2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S unveiled

The arrival of the Turbo S takes the number of Porsche Panamera variants up to nine.

Costing a substantial £131,049 in the UK, the only visual clue that this new range-topper is any different from a regular Turbo model is some larger 20” alloy wheels.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S (2014) Rear Side

However, beneath the Panamera’s bonnet its 4.8 litre V8 engine has received a few significant tweaks. A bigger pair of turbochargers, increased fuel injection pressure and special aluminium pistons have together lifted power output from 512 bhp (382 kW / 520 PS) to 562 bhp (419 kW / 570 PS). Peak torque meanwhile has risen by 50 Nm (36 lb/ft) to 750 Nm (553 lb/ft), with 800 Nm (590 lb/ft) temporarily available on overboost for better acceleration.

Thanks to the standard-fit Sport Chrono package, all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission, the result is a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 192 mph (309 km/h).

Impressive performance, then. But the Turbo S isn’t actually much quicker than an ordinary Panamera Turbo, which records 4.1 seconds and 189 mph (305 km/h) respectively for those benchmark stats. At least the combined cycle fuel economy figure of 27.7 mpg (10.2 l/100km) remains unchanged.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S (2014) Front Side

The £23,146 price premium that Porsche is charging for the Turbo S doesn’t just buy the engine modifications, though.

As well as the PASM electronic damping system, the flagship Panamera comes equipped with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and lightweight Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes identifiable by their distinctive yellow calipers. Usually cost options, that lot alone adds up to almost £9,500.

The Panamera Turbo S is set to make its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. UK sales will then begin in January 2014.

Related posts:
Panamera Platinum Edition
Panamera S Hybrid

Comments

Popular posts:

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI