2017 Porsche Panamera in Riverside

Broad spread between performance and comfort characteristics raises standards in the luxury segment. New features include rear-axle steering, three-chamber air suspension, electromechanical roll stabilization system dubbed Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), as well as networking of all chassis systems via 4D Chassis Control.

Body
A new lightweight body utilizes an optimum mix of aluminum/steel hybrid construction for increased rigidity. Increased use of aluminum: outer door panels, hood, hatch and front fenders – now include large body-in-white parts and the entire side panels and roof. Chassis panels are combined using hemming, flow-drill screws, rivets, and welding.

The optional Sport Chrono Package with launch control and mode switch – including Sport Response button on the multi-function steering wheel – has been perfectly configured for high performance use. The mode switch previously introduced in the Porsche 918 Spyder gives direct access to the four driving modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual) with an ergonomically positioned rotary switch on the steering wheel. Sport Plus mode is ideal for the highest level of performance. Here, the drivetrain is pre-conditioned for optimal response and maximum acceleration. In addition, active suspension components – such as the three-chamber air suspension, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), PDCC Sport, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, and rear-axle steering – switch to a sportier mode for maximum performance.

The Sport Response Button is located in the center of the mode switch. Depressing the button instantly calls up the maximum power potential of the Panamera for 20 seconds. When activated, the engine response is more direct and spontaneous; furthermore, the PDK switches to an even more dynamic shifting map than in Sport Plus mode and immediately shifts down to a speed range of 3000 to 6000 rpm (unless the button is pressed under full load). Gears are changed extremely late.

In keeping with the overall concept of the new Panamera, the new chassis also combines the cruising comfort of a luxury sedan with the performance of a true sports car. This is achieved by supplementing the impressive basic layout with several innovative systems. The wider fleet of chassis and suspension systems includes an adaptive air suspension with new three-chamber technology, including PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) electronic damper control, the enhanced Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) system including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and electromechanical power steering. In addition, the integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control system analyses and synchronizes all chassis systems in real time and optimizes the handling performance of the new Panamera. With rear-axle steering, Porsche brings the handling precision of a sports car to the Panamera for the first time. Finally, the performance of the brake system has also been improved.

Porsche has fitted an enhanced aluminum double-wishbone suspension with forged aluminum transverse links and hollow aluminum lightweight swiveling bearings at the front of the Panamera. The optimized axle and elasto-kinematics provide for maximum precision and agility coupled with improved ride comfort. To further increase the comfort there is a large hydraulically dampened elastomeric mount on the lower wishbone. The stabilizer connection on the pivot bearing allows comfort-optimized single-tube shock absorbers to be used. A rigid bolted aluminum sub-frame in combination with the new electromechanical steering system ensures excellent driving dynamics and agile handling; among other things steering precision and directional stability have been improved. A more advanced lightweight multi-link suspension is also fitted on the rear-axle with forged top aluminum wishbones and hollow lower aluminum wishbones. Here, too, the optimized suspension and elasto-kinematics ensure maximum agility and precision coupled with enhanced ride comfort. Furthermore, the modified structure enables the integration of a rear-axle steering system, a new electromechanical PDCC Sport and a new three-chamber adaptive air suspension.

A newly developed rear-axle steering system is now available as an option for the first time. At low speeds of up to around 30 mph, the rear wheels steer variably based on driving speed, in the opposite direction to the front wheels up to a maximum steering angle of 2.8 degrees. This virtually shortens the wheelbase. The advantages: more dynamic turn-in characteristics in corners and much easier maneuvering and parking in tight spaces. At speeds above around 30 mph, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front axle depending on the speed. The result: a virtual wheelbase extension and increased driving stability, for example when changing lanes on the highway. The Panamera‘s new rear-axle steering system therefore optimizes overall active stability and driving dynamics and the reduced steering angle needed at low speeds also enhances comfort. And that‘s not all: the use of the rear-axle steering system allows a much more direct steering ratio on the front axle with a steering feel that is unique in the competitive field.

Porsche has developed a centrally networked control system for the chassis of the new
Panamera – 4D Chassis Control. To date, the chassis systems have worked largely independently of one another using their own sensors and reacting to the other systems. Porsche 4D Chassis Control analyzes the current driving situation centrally in all three dimensions (longitudinal, lateral, and vertical acceleration), and uses this information to calculate expected driving conditions and communicates in real time to all chassis systems – a fourth dimension of chassis control. This enables the systems to act together for the driving situation ahead. One example: during dynamic cornering the standard PASM electronic damper control and the optional systems – the adaptive air suspension (standard on the Panamera Turbo), rear-axle steering, PTV Plus and PDCC Sport – work together for optimal turn-in properties, maximum agility and stability. The Porsche 4D Chassis Control gives input to the chassis systems when the vehicle starts to turn in. This means that the systems act at an early juncture for maximum cornering performance.

