Panamera Turbo S is the new pinnacle of Porsch's four-door lineup

550-hp Gran Turismo raises the bar for performance and luxury

With the new Panamera Turbo S, Porsche AG is again raising the bar for performance and luxury in a four-door package. The new top-of-the-line, twin-turbocharged four-door is another example of the company’s Porsche Intelligent Performance development philosophy: despite an additional 50 horsepower compared to the Panamera Turbo, it consumes no more fuel.

The increased performance and efficiency of the turbocharged V8 can be attributed to two main enhancements: improved turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbine wheels and a modified engine control system. The use of innovative titanium-aluminum alloy reduces the weight of the turbine and compressor wheels, resulting in a lower moment of inertia and thus increased engine responsiveness. Power is up to 550 hp, a 10 per cent increase over the Panamera Turbo, while torque is increased to 553 lb-ft from 516. The standard Sport Chrono Package Turbo also allows a special “overboost” function which allows the engine to deliver 590 lb-ft in short bursts.

Thanks to a standard launch control function, the new top-of-the-range Panamera sprints to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds; the top track speed is 306 km/h. Yet despite the significantly increased performance, fuel consumption remains at the moderate level of the Panamera Turbo, thanks to measures such as its efficient seven-speed twin-clutch PDK transmission and automatic stop-start system.

As befits its position at the top of the Panamera range, the Turbo S boasts an extraordinarily comprehensive equipment level. In keeping with the sporty concept of the high-performance Panamera, all of the most important driving dynamics control systems as standard. For example, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), an active roll stabilization system, reduces the vehicle’s tendency to lean when cornering and enhances agility and comfort in equal measure. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) applies a variable torque split to the rear wheels, ensuring superior traction and greater agility in every driving situation. The Sport Chrono Package Turbo, which tunes the suspension and engine for different driving situations, is also fitted as standard, as is a sports exhaust system for an even more emotional engine sound.

The sporty character of the new Panamera Turbo S is also reflected on its exterior. The 20-inch wheels with an increased rear track, side skirts from the Porsche Exclusive department and the adaptive four-way rear spoiler ensure a sporty look. The fusion of exclusivity and sportiness is conveyed in the interior by standard two-tone interior trim choices. Black/Cream and, later this fall, Agate Grey/Cream are combinations offered exclusively for the Panamera Turbo S.