Porsche reveals new Panamera Turbo S ahead of Tokyo debut

Thu, 31 Oct 2013

For many buyers in the market for a luxury sports sedan, style is as important as performance. But while the Porsche Panamera undoubtedly delivers in the latter category, it falls somewhat short in the former. Porsche went to some lengths (if not quite far enough for some tastes) to improve its four-door model's visual appeal with the facelift revealed earlier this year, but now it's time to up the performance game with the new Panamera Turbo S.

Set to be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in just a few weeks from now, the new top-tier Panamera benefits from several key upgrades over the existing Turbo and the pre-facelift Turbo S. For one, its 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 now produces 570 horsepower (up from 520 in the new Turbo and 550 in the old Turbo S and the latest Cayenne Turbo S) and 553 pound-feet of torque (up from the current Turbo's 516 but the same as the previous model). Despite the power boost, however, Porsche is quoting the same 3.6-second 0-60 time for the new Panamera Turbo S as it did for the previous one – but then that hardly required improvement in the first place. Top speed, however, is up to 192 miles per Autobahn-blurring hour, two mph faster than the previous model.

Other features include carbon-ceramic brakes (hopefully with more durable bolts than sister companies Lamborghini and Bentley have been using) packed inside the wheels from the 911 Turbo and an exclusive shade of greige called Palladium. And for the first time, customers will be able to order this top-spec model in long-wheelbase Executive trim. But don't expect it to come cheap: MSRP (before delivery and options) is quoted at $180,300 for the standard wheelbase and $200,500 for the stretched model. That's two and a half times the price of a base Panamera, and makes the new Panamera Turbo S Executive both the most expensive and most powerful Porsche your can buy this side of a 918 Spyder. Haven't passed out yet? There's more to digest in the press release, so head on down below to take it all in.

New Top Model in the Model Range: the Porsche Panamera Turbo S
Performance for discerning drivers

Atlanta. Porsche is placing its fastest, most powerful and most luxurious Panamera grand touring sedan at the peak of the series: With a power output of 570 hp and a top track speed of 192 mph, plus a particularly extensive and top-quality range of features, the Panamera Turbo S is guaranteed a special status in its market segment. For the first time ever, an Executive version of the Panamera Turbo S is also available with a wheelbase that has been extended by 5.9 inches. As a result, the Panamera Turbo S Executive offers significantly more space and even more comfort, particularly at the rear. Thermal and noise-insulated windows, which include privacy glazing, an interior lighting package designed especially for the rear, and a large center console at the rear are just some of the extensive standard features. The new top model in the Panamera model line will be celebrating its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show November 20-21, 2013.

The character of the new Panamera Turbo S is evident not only in its driving performance but also in the key distinguishing features of its appearance. The Palladium Metallic exterior color, which is available solely for the new Panamera Turbo S, gives the top model an especially exclusive look and enhances the classy, elegant contours. An indication of the vehicle's outstanding driving dynamics is provided by 20-inch 911 Turbo II wheels, which are not only larger but also significantly wider than the standard wheels belonging to other Panamera models. The four-way rear spoiler, painted in the same color as the exterior, is another unique feature.

The new top Panamera model from Porsche features an exceptionally extensive range of equipment appropriate for a top model in the luxury class. It features all of the driving dynamics control systems available for the model range as standard. The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), an active roll stabilization system, reduces the vehicle's lateral inclination in curves, thereby increasing agility and comfort in equal measure. The Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system works with a variable standard torque split at the rear wheels in combination with an electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock to provide improved traction in any driving situation. Thanks to the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), the Panamera Turbo S benefits from a high-performance brake system that is particularly resistant to brake fading and wear. The chassis of the Panamera Turbo S of course features the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive damper control and adaptive air suspension with additional air volume, new to the Panamera range for 2014.

Fifty more horsepower from new turbochargers

A 50-hp increase in power compared to the Panamera Turbo engine has been achieved through specific revisions to a number of components. Porsche is now using two new turbochargers with larger compressors in the Panamera Turbo S model. The new compressors increase the air flow, and the chargers push more oxygen into the combustion chambers at high loads and speeds. In addition, the injection pressure has been increased by 20 bar to 140 bar. Together, both of these measures also enable higher component loads, which are absorbed by pistons made from a new aluminium alloy and specially coated piston rings.

This concept has two further advantages: By preparing the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chambers more effectively, the torque also increases to 553 lb.-ft. at between 2,250 and 5,000 rpm, with overboost increasing torque momentarily to 590 lb.-ft. The extra torque makes overtaking even easier and faster.

