New Car: 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S

Porsche has taken the covers off the most powerful Panamera variant yet; the Turbo S. Power comes from a twin-turbo 4.8 litre V8 petrol engine that kicks out 542bhp (PS/kW), making it more powerful than the 518bhp (PS/kW) Mercedes S63 AMG. Torque has also increased to 800Nm (590lb-ft) with an overboost function. That takes top speed to 191mph (306km/h) with the 0-62mph (100km/h) dash taking a mere 3.8 seconds.

Surprisingly, fuel economy remains the same at 24.6mpg (l/100km), thanks to titanium-aluminium turbine wheels to the turbochargers and revised the engine control management of the Turbo S to boost power and performance.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S boasts a comprehensive equipment level. In keeping with the sporting concept of this particularly high-performance Panamera, the Turbo S features several key driving dynamics control systems as standard. For example, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), an active roll stabilisation system, boosts cornering stability and thus enhances both driving dynamics and comfort in equal measure. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) applies a variable torque split to the rear wheels which, in combination with an electronically controlled rear limited slip differential, ensures superior traction and therefore greater agility in every driving situation. The Sport Chrono Package Turbo, which tunes the suspension settings and engine controls, makes the car even more sporting when the additional “Sport Plus” button is pressed. Completing the dynamic enhancements is a sports exhaust system that delivers a particularly emotive engine sound.

With prices starting at £122,623 – around £20,000 more than the Turbo - , standard equipment includes 20” alloy wheels, bi-coloured leather interior, Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), and a sports exhaust. British sales start in June.



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