PORSCHE is heralding a world first with the new generation of its Panamera Gran Turismo sports car, which hits the streets in July.

The latest version of the four-door, four-seater, first launched in 2009, will include a plug-in hybrid model - the first in its area of the car market.

It is an advanced development of the Porsche parallel full hybrid, with a more powerful electric motor and higher performance battery.

The electric drive produces 95bhp, which is more than double the power of the previous model's 47bhp electric motor and draws energy from a new lithium-ion battery with five times the capacity of the previous battery technology.

And when connected to an industrial outlet, it can be charged in around two and a half hours via the integrated on-board charger and in less than four hours when connected to a conventional household electrical outlet.

With its increased output, the Panamera S E-Hybrid way exceeds the driving performance of the previous model while fuel economy has increased by 56 per cent to 91mpg, which equates to CO2 emissions of 71g/km.

In pure electric drive the Porsche has a range of a maximum 22 miles and can reach speeds of up to 84mph with 0-62mph acceleration in 5.5 seconds. Otherwise the car's overall top speed is 168mph.

Porsche has also brought in a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine in the Panamera S and 4S models, boasting 20bhp more power, to replace the previous 4.8-litre V8 unit.

The majority of Panameras feature Porsche's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission while the eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic is used in the Panamera Diesel and S E-Hybrid.

Standard kit on all models includes Bi-Xenon headlights, multi-function steering wheel, automatic tailgate opening, leather interior, climate control, parking sensors, cruise control, sat-nav, Bluetooth, electric front seats and windows and a three-year warranty.