Thanks to the optional sport exhaust system, the Panamera Turbo S offers drivers the opportunity to maximize the emotional character of the car whenever they wish. This unique sound experience is achieved by means of an acoustic channel that can be switched at the push of a button; this channel directs the engine sound straight into the interior. In addition, individual cylinders are skipped when switching up a gear, allowing the engine speed to fall faster and the clutch to engage quickly.

Sport Chrono package enhances sporty handling characteristics

The new Panamera Turbo S is also perfectly equipped to effectively convert its increased level of power and torque into sporty driving dynamics. One of the requirements for this effective conversion of power is the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system, which optimizes torque flow to the wheels, even in difficult driving conditions. The Sport Chrono package comes as standard, and coordinates the drive power and chassis at the touch of a button to guarantee a consistently sporty response. The overboost function is activated in "Sport" and "Sport Plus" mode as well as during kickdown in "Normal" mode; the overboost function temporarily increases the boost pressure to enable even more powerful acceleration capability. The "Launch Control" start function guarantees the best possible acceleration when moving off by optimally co-ordinating the responses of the engine control system and the Porsche Doppelkupplung gearshift program. Thanks to the reworked gear shifting strategy, the Porsche Doppelkupplung changes between its seven gears even more rapidly, accelerating the new Panamera top model from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

Chassis with all Panamera assistance systems

The chassis features all of the active systems that Porsche has developed and introduced for the sporty Panamera grand touring range as standard. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is the centerpiece, combining adaptive air suspension and adaptive damper control. The PASM system continuously adjusts the damper forces and adapts them to suit road conditions and driving style. Using the PASM chassis button on the center console, the driver can choose between three performance maps - Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. Similarly, the adaptive air suspension offers the ability to activate different spring rates to open up an even greater range of chassis characteristics, giving drivers the choice between a high level of driving comfort and very sporty driving dynamics.

The combination of the PDCC and PTV Plus means that the Panamera Turbo S features the most advanced version of the Panamera chassis as standard. The PDCC prevents the vehicle body from rolling on its longitudinal axis by applying a counter torque using active stabilisers on the front and rear axles. This system also improves vehicle balance via dynamic roll moment distribution, resulting in excellent agility in every speed range driven as well as optimum steering performance and balanced load alteration behavior. Increased agility is achieved because the tires constantly maintain the ideal position on the road, allowing optimized lateral forces to build up and act upon each tire. Variable roll moment distribution also directly influences the vehicle's self-steering properties.

The PDCC, PASM and air suspension are always controlled together when one of the three chassis programs is selected. When the "Comfort" setting is selected, the systems provide a relaxed journey on uneven roads. In "Sport" and "Sport plus" mode, active intervention by the systems influence steering behavior, maximum roll support, and traction in order to secure maximum performance and agility.

PTV Plus for even better cornering: Motorsport derived ceramic brakes

The advantages offered by the PDCC in terms of driving dynamics are enhanced still further by the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system and the electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock with variable locking effect. The system optimizes steering behavior and traction for a sporty driving experience.

The Panamera Turbo S comes with the PCCB as standard. These super powerful, ceramic brakes with yellow brake calipers offer clear advantages over conventional grey cast-iron brake discs. A reduction in mass of approximately 50 percent, a faster handling response and the corrosion resistance of the brake discs help ensure maximum performance.

Interior: Two-tone-leather interior and comfort seats

The synthesis of exclusivity and sportiness is upheld in the interior by the two-tone leather furnishings which come as standard. One particular highlight is the new interior package in Dark Burl Walnut. The new decor includes a hint of red, providing a slightly cooler effect, and the interior of the Panamera Turbo S is completed by the embossed Porsche crests on the front headrests.

14-way power seats at the front are standard and include the memory package for excellent travel comfort. The memory package includes seat surface extension as well as lumbar support and electrical steering column adjustment. Both the front and rear seats feature seat heating as standard; seat ventilation is also available as standard in the Panamera Turbo S Executive. The adaptive sport seats build on this seating system to include the comfort memory package with raised seat side bolsters and electronic, 18-way adjustment is an option for the Panamera Turbo S. At the rear, two single seats with a folding central arm rest offer generous leg and head room, even for tall passengers. Passengers at the rear of the Panamera Turbo S Executive travel in even greater luxury: the single seats have an extra 4.7 inches of space in the footwell; all seats offer active ventilation and the electronic roll-up sunblind enables greater privacy. Both rear passengers are protected by side air bags.

In the U.S., the Panamera Turbo S will have a base M.S.R.P. of $180,300 and the Panamera Turbo S Executive will have a base M.S.R.P. of $200,500. Prices do not include delivery charges.

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 189 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brandâ€™s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency.

At the core of this success is Porsche's proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

By Noah Joseph