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is an electronic damper control system. It reacts to the road condition and the driving style and depending on this it continuously regulates the damping values for each wheel individually. The PASM fitted in the current Panamera features a new, lighter damper and improves the responsiveness and the spread between comfort and sport. In addition, three driving modes are available: “Normal,” “Sport,” and “Sport Plus.”

This is how PASM works: sensors register body movements that occur during acceleration, braking, dynamic cornering, and uneven roads. PASM sends the acquired data to Porsche 4D Chassis Control system. The new control center calculates the current driving conditions and regulates the damper stiffness of the PASM system according to the preset mode. Thanks to 4D Chassis Control, the control parameters of the other electronic chassis systems are also coordinated with this selected mode. The perceptible result: enhanced driving stability, performance, and comfort.

PASM holds even greater potential in conjunction with the adaptive air suspension: as both the damper characteristics and the spring rates can be varied and combined. In this case, the result is an even greater spread between sportiness and comfort.

Adaptive air suspension including PASM
For the second generation Panamera, Porsche has now developed a new three-chamber air suspension. The adaptive air suspension with this new technology sets standards – especially in terms of comfort level. The system has three instead of two air chambers per strut which results in 60 percent greater air volume. This enables a much larger spread of spring rates. The suspension can therefore be set to a more comfortable low basic spring rate as the spring rate is electronically adjusted in the fraction of a second as soon as this becomes necessary, when accelerating and braking or to reduce rolling motion, for example.

In addition, the air suspension offers the familiar advantages of leveling control. Alongside the normal level, a lift and a low level are available. The lift level raises the chassis by 20 millimeters (0.79 inches), in order to prevent the front from touching the ground on steep garage exits. When the low level is activated the front axle is lowered by 28 millimeters (1.10 inches) and the rear-axle by 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) to improve aerodynamics and handling at high speeds.

The new Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) optimizes the driving dynamics in the Panamera through the integration of electromechanical stabilizers. The system regulates faster than those with hydraulic actuators to stiffen the stabilizers to prevent body rolling motion. In the Panamera this active roll compensation forges links to 911 models. Porsche combines PDCC Sport in the Panamera with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus).

The electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock provides for variable drive-torque distriution between the rear wheels while braking interventions at individual wheels generate additional steering torque at the rear-axle. This results in even more agile turn-in characteristics. On the other hand, PTV Plus provides for noticeable additional traction when accelerating out of corners by specifically locking the differential. The combination of both technologies – PDCC Sport and PTV Plus – elevates the Panamera as a sports sedan to a class of its own in terms of driving dynamics.

The exterior character of the second generation Panamera has also been sharpened to reflect Porsche’s sports car heritage, and is therefore based on dynamic proportions. The new Panamera is 198.78 inches (5,049 millimeters) long, a gain of 1.34 inches (34 mm); 76.26 inches (1,937 millimeters) wide, which is 0.24 inches (6 mm) wider, and 56.02 inches (1,423 millimeters) high, equating to 0.20 inches (5 mm) taller. There is ample space for four people to travel comfortably; the rear also offers plenty of space for use as a chauffeured limousine. In addition, the Porsche Panamera offers the best layout variability of any model in the luxury class, making it the most practical for everyday use with a 40:20:40 split of the folding rear bench backrests and 17.4 to 46.0 cu.-ft. (495 to 1,304 liters) of luggage capacity.

Despite the slight increase in height and the exceptionally spacious interior, the new Panamera appears lower and longer. This is primarily due to the 20 mm reduction in height above the rear of the passenger compartment while maintaining substantial headroom. This changes the car’s image completely. The wheelbase has been increased by 30 mm to 2,950 mm (116.14 inches); this too lengthens the car’s proportions. The front wheels were shifted further forward (12 mm), reducing the front overhang and making the distance between the A-pillar and the front axle – even larger. The rear overhang is longer, giving the car a more powerful appearance.

