Porsche Takes Panamera Turbo into S Turn

[OmarKareem]

Receiving rave reviews for their four-door Panamera sports car since its recent introduction in late 2009, Porsche entrance into this new premium category provided a formidable challenge to incumbent models Maserati Quattroporte and Mercedes-Benz CLS. After just two years, Porsche has realized the rapid advancement of this vehicle class adding a more modest six-cylinder as well as a more aggressive Panamera Turbo in order to earn top standing. As Aston Martin and Audi enter the four-door coupe playing field, BMW as well as Lotus are also slated to enter this hot vehicle territory. All formidable in developing sports cars, Porsche is not prepared to rest on their already attractive Panamera line-up. Set to debut in the United States at the New York International Auto Show in late April, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S is a little better in every way

Adding a single letter, the Panamera Turbo S features superior engine performance for the four-door sports car. Using the same twin-turbocharged 4.8 liter V-8, power output is coaxed by 50 horsepower and 37 foot-pounds of torque. Applying a set of light, titanium aluminum turbocharger turbine blades as well as reworked engine remapping, 550 horsepower and 563 foot-pounds of torque now propels the Porsche Panamera. Standard on all Panamera Turbo S models, the Sport Chrono Turbo Package allows an extra torque grunt 590 pounds-feet to surge the four-door sport car’s wheels with a momentary boost. If the turbo modification sounds familiar, titanium aluminum turbines and engine management improvements were available on the 2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo via the Powerkit package. However, through Panamera Turbo S trim upgrade, Porsche has found the ability to squeeze a few extra beats over the Turbo Powerkit

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S four-door sports car’s power maximization allows acknowledgement in the crucial specification of engine power, true Porsche enthusiasts know the reputation of the German performance car builder is positioned around balanced handling. Suspension and braking from the Panamera Turbo guides the S model over various road surfaces. Assisting the driver in harnessing this new bounty of power, the Panamera Turbo S offers the added hand electronic aids. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus traction control and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control assures the Panamera Turbo S maintains the brand’s reputation for balanced performance handling

Handling and engine performance in harmony, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S achieves near magical results. The enhanced twin-turbocharged V-8 launches the Panamera Turbo S from 0 to 60 miles per hour in swift 3.6 seconds. Bettering the standard Turbo model by 0.4 seconds, Porsche Panamera Turbo S also inherits a 2 mile per hour increase in top speed. In spite of the increased power, Porsche has largely maintained fuel efficiency of the 500 horsepower Panamera Turbo model

Visually, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S has undergone a subtle adjustment in the name of the S model designation. One addition to the Turbo S version of the Panamera is an extending rear spoiler featuring four-way positioning. Through the application of side skirts, the rear track widens for increased ground coverage. Adopted from the same Turbo II wheel used on the 2012 Porsche 911 Black Edition, the Panamera Turbo S wears rims of a 20-inch diameter. An Agale gray metallic is added to the Panamera Turbo S exterior paint code. Unique colours expression is also performed within the four-seat cabin of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S. Black or gray can be blended with a cream tone for a racy two-tone appearance over interior leather

Set for a prompt release after its 2011 New York International Auto Show unveiling, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S will roll into dealerships for late spring. Retail price for the Panamera Turbo S starts at $173,200 US