Combining a power output of 570 hp with an extensive level of dynamic and comfort-oriented features, the four door, four seat Porsche Panamera Turbo S epitomises the Gran Turismo concept. The new 192 mph saloon car will be guaranteed special status at the pinnacle of the range when it celebrates its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show (22 November – 1 December).

The sporting and luxurious character of the new Panamera Turbo S is evident not only in its driving performance, but also in its distinctive appearance. For example, the dynamic potential is hinted at by the 20-inch 911 Turbo II wheels, which are not only larger but also significantly wider than the standard wheels on other models. And the metallic exterior paint colour, Palladium, that is available solely for the new model not only brings an air of exclusivity but also enhances the purposeful, elegant contours.

New turbochargers and a higher injection pressure boost power by 50 hp

A 50 hp increase in power compared to the Panamera Turbo engine has been achieved through specific revisions to a number of components. Two new turbochargers with larger compressors are fitted to the Turbo S, which increase the air flow and permit more air to be injected into the combustion chambers at high loads and engine speeds. In addition, the injection pressure has been increased by 20 bar to 140 bar. Together, both of these measures also enable higher component loads, and this in turn has been compensated by pistons made from a new aluminium alloy and specially coated piston rings.

This approach has two further advantages. By preparing the air:fuel mixture in the combustion chambers more effectively, torque increases by 50 Nm to 750 Nm between 2,250 and 5,000 rpm, with the overboost increasing to 800 Nm. The extra torque makes the engine even more responsive, such as when overtaking, for instance. The second enhancement is the fact that the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) fuel consumption figures for the new model are the same as those of the Panamera Turbo at 27.7 mpg; which is an improvement of over 11 per cent versus the prior model.

When fitted with the optional sports exhaust system, the Panamera Turbo S offers drivers the opportunity to further revel in the mellifluous sound of the V8. This unique sound experience is achieved by means of an acoustic channel that can be switched at the push of a button; the channel directs the engine sound straight into the interior.

In addition, individual cylinders are skipped when switching up a gear, allowing the engine speed to fall faster and the clutch to engage quickly.

Sport Chrono package enhances sporty handling characteristics

The new Panamera Turbo S is perfectly equipped to convert its increased power and torque to further emphasise the driving dynamics. At the heart of this is the optimum power transmission, the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system. The Sport Chrono package is fitted as standard, and coordinates the drivetrain and chassis configuration at the touch of a button to guarantee consistently sporting responses. Furthermore, the overboost function is activated in ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’ mode as well as during kickdown in ‘Normal’ mode; the overboost function temporarily increases the turbocharger boost pressure to enable even swifter acceleration and sprinting capability. The ‘Launch Control’ race start function guarantees the best possible acceleration by optimally coordinating the responses of the engine control system and the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearshift programme. Courtesy of a reworked gear shifting strategy, the PDK changes between its seven gears even more rapidly, accelerating the Turbo S from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Chassis with all Panamera assistance systems

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is the centre-piece of the chassis control systems, combining adaptive air suspension and adaptive damper control as standard. The PASM continuously adjusts the damper forces and adapts them to suit road conditions and driving style. Using the PASM chassis button on the centre console, the driver can choose between three performance maps – ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’. Similarly, the adaptive air suspension offers the ability to activate different spring rates to introduce a greater range of chassis characteristics, giving drivers the choice between a high level of comfort and very sporting driving dynamics.

The combination of the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus ensures the Turbo S features the most advanced version of the Panamera chassis as standard. The PDCC restricts the rolling movement of the car on its longitudinal axis by applying a counter torque using active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles. This system also improves vehicle stability via dynamic roll moment distribution, resulting in excellent agility in every speed range as well as optimum steering performance and balanced load alteration behaviour. Increased responsiveness is achieved because the tyres constantly maintain the ideal position on the road, allowing optimised lateral forces to build up and act upon each tyre. Variable roll moment distribution also directly influences the vehicle’s self-steering properties.

The PDCC, PASM and air suspension are always controlled together when one of the three chassis programmes is selected. When the ‘Comfort’ setting is selected, the systems provide a relaxed journey on uneven roads. In ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’ mode, active intervention by the systems influence steering behaviour, maximum roll support, self-steering properties and traction in order to secure maximum performance and agility.

PTV Plus for even better cornering: Race-tested ceramic brakes

The advantages offered by PDCC in terms of driving dynamics are further enhanced by the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system and the electronically-controlled rear limited slip differential with variable locking effect. This in turn optimises steering behaviour and traction when cornering.

The Turbo S is also equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard. These powerful, race-tested ceramic brakes with distinctive yellow brake calipers offer clear advantages over conventional grey cast iron brake discs. A reduction in mass of approximately 50 per cent contributes towards a faster handling response, and the corrosion resistance of the brake caliper rings guarantee maximum performance.

Interior: Two-tone-leather interior and comfort seats

The synthesis between exclusivity and sporting intent is maintained inside by the standard two-tone leather trim. One highlight is the new interior package in Dark Burl Walnut. The new decor includes a hint of red, providing a slightly cooler effect, and the ambience is completed by the embossed Porsche crests on the front headrests.

The 14-way adjustable powered front seats can be combined with the memory package for excellent travel comfort. The memory package comprises seat surface extension as well as lumbar support and electrical steering column adjustment. Both the front and rear seats feature seat heating as standard. At the rear, two single seats with a folding central arm rest offer generous leg and head room, even for tall passengers.

Panamera Turbo S in the UK

The new Panamera Turbo S is available to order now from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland, priced from £131,049.First right-hand drive deliveries will arrive in January 2014.

The Panamera Turbo S offers a compelling mix of sporting and luxurious equipment levels. Standard features include Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with adaptive air suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus, 20-inch diameter alloy wheels, full leather interior, automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) satellite navigation system, DAB digital radio with Bose Surround Sound, Bluetooth telephone module with cordless handset, front and rear seat heating, rear passenger side airbags, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity,  and a three year warranty.

Fitted to every Panamera Turbo S is a two year Porsche Car Connect contract incorporating the Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5.

Furthermore, customers are also able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

Source: Porsche