The Panamera has only grown 6 mm (0.24 inches) in width, but it feels like several centimeters. This effect is created by such features as the A-shaped air intake, which extends out to the sides and creates a new front-end design. At the same time, a precisely designed crossbar in the radiator grill emphasizes the car’s width. The arrow-shaped hood accelerates this visual effect further forward and lower than before – due to the prominently contoured power dome, whose lines now reach into the bumper. The lower front end was enabled by the compact construction of the new engines. To the left and right of the power dome, the hood blends precisely into the stronger flares of the front fenders – a classic Porsche design trait. Also exuding confidence is the look of the LED headlights with their four-point LED daytime running lights, of which two versions are available.

The new silhouette reflects the flyline of a sports car more than ever thanks to the dynamic roof line. Two precisely executed edges on the lateral roof line visually lower the silhouette’s center of gravity. The look of the side windows has also been redesigned: visually, their continuous surface together with the rear body lines create a stylistic affinity to the Porsche 911. Integral design components, such as the air outlets behind the front wheels and the fender flares also have a powerful look: the large arches provide space for the different alloy wheels available – from 19-inch standard wheels on the Panamera 4S, to 20-inch standard wheels for the Panamera Turbo. 21-inch wheels are optionally available for both models.

The Panamera’s distinctive form factor and look is clearer from the rear than from any other perspective. The ‘greenhouse’ – made up of the roof, roof pillars and window surfaces – is supported by a powerful and broad shoulder section. In addition to the three-dimensional PORSCHE lettering, the most prominent components identifying the rear body are the three-dimensional LED rear lights with integrated four-point brake lights.

The rear lights are interconnected by a narrow LED strip. Together, these elements create an unmistakable night design. Integrated seamlessly and elegantly into the tailgate, which features electric opening and closing as standard, is the extendible rear spoiler that is now finished in body color. On the Panamera Turbo, the wing also splits as it extends, thereby gaining additional surface area. Completing the lower rear body is a diffuser into which the dual stainless steel tailpipes of the exhaust system are integrated on the left and right. The Panamera 4S can be recognized by round tailpipes, while the Panamera Turbo has trapezoidal tailpipe trims.

The new Panamera has a redesigned high-tech lightweight body with even more aluminum than before. On the predecessor, the outer-door panels, hood, hatch, and front fenders were made of aluminum. With the new Panamera, Porsche is now going much further and also producing large body parts such as the whole side section and the roof in aluminum.

The Panamera body is based on the Modular Standard Drive Train Platform (MSB), which Porsche is responsible for developing in the Volkswagen Group. One of the many advantages of the MSB is its great versatility. For example, Porsche is able to produce the new Panamera at its Leipzig plant with two different wheelbases and all conceivable drive types for this segment.

Further body derivatives are also relatively easy to realize. The platform consists of three modules: front body, middle floor section, and rear body. In the case of the Porsche Panamera these modules are produced in “lightweight multi-material.”
This is an innovative cocktail of different kinds of materials including various steel alloys, aluminum, and plastic. Furthermore, a new manufacturing process is used to produce the firewall cross member, which is very important for crash properties. On the Panamera this ultra-high-strength tube is made of boron-alloyed steel. Although high-strength boron steel tubes of this type exist, never before have they been realized in the automotive industry in the complexity of the Panamera's firewall cross member. Furthermore, the whole firewall and the passenger cell offer optimal protection thanks to the use of high-strength, hot-formed steels.

This type of material distribution – lighweight aluminum surfaces combined with high-strength steel structures – is a recurrent theme in the Panamera. As outlined, the side parts of the new model are also made of aluminum and the same applies to the floor, roof and front end. Special processes are needed to join aluminum and steel so that these two very different materials do not react with one another. For example,to join the lightweight aluminum parts of the side wall with the high-strength steel side wall structure, Porsche combines roller hemming (a form-locking method of joining components without welding spots) with a bonding proces

Porsche’s modern interior concept has been reinterpreted for the next generation in the new Panamera. Black panel surfaces and interactive displays combine a clear and intuitive user interface similar to smartphones. Classic buttons and conventional instruments have been reduced significantly. Instead touch-sensitive panels and individually configurable displays take center stage in the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit. Despite a significantly extended range of communication, convenience and assistance systems, the different functions can now be used and operated more clearly and intuitively.

The Panamera is equipped with many standard and optional assistance systems, which are designed to make driving safer and more efficient. The most significant new system includes a night vision assistant, which uses a thermal imaging camera to detect people and large animals and displays a color highlighted warning indicator in the cockpit. Looking especially far ahead along the road is the new Porsche InnoDrive, which includes adaptive cruise control. Based on three-dimensional, high-resolution navigation data, it computes and activates the optimal acceleration and deceleration rates as well as gear selections and coasting phases, for the next 1.8 miles. In doing so, this electronic co-pilot automatically adjusts the throttle and transmission while taking corners, hills and speed limits into account for optimized driving. Other vehicles and current speed limits are detected by the radar and video sensors and incorporated into the control system.

