Porsche Panamera plug-in e-hybrid car has arrived

Attorney Corey Eschweiler and wife, Tina, are the proud owners of the first Porsche Panamera plug-in e-hybrid in Las Vegas. After waiting several months, their white-and-beige Panamera arrived Jan. 29.

As auto enthusiasts, Tina and Corey have owned a variety of luxury vehicles before purchasing their first Panamera in 2011.

“I loved my old Panamera, but this one is perfect.” Tina Eschweiler said. “The new dash layout, clock, buttons, and technology are great. In addition to the fuel economy, green sustainability and being better for the environment, it’s still a Porsche.”

The bright green calipers certainly draw a lot of attention, she said. “People stop me every day to ask about the car. I tell them how great the Porsche is, especially this one. I love the dealership, too. They are very nice and always accommodating.”

The 3.6L engine uses the parallel full hybrid system developed by Porsche. This system offers “coasting” at higher speeds, a mode where the internal combustion engine is turned off and the electric motors use vehicle momentum to generate electricity that is stored in the lithium-ion battery.

The dual-powered engine provides 416 hp, 850 pounds-feet of torque, performing like a Porsche track car. The 0-60 mph is a Porsche-bred 5.2 seconds. The 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission offers a hybrid speed of up to 84 mph on pure electric or combined gas and electric of 167 mph.

Range is 20 miles electric or combine unlimited with no range anxiety as the rapid charger completes a full charge in 2.5 hours. The new technology allows for recharging while driving, not braking, as other hybrids do.

“Porsche has given the Panamera electric plug-in every bit of the shared DNA of the 918 Spyder supercar,” said Jim Mooradian, general manager of Porsche Las Vegas. “This combination of electric plug-in hybrid and gas design eliminate the range anxiety many clients are concerned about when wanting to travel long distances, while enjoying great fuel economy around town.”

In addition, the all new 2015 Porsche Cayenne plug-in electric hybrid will be introduced in late 2014, followed by a number of alternative energy vehicles over the next decade.

Corey Eschweiler, a lawyer with Glen Lerner &Associates, has already decided what his next Porsche will be.

“He is ready to trade his Range Rover for the Cayenne plug-in, as soon as we can get one,” Tina Eschweiler said.

Internationally renowned as the J.D. Powers top manufacturer in initial quality surveys, the Panamera e-hybrid is one of eight versions of the Panamera offered by Porsche.

Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas is at 7200 W. Sahara Ave., between Rainbow Boulevard and Tenaya Way. Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8-8 p.m. Saturday.