The vision for Porsche’s Panamera continues to evolve in its quest for the perfect intersection of sports car and luxury saloon. Diehard fans will adore the new more powerful engine options and further evolution of the Panamera’s steering systems, suspension and chassis management. Yes, it now performs even better on a racetrack, but can also deliver high levels of comfort, functionality and style. Its efficiency, now catapulted in the area of hybrid performance, pushes the envelope because of hybrid technology rather than in spite of it, and shares the lessons learnt from the 919 Hybrid and 919 Hybrid Evo’s racing development. Even the Panamera’s tyres have been revised across the board. Here are the fine points...

New Turbo S: Mo’ power, baby!
If you’re talking about performance and power then we must begin with the new Panamera Turbo S. There are eighty more horses (59kW) in the under-hood stable and nearly 37ft-lb (50Nm) more torque than the previous Turbo S. So despite the Panamera’s gargantuan dimensions and considerable heft, the 630hp/605ft-lb 4.0-litre biturbo V8 slingshots the Turbo S to 0-60mph in a mere 3.1 seconds (in Sport Plus mode) and on to a top speed of 315km/h. With more power on tap the rest of the Panamera’s performance equation is kept in check by a revised three-chamber air-suspension system, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), roll stabilisation system (Porsche Dynamic, Chassis Control Sport – PSCC Sport) and torque vectoring (Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus – PTV Plus). What does this all mean? Faster Nürburgring times of course! In just 7 minutes and 29.81 seconds, test driver Lars Kern completed the 20.832km lap, setting a new executive cars class record in the Panamera Turbo S. 

... the 630hp/605ft-lb 4.0-litre biturbo V8 slingshots the Turbo S to 0-60mph in a mere 3.1 seconds (in Sport Plus mode) and on to a top speed of 315km/h.

In just 7 minutes and 29.81 seconds, test driver Lars Kern completed the 20.832km lap, setting a new executive cars class record in the Panamera Turbo S.  

Panamera GTS Sport Turismo

GTS: The value of performance
Even at these upper levels of the luxury segment, everyone loves a good deal. And if you enjoy the sporty driving experience, Porsche’s GTS models have been delivering better value combos than specifying the individual performance options themselves. Also powered by a biturbo 4.0-litre V8, the GTS brings an extra 20 ponies to the table, bringing the total to 480hp and 457ft-lb. Power delivery has been calibrated to resemble that of a naturally aspirated V8 and the exhaust has also been retuned with new asymmetrically positioned silencers to deliver a more satisfying burble, rumble and roar. 

Power delivery has been calibrated to resemble that of a naturally aspirated V8 and the exhaust has also been retuned with new asymmetrically positioned silencers...

Panamera: Sportier than ever before
While the 2.9-litre biturbo engine’s 330hp and 332ft-lb specs and the acceleration stats on the Panamera and Panamera 4 all remain unchanged, the PASM and PDCC Sport systems have received major updates, along with a new steering control system and revised tyre specifications. We expect to enjoy a sportier drive, new interior and exterior styling updates and updated features. 

4S E-Hybrid: Higher-spec battery and improved electric-only range
Having been thoroughly impressed with our drive of the Cayenne E-Hybrid some issues ago, we are holding our breaths until we get behind the wheel of the latest Panamera 4S E-hybrid, which promises to bring a further bias toward the performance end of things. A 136hp electric motor is sandwiched into the eight-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission, in turn connected to the 2.9-litre V6 biturbo. In this model the V6 is in a higher state of tune, contributing 440hp, and when combined with the electric motor, assembles a total system output of 560hp and 553ft-lb of torque. In this case, power is driven to all four wheels. When paired with the Sport Chrono Package, 0-100km/h (62mph) takes just 3.7 seconds en route to a maximum velocity of 298km/h. Battery capacity is now at 17.9kWh, up from the previous 14.1kWh via optimised cells while revised driving modes also contribute to better energy usage and a new all-electric range figure of 54km for city driving. 

Battery capacity is now at 17.9kWh, up from the previous 14.1kWh via optimised cells while revised driving modes also contribute to better energy usage and a new all-electric range figure of 54km for city driving. 

What else is new?
All versions of the Panamera now feature the Sport Design front end, which was previously optional and features more striking air intakes and side cooling intakes, plus a single bar front light module. The Turbo S model is the only exception– with larger side air intakes and new elements finished in the exterior colour. The light modules are also now set further apart. The rear end features the now signature lightbar running straight across, as per the 911 and other latest models, and the taillight clusters have been smoked, lending a more monochromatic look without compromising brightness. The rear light clusters and light bar now also perform animation as a welcome and departure gesture, further differentiating the Panamera from anything else and eliminating the need for an aftermarket system. Wheel design options are now up to ten, with three new 20- and 21-inch versions being offered. 

Inside, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system now supports wireless Apple Car Play, along with a few new functions. Night Vision assist and Lane Change Assist are now also available along with LED matrix headlights (with PDLS Plus), and Park Assist with surround view and a head-up display. 

