Time for some oil-burning Gran Turismo fun!
Porsche has been able to achieve a great deal of success with its Panamera model line, even though it may have drawn harsh criticism from enthusiasts around the globe. The new facelifted models are looking to continue their sales success and have a wide array of powertrains from a basic gasoline V-6 to the powerful twin-turbocharged V-8, and even a hybrid model.
The Panamera Diesel has represented a large chunk of the vehicle’s sales since it was introduced, with about 15-percent of customers (approx. 8,500) choosing the oil-burner over its gasoline and hybrid counterparts. With that in mind, Porsche has unveiled an all-new diesel engine for the facelifted version of the Gran Turismo that will be shown at the 2013 International Motor Show (IAA).
The new Porsche Panamera Diesel engine shares only the same displacement as its predecessor and is now more powerful than ever. The turbodiesel 3.0-liter V-6 engine features a number of new moving parts such as the crankshaft and pistons. For the first time in their diesel, Porsche is using a water-cooled turbocharger that can provide a maximum boost pressure of 43.5 PSI (3.0 BAR) compared to the 36 PSI (2.5 BAR) in the previous model.
The newly designed engine is capable of producing 20-percent more power than the previous-generation Porsche Panamera Diesel. Output is rated at 300 bhp at 4,000 RPM and torque grows to 479 lb-ft. from 1,750 to 2,500 RPM – a 74 lb-ft. increase.
Not only is the new Porsche Panamera more powerful, but it’s also quicker and more dynamic. The eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission has been retuned where gears one to four have shorter ratios, contributing to a 0-62 mph sprint time of only 6.0 seconds. This, along with the new longer gear ratio for the rear axle helps to achieve a top speed of 161 mph compared to 152 mph in the previous generation.
A great deal of effort went into improving the Porsche Panamera Diesel’s driving dynamics. For the first time on the oil-burner, Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) system comes standard. The PTV Plus system utilizes an electronically-controlled, fully-variable rear axle differential lock and targeted brake applications to improve steering and agility at low speeds, and improve cornering and stability at higher speeds. Both the front and rear axle anti-roll bars have been stiffened in the new Porsche Panamera Diesel with the goal of improving overall handling dynamics as well.
The new Porsche Panamera Diesel will make its global debut at the 2013 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. The new model will be available worldwide beginning January 2014.
Porsche Panamera Diesel Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-6
Aspiration: Turbodiesel
Maximum Boost Pressure: 43.5 PSI / 3.0 BAR
Maximum Horsepower: 300 bhp at 4,000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 479.35 lb-ft. / 650 Nm from 1,750 to 2,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Eight-speed Tiptronic S
Drive: Rear-wheel
-Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+)
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 6.0 seconds
Top Speed: 160.94 mph (259 km/h)
Source: Porsche
Would you buy a Porsche Panamera Diesel over other Panamera models?
