise to fourth place in 2008.