More boost please!!
In 2009, when Porsche introduced the Panamera, its design was met with mixed reviews. Some viewed it as awkward, odd, and ugly, while others saw it as an innovative and functional design. But, one thing that everyone seemed to agree on was that it drove like a true Porsche. For some time, the Panamera Turbo sat at the top of the model line, but like staying true to form, Porsche has introduced another variant to the lineup; the Panamera Turbo S.
The new Porsche Panamera Turbo S is the most powerful model in the Panamera line, one-upping the Turbo model with a big, bad silver “S” on the trunk. The 4.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine in the Turbo S isn’t the same engine entirely as the Turbo model. Two new turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbine wheels have been installed. Porsche’s use of titanium-aluminum alloy decreases the weight of the compressor wheel, resulting in a lower moment of inertia. This creates a quicker engine response, and a broad power curve. The other upgrade to the engine is a modified engine control unit that, in conjunction with the new turbos, provides an additional 50 horses and 37 lb-ft. of torque for a total of 550 hp at 6,000 RPM and 553 lb-ft. of torque. In “Sport” or “Sport Plus” mode a total of 590 lb-ft. of torque is available from 2,500 to 4,000 RMP with the overboost function.
With the added power, the Panamera Turbo S is capable of impressive performance figures. The standard launch control function helps the Turbo S make the 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.6 seconds; 0.4 seconds quicker than the base Turbo model. The top speed of the Turbo S is also increased over its Turbo sibling, with 191 mph now the new boundary. But, even with the added performance, Porsche estimates the fuel mileage will remain the same as the Turbo model, and achieve 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).
The new Porsche Panamera Turbo S features many of the optional driving features as standard, after all, if it’s the top dog in the Panamera lineup, it has to drive like it. Porsche’s Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is standard equipment on the Turbo S and actively reduces the sedan’s tendency to lean while cornering. Also standard is the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system which works with an electronically controlled rear differential lock to apply a variable torque split to the rear wheels, improving vehicle agility. By pressing the “Sport Plus” button, the Sport Chrono Package Turbo brings the engine, suspension, and exhaust to life, and turns the Panamera into a sportscar.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S is more than just a go-fast model. It also features a number of exclusive styling components and interior appointments. The exterior features a wider rear track housing 20-inch Turbo II wheels, new side skirts, and a four-way rear spoiler. If that doesn’t make the Turbo S stand out, Porsche offers a unique Agate Gray Metallic paint exclusively for the Panamera Turbo S. The interior also comes standard with the bi-color leather finish in an exclusive Black/Cream or Agate Gray/Cream combination.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S will be available in the late spring of 2011. In Germany, the Panamera Turbo S will retail for € 167,076 including VAT and country-specific equipment. In the United States, the Panamera Turbo S will be priced at $173,200, excluding $975 for delivery and destination.
Porsche Panamera Turbo S Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.8 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 550 at 6,000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 553 lb-ft. (590 lb-ft. from 2,500 to 4,000 RPM with Overboost)
-New turbochargers with titanium-aluminum alloy turbine wheels
-Modified engine control
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch
Drive: All-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: 191 mph (306 km/h)
Fuel Economy:
City: 15 mpg
Highway: 23 mph
Combined: 18 mpg
Exterior:
-Agate Gray Metallic paint
-Side skirts
-Four-way adjustable rear spoiler
-20-inch Turbo II wheels
Interior:
-Two-tone leather finish
-Black/Cream exclusive leather combination
-Agate Gray/Cream exclusive leather combination
Porsche Panamera Turbo S Gallery
[Source: Porsche AG]
Can the Panamera outrun ugly with the new Panamera Turbo S? Leave a comment and let us know!
