Similarity between PIP and Nurburgring record holder Porsche

Because there are municipalities requiring automakers to sell a certain % of pure electric or hybrid vehicles else face a large fine. That's the only reason why they started doing it.

Now they are doing it because they finally realized what EV owners have known for a long time, instant torque and no power band limitations like gas engines. You can get higher power, quicker response, and better braking by having a battery and a couple MGs.

 

Porsche and other manufacturers have to meet the European emission standards. Some cities are limiting the amount of vehicle emissions while driving in those areas. The vehicles can be switched to EV mode to meet the strict standard. See the link below.

European low emission zones | AA

BTW I drove the new Panamera E Hybrid ( Plug In ) and its amazing.

 

F1 has had EV assist for number of years. More Torque = faster lap times. 918 Porsche weighs in at almost 3,800lbs. Thats 1,000lbs. heaver than than Lotus, 700lbs heaver than Vett. Still shattered the Ring Lap recored by over 30 seconds. Incredible!!!
$835,000 will get you top speed bragging rights for now. Plus fastest hybrid to date.
There only making 918 of these. This number will not have anything to do with US or European emissions requirements put on MFG's. Emagin after WSJ article all of them will be sold by end of business by tommorrow.

 

I think one thing to keep in mind with the 918 (not sure about the Panamera) is that without plugging in, you'd be missing out on something like an extra 200-250hp that the electric motors would be providing.

 

WSJ said it had 650hp before Electric assist. Yes, it had to be pluged in to charge the batteries for the electric moters.
New brakes are so huge that you can get the rubber to spin on the rim. Bet we will see detached Retinas in these amazing machines.