Porsche's Panamera Turbo is about to be overtaken at the head of the range by a new variant with even stronger straightline performance. Due to reach customers from October and priced from $440,200, the Panamera Turbo S has been tweaked to deliver more power and more torque.
A 10 per cent increase in power equates to a 37kW boost to 410kW. Similarly, torque has risen from 700 to 750Nm; switched to Sport or Sport Plus modes the Turbo S will deliver 800Nm on overboost.
That sort of output is enough for the 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8 to propel the car to a top speed of 306km/h -- reaching 100km/h along the way in just 3.8 seconds. Porsche has equipped the Panamera Turbo S as standard with the Sport Chrono Package Turbo, which includes Launch Control to optimise traction from rest.
According to the manufacturer, the added power and torque is the outcome of new turbochargers and revised engine management. The turbochargers feature lighter turbines, constructed from an alloy of titanium and aluminium, to reduce mass and inertia. Fuel consumption for the new variant is 11.5L/100km, but that figure can be reduced to 11.3L/100km with optional Michelin tyres on 19-inch wheels.
Equipment for the Turbo S variant draws on the Panamera Turbo's specification, including Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, but also provides Servotronic power steering and the Sport Chrono Package Turbo setup with overboost and Launch Control.
Buyers will enjoy the note from the car's sports exhaust and what Porsche calls a "sportier chassis set-up". Standard wheels are Porsche's 20-inch 'Turbo II' units and the rear track has been widened for the new application. Other distinguishing features comprise 'Porsche Exclusive' side skirts and the rear spoiler finished in body colour. Inside, the selection of two-tone colour-coordinated leather trim options is joined by two new combinations: black/cream or agate grey/cream. The latter colour scheme will not be available immediately, but will go into production later in the year.
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