New levels of comfort, connectivity and assistance
Digitalization of the automobile is currently changing mobility more intensively and faster than ever. Completely new display and control concepts, more intelligent and networked assistance systems, and continually faster and more powerful on-board electronics are leading to new levels of driving comfort and connectivity with the outside world. The new Panamera is a reflection of this trend; it is the most digitalized and networked model that Porsche has launched on the market yet. But the Panamera is not a car that filters away the driving experience with electronics. Rather, Porsche has taken advantage of today’s digitalization capabilities to build a Panamera that combines maximum comfort and maximum dynamics and is intuitive to operate.

The new Panamera exhibits a completely new display and control concept. Touch-sensitive surfaces replace buttons in many areas, and high-resolution displays are integrated into the interior. The digitalization of the Porsche interior, which began with the 918 Spyder, is now in its next development stage and has reached the luxury sedan segment aboard the Panamera in the form of the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit. From the low seat position typical of sports cars, drivers not only see the traditional front-end landscape of the car’s fenders and power dome, but also two 7-inch displays that are placed along the driver’s line of sight for ideal ergonomics. Each can feature two instruments, and located centrally between these two displays, is the tachometer, which is still an analog instrument in keeping with tradition.

To the immediate left of the tachometer is the virtual speedometer. Shown inside of the speedometer is clearly organized information about the assistance systems – the instrument is therefore known as “Speed & Assist.” As is usual at Porsche, the speed being driven is shown digitally within the analog tachometer. To the right of the tachometer is the “Car & Info” display. Vehicle settings can be made or retrieved, and information from the trip computer can be accessed here. The driver can freely configure the two smaller round instruments next to the Speed & Assist and Car & Info instruments in a defined frame. All of this is intuitively controlled via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

Meanwhile, the gear shift console between the driver and the front passenger is dominated by the 12.3-inch touch display integral for the operation of the next generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. A sub-area of the start screen can be customized by tile-shaped windows. User operation also incorporates the new multi-touch gesture control. Just like with a smartphone or tablet, it is possible to use two fingers to rotate navigation maps in any desired direction. Moreover, the display recognizes handwriting, making it easy to write navigation destinations on the screen.

These standard features are integrated as part of the PCM system: Connect Plus with features such as an online navigation module including real-time traffic information plus Google Earth and Google Street View, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay, and LTE phone module with SIM card reader and wireless Internet access. Connect Plus also integrates apps into the PCM such as parking places (parking place search and availability), fuel prices (fuel station search including display of fuel prices), message dictate (SMS via voice control), Twitter (tweets are read aloud, information is shown on the display), train arrival, flight information, weather (current location or destination), event information and news.

\Also on-board: the online functions of Porsche Car Connect with Remote Vehicle Status (e.g. central locking status), Remote Services (remote control of functions) and Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (PVTS, vehicle location tracking in case of car theft). Porsche Car Connect is an app and is operated via smartphone, and is compatible with the Apple Watch. Navigation destinations can even be selected from a device at home for later transfer to the PCM.

The menus are clearly and intuitively structured. When the user’s hand approaches the PCM, proximity sensors detect this and open a menu bar on the left side of the 12.3-inch display that offers additional context-related functions. If a menu level has multiple pages, the user can scroll through the menu by a swiping motion from side to side – just like on a smartphone. On the right side of the display, tiles – which are known as widgets here – can be shown and personalized in a user-defined layout. The widgets extend the main PCM menu by adding individually configurable screens. Depending on the user’s taste or the situation, the user can have navigation info, the current playlist or climate control shown in the widgets.

Direct touch control reorganizes center console functions
The PCM area, with its high-end, high-resolution display, transitions harmoniously into the black panel concept of the center console with a shift-by-wire gear selector for the PDK. A new control panel on the center console with touch-sensitive switches enables intuitive control of various vehicle and climate control functions. Even the louvers of the central air vent are electrically adjusted by touch-sensitive sliders. Rear passengers can control air conditioning and infotainment functions from a seven-inch black panel in conjunction with an optional four-zone automatic climate control system.

