By: IOL Motoring Staff
Porsche has pulled the covers off its all-new Panamera and not only does it look a lot prettier than its predecessor, but the second generation has been redesigned from the ground up, now sporting a digitalised cabin, new twin-turbo engines and numerous chassis innovations.
The new model boasts a predictable but pleasant blend of 911 and Cayman design cues, and its aim of being the sports car of the sedan world is certainly supported by its proportions, with its lower rear roof line, shorter front overhang and slightly wider stance. Much of the body is hewn from aluminium, including the wings, roof, tailgate and bonnet.
Twin-turbo power
Beneath that you'll find one of two completely redesigned engines. Though the range will inevitably expand in due course, the initial range comes in the form of a V8-powered Panamera Turbo and V6-powered Panamera 4S. Both feature two turbochargers integrated in the centre of the V-shaped cylinder block, in a design that improves responsiveness, lowers the centre of gravity and saves space.
But what are they good for? According to Porsche the Panamera Turbo's twin-turbo 4-litre V8 pushes 404kW at 5750rpm and 770Nm from 1960rpm, gets to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 306km/h. The engine also features a cylinder deactivation system to safe fuel in more relaxed driving situations.
The Panamera 4S gets a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 credited with 324kW at 5650rpm and 550Nm from 1750 and runs to 100 in a claimed 4.4 seconds, topping out at 289km/h. Porsche also claims an 11 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
Packing on the technology
Both engines can be mated to an all-wheel drive system and the latest eight-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. To say the least, Porsche has kept in character with the vehicle's chassis, which now offers a rear wheel steering system in addition to the expected perks such as Porsche Active Suspension Management and Torque Vectoring Plus.
The grand tourer also goes big on driver assistance systems, including a new Night Vision Assistant designed to detect people and large animals and an improved adaptive cruise control system that gathers radar and video intelligence for up to 3km ahead to optimise acceleration, deceleration and coasting.
The cabin salutes the electronic age by replacing many of the conventional instruments and dials with touch-sensitive panels and individually configurable displays, designers at least avoided going too bonkers with the 'analogue-to-digital' revolution, as it still has a traditional rev counter in the middle of the instrument cluster, said to be inspired by the Porsche 356 A of 1955.
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