Porsche released the 2013 Panamera model range not so long ago in South Africa with the Porsche Panamera Turbo model topping the extensive range that incorporates everything from diesels, plug-in E-Hybrids, twin-turbo V6s and the normally-aspirated GTS. At a snip under R2-million the Porsche Panamera Turbo is the best way to cling a four-door car to the road a massive speed; with 0 – 100 km/h abandoned in just 4.1 seconds before hitting 305 km/h, the twin-turbo 4.8-litre V8’s 382 kW and 700 Nm of torque loves to pulverise kidneys into submission.
Porsche clearly weren’t happy with those modest figures when equivalent Aston Martins, Mercedes-Benzs and BMWs stake claim to out-powering the Zuffenhausen bomber, so now the even-more-powerful and even-faster Porsche Panamera Turbo S is the answer. Power from its twin-turbo 4.8-litre V8 rises to 420 kW, liberated from the brace of turbos courtesy of an increased injection pressure of 20 bar to 140 bar, the piston feature a new aluminium alloy and specifically coated piston rings; while torque rises to 750 Nm with an overboost touching 800 Nm when necessary.
That’s all very good and well but what happens to the Porsche Panamera Turbo S’s performance figures? The result is Porsche claim indecent speed to the tune of 0 – 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and 310 km/h at the top end, while fuel consumption is rated at a measly 10.2 L/100 km and emissions are just 239 g/km. Handling wise, there are a number of systems fitted aimed to harness all that power. These include Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) to reduce roll, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) to improve traction, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) to actively adjust damper settings, and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes to stop the 1 800 kg-plus tourer.
Porsche Traction Management (PTM) is also standard, as is Porsche Power Steering Plus, Porsche Sport Chrono with ‘Sport and ‘Sport Plus’ and a ‘Launch Control’ race start function. The new 20-inch 911 Turbo-style wheels, along with the Turbo S monikers, are probably the only way you’ll discern the Turbo S from other Porsche Panamera models. The new Porsche Panamera Turbo S will officially debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in November, and should arrive in South Africa early in the new year with a price tag of over R2-million.