Networked electronics revolutionize assistance and comfort
The Panamera is equipped with many standard and optional light and drvier assistance systems, which make life more convenient while driving. The most important technologies include night vision assistant, Porsche InnoDrive including adaptive cruise control, LED Matrix headlights, an advanced lane-change assistant, and a lane departure warning system including road sign recognition. All of these features are available for the first time in the Panamera.

All new Panamera cars are equipped with LED headlights including four-point LED daytime running lights as standard. LED headlights, including the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), are standard in the Panamera Turbo, and available on the Panamera 4S.

Optionally, the newly developed LED Matrix headlights with PDLS Plus can be ordered as optional equipment. This is a system with which Porsche transfers the maximum potential of today’s lighting technology into the Panamera. The LED Matrix headlights contain a total of 109 LEDs for all lighting functions. The LED Matrix module alone comprises 84 LEDs (pixels).

Looking especially far ahead along the road is the new Porsche InnoDrive, which includes adaptive cruise control. Based on navigation data, the system calculates the optimal acceleration and braking figures for the next 1.8 miles (3.0 kilometers) and these figures are implemented via the engine, eight-speed PDK, and the brake system. In doing so, this electronic co-pilot automatically takes corners, hills and speed limits into account. The traffic situation in front of the car is captured by radar and video sensors, and control is adapted accordingly. The system significantly improves the Panamera’s efficiency. Currently, there is no comparable technology worldwide.

In addition, Porsche InnoDrive offers convenience and dynamic benefits when driving with automatic adaptive cruise control. The system even recognizes roundabouts and independently adapts its speed to conditions ahead. When the Sport mode is activated, the InnoDrive also switches to a dynamic characteristic map. As in classic adaptive cruise control, the radar and video sensors naturally also continually monitor the distance to vehicles ahead and adjust this gap continually. InnoDrive is expected to become available starting in January 2017 in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, England and Ireland. The USA, Canada and many other countries will follow shortly thereafter.

All new Panamera cars are equipped with LED headlights including four-point LED daytime running lights as standard. LED headlights, including the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), are standard in the Panamera Turbo, and available on the Panamera 4S.

Optionally, the newly developed LED Matrix headlights with PDLS Plus can be ordered as optional equipment. This is a system with which Porsche transfers the maximum potential of today’s lighting technology into the Panamera. The LED Matrix headlights contain a total of 109 LEDs for all lighting functions. The LED Matrix module alone comprises 84 LEDs (pixels).

The functional range and properties of the adaptive cruise control have been significantly improved. Crucial here are two important innovations that were used to modify the system of the first generation Panamera: instead of one radar sensor (usually integrated in the middle of the lower fascia), two are used in the new Panamera. They are integrated in the lower bumper on the left and right sides. In addition, the cruise control system now also incorporates camera sensors into its control. This system extension makes monitoring of the distance to vehicles ahead more reliable. In addition, vehicles merging into the car’s own lane from adjacent lanes are detected much sooner. If necessary, the system can bring the car to a standstill. Thanks to a stop-and-go function, the Panamera can also resume driving autonomously. If the standstill lasts longer than three seconds, all the driver needs to do to drive off again is to briefly tap the accelerator pedal or resume the function from the steering wheel stalk.

Automatic adaptive cruise control is active over a driving speed range from 18 to 130 mph. If at all possible, the system also utilizes the coasting function (engine idling, clutches disengaged) to further reduce fuel consumption.

The lane-change assist, which is already familiar from the first Panamera and other Porsche cars, has been enhanced further. The new system uses two radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect the distance to vehicles approaching on an adjacent lane from the rear and their driving speeds. If these two factors are judged to be critical, a visual warning indicator is shown in the side mirror on the relevant side of the car. This enhances monitoring of vehicles in difficult to see locations.

The new lane-change assist detects vehicles at distances of up to 230 feet, and it can now be activated over a driving speed range from 9 to 155 mph. Since the driving speed at which the system is activated has been lowered, the lane-change assist can now be used for turning maneuvers in the city as well.

Lane Keep Assist including road sign recognition
The Lane Keep Assist system being offered for the first time in the Panamera reduces the risk of unintentionally leaving one’s own driving lane. The system now being implemented in the Panamera is one of the most advanced of its kind. It detects lane markings via a camera in the windshield and operates over a driving speed range from 40 to 155 mph. As soon as the driver leaves the lane without activating the turn signal, the car automatically steers via the new electromechanical steering system. If desired, the driver can also configure the PCM to output an audible warning and a visual warning in the instrument cluster. One component of the system is road sign recognition. It utilizes the same camera as the lane keep assist.