More details on Porsche Panamera

It's not arriving in Australian showrooms until October but more details of the new Porsche Panamera have been released by the company. It is claiming the car will offer five new technologies never before seen in the premium sports sedan segment when it goes on sale.

Given its history in sportscars Porsche is obviously keen to play up the Panamera's strong performance credentials while offering space and comfort equivalent to a traditional luxury sedan.

One of the biggest factors in the car's ability to combine both aspects -- and the feature Porsche claims as "an absolute innovation in automotive technology" -- is its air suspension with additional air volume on demand. Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM), as the name suggests, increases the available amount of air the suspension uses. That allows for greater range between a firm sports tune and a supple comfort setting.

The system will be fitted as standard on the Turbo models and will be optional on the S and 4S variants.

Another first for the luxury saloon segment will be Porsche's much talked about double-clutch transmission, PDK. Not only will it be a first for the class it will be mated to a start/stop system that will further reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in addition to the gains already achieved by the PDK.

Porsche claims the use of these systems combined with low resistance tyres and special brakes help the Panamera S achieve economy figures of 10.8L/100km on the European cycle.

Another fuel saving feature and new technology for the segment is the flat under-floor. Not only does the flat bottom reduce drag and therefore have an impact on fuel economy it also helps increase the downforce the car generates.

Coupled with the four-way adjustable rear wing that is fitted as standard to the Turbo, the active aerodynamics are designed to keep the Panamera stuck to the road and give it the edge over its competitors, such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

The Panamera (more here) will make its official global debut at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 20.