When will the it arrive in the Caribbean?
Based on current estimates at the time we wrote this, Porsche expects the new Panamera to be available from the first quarter of 2021 onward. No official local pricing has been released as yet. We’ve also seen the handsome Sport Turismo version, which offers a more upright rear-hatch opening à la Cayenne for more rear cargo room, and the Executive version, which offers a longer wheelbase for more rear passenger space, offered as options in other markets. There is no official word on availability of these variants for the Caribbean and Latin American markets and we presume that they may only available via special order, or perhaps introduced later on. For more information, contact Lifestyle Motors in Trinidad and Tobago or play around with your options on the local Porsche Car Configurator. 

 

See the virtual world premiere here:

Technical Specifications: 2020 Porsche Panamera, Panamera 4S E-Hybrid

	Panamera	Panamera 4S E-Hybrid
Engine Power	326hp@5400-6400rpm (243kW)	434hp@5650-6600rpm (324kW)
Engine Torque	332ft-lb@1800-5000rpm (450Nm)	406ft-lb@2000-5500rpm (550Nm)
Electric Motor / Battery	–	134hp (136PS/100kW) / 17.9 kWh @ 374V
Max. System Power Output / Torque	–	553hp@5750-6800rpm (412kW) / 553ft-lb@1400-4500rpm
Engine Displacement/Type	2894cc/V-6 VarioCam Plus; Bi-turbo; GPF	2894cc/V-6 VarioCam Plus; Bi-turbo; GPF
Max. Engine Speed / Compression	6800rpm/ 10.5:1	6800rpm/ 10.5:1
Transmission	8-speed Dual Clutch (PDK)	8-speed Dual Clutch (PDK)
Drive Config. / Differential	RWD	AWD / PTM elec. multi-plate clutch w/variable torque dist.
Drag Coefficient	0.28	0.28
Top Speed Normal / Electric only	270km/h / –	298km/h / 140km/h
0-60mph	5.3s (5.1s w/Sport Plus)	3.5s
0-100km/h (0-62mph)	5.6s (5.4s w/Sport Plus)	3.7s
0-160km/h (0-100mph)	13.5s (13.2s w/Sport Plus)	8.6s
0-200km/h (0-124mph)	21.9s (21.6s w/Sport Plus)	13.6s
Brakes F/R	6-piston 350mm disc / 4-piston 330mm disc (vented)	6-piston 410mm disc / 4-piston 354mm disc  (all vented, drilled)
Wheel & Tyre Front	9.0 J x 19 ET 64 with tyres 265/45 ZR 19	9.5 J x 20 ET 71 with tyres 275/40 ZR 20
Wheel & Tyre Rear	10.5 J x 19 ET 62 with tyres 295/40 ZR 19	11.5 J x 20 ET 68 with tyres 315/35 ZR 20
Est. Fuel Consumption Combined/City/Highway	21/32/27mpg	107mpg (Combined) // Elec. Range: 49-54km (city) 61-64km (H/way)
Fuel Tank Capacity / Fuel Type	75 litres / Super Plus 98RON	80 litres / Super Plus 98RON
DIN Kerb Weight	1860 kg (4100.5 lb)	2225 kg (4905.2 lb)
Luggage Volume	495-1334L	403-1242L

 

Technical Specifications: 2020 Porsche Panamera GTS, Panamera Turbo S

	Panamera GTS	Panamera Turbo S
Engine Power	473hp@6500rpm (353kW/480PS)	621hp@6000rpm (463kW/630PS)
Engine Torque	457ft-lb@1800-4000rpm (620Nm)	605ft-lb@2300-4500rpm (820Nm)
Engine Displacement/Type	3996cc/V-8 VarioCam Plus; Bi-turbo; GPF	3996cc/V-8 VarioCam Plus; Bi-turbo; GPF
Max. Engine Speed / Compression	6800rpm/ 10.1:1	6800rpm/ 9.7:1
Transmission	8-speed Dual Clutch (PDK)	8-speed Dual Clutch (PDK)
Drive Config. / Differential	AWD / PTM elec. multi-plate clutch w/variable torque dist.	AWD / PTM elec. multi-plate clutch w/variable torque dist.
Suspension	Adapt. Air 3-chamber/PASM/PDCC Sport/PTV Plus w/PTM	Adapt. Air 3-chamber/PASM/PDCC Sport/PTV Plus w/PTM
Drag Coefficient	0.29	0.29
Top Speed	300km/h	315km/h
0-60mph	3.7s	2.9s
0-100km/h (0-62mph)	3.9s	3.1s
0-160km/h (0-100mph)	9.4s	7.2s
0-200km/h (0-124mph)	15.1s	11.2s
Brakes F/R	6-piston 390mm disc / 4-piston 365mm disc (vented)	6-piston 420mm disc / 4-piston 410mm disc  (all vented, drilled)
Wheel & Tyre Front	9.5 J x 20 ET 71 with tyres 275/40 ZR 20	9.5 J x 21 ET 71 with tyres 275/35 ZR 21
Wheel & Tyre Rear	11.5J x 20 ET 68 with tyres 315/35 ZR 20	11.5 J x 21 ET 69 with tyres 325/30 ZR 21
Est. Fuel Consumption Combined/City/Highway	15/29/22mpg	16/28/22mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity / Fuel Type	90 litres / Super Plus 98RON	90 litres / Super Plus 98RON
DIN Kerb Weight	2020 kg (4453.3 lb)	2080 kg (4585.6 lb)
Luggage Volume	495-1334L	467-1306L

 

Porsche Panamera Photo Gallery: 

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