“That’s the way we’ve always done it.” Not really a sentence to inspire change. Except at Porsche. That’s because we’ve always made each new generation of engines higher-performing, more dynamic and more efficient than the last. The new engine generation of the Panamera models now takes the next significant step forwards.
The all-new twin-turbo V6 engine in the Panamera 4S is lighter and more compact than its predecessor and comes equipped with VarioCam Plus. The two turbochargers are now positioned in between the cylinder banks. This reduces the distance that the exhaust stream has to travel to reach the respective turbo – delivering a more rapid response.
The direct fuel injection in the new generation of engines is realized by a central injector inside the combustion chamber. This optimizes both the mixture injection and combustion – for greater efficiency and increased power delivery.
Getting more power from an engine is worthwhile only when you know where it needs to go. And how quickly and effectively. The latest Panamera models are therefore equipped with a newly developed 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), which translates the tremendous drive force of the respective engine into the acceleration expected of a sports car.
Gears 1 to 6 have a sports ratio and top speed is reached in 6th gear. 7th and 8th gear have a long ratio, which helps to keep engine revs low even at high road speeds – for efficient and comfortable driving over long distances. The precise gearshifts take place in milliseconds with no discernible interruption in the flow of power – as you would expect of a sports car.
All Panamera models are equipped with Porsche Traction Management (PTM). This active all-wheel drive with electronic and map-controlled multi-plate clutch ensures the optimum distribution of drive force whatever the driving situation – for excellent acceleration power on long straights, through tight corners and on road surfaces with varying grip.
The multi-plate clutch regulates the distribution of drive force between the rear axle and the front axle. Driving conditions are constantly monitored, enabling the system to respond to a variety of situations. Sensors check, among other variables, the rotation speeds of all four wheels, the longitudinal and lateral acceleration of the vehicle, and the steering angle. If the rear wheels threaten to spin under acceleration, a greater proportion of drive force is distributed to the front by a more powerful engagement of the multi-plate clutch.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or occupying a passenger seat in the front or rear: in a Porsche, every drive should feel like sport, not transport.
The chassis of the new Panamera models performs this balancing act between sport and comfort effortlessly – and in the most masterful way possible: with further-developed, optional chassis technologies. Examples include the adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology boasting a 60 % greater air capacity than that of the predecessor, new Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) and rear-axle steering. What’s also new is the integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control system, which centrally analyses the driving situation in all three spatial dimensions, e.g. pitch, roll and yaw, computes optimum driving states from these data, and synchronizes all chassis systems in real time: the fourth dimension. The objective is to optimize overall performance, and to make the middle ground between sporty driving and comfort as expansive as possible.
The tinted glass panels of the new panoramic sunroof on the Panamera models create a particularly bright and pleasant lighting mood in the interior. The two-piece panoramic sunroof can be tilted and opened electrically at the front.
Sporty, for an outing on the racetrack. Comfortable, for a long journey in a party of four. There is no ‘either–or’. That’s the Panamera. Its ingenious sports car ergonomics are centered on the driver and on performance – without disregard for the well-being of passengers.
Let’s give you some examples. Ascending center console: enabling quick hand movements from the steering wheel to the gear selector. New control and display concept: Porsche Advanced Cockpit with newly styled centre console in glass look and touch-sensitive buttons arranged in logical groups. High-resolution 12-inch touchscreen display. Instrument cluster with analog tachometer positioned in the middle, flanked on the left and right by two high-resolution displays. Multifunction sports steering wheel.
And what else? You decide: seat variants, leather or two-tone interior schemes? Fine woods, aluminium or carbon? More sporty? More luxurious? Both? Thanks to our extensive range of personalization options, the possibilities for you and your wishes are virtually boundless.
Analog meets digital: the new instrument cluster of the Panamera models is reminiscent of Porsche motorsport history – and, at the same time, it is as modern as only it can be.
In the middle and in direct view of the driver is the analog tachometer, its needle integral to its truly classic design. To the left and right, two high-resolution displays provide you with a variety of information as and when you need it, such as the navigation map or Night Vision Assist.
On the left-hand side of the tachometer is the speedometer. In its center, you can see data relating to adaptive cruise control, for example. In the display field on the outer left, you can choose to show the speed limit indicator, traffic sign recognition or the external temperature.
On the right-hand side, the possibilities are even more varied. The inside display field is occupied by information from the on-board computer, the fuel gauge or the residual range. In the field on the outside right, you can see the time. And there’s also the option of viewing the map of the navigation system.
This system regulates the speed of your Panamera fully independently in line with the speed of the vehicle in front. Radar sensors on the front end scan the road ahead. Let’s imagine you’ve selected a cruising speed but have begun to gain on the vehicle in front because it is driving more slowly – the system reduces the speed of your vehicle by restricting throttle or gently applying the brakes until your chosen distance from the vehicle in front is restored.
Your Panamera now continues to maintain this distance from the vehicle ahead. If it brakes even more, Adaptive Cruise Control will reduce your speed accordingly – even down to a halt. As soon as the road ahead clears, your vehicle will accelerate back up to the cruising speed originally set.
Lane Change Assist uses radar sensors to monitor the areas to the rear of the vehicle and the blind spots on either side. As you move to change lane, the system issues a visual warning signal in the exterior mirrors if another vehicle is rapidly approaching your vehicle from behind or is residing in one of your blind spots. The function can be activated in PCM as required.
During low-speed turns, new Turn Assist improves safety at the rear. When approaching an intersection, Turn Assist issues a visual warning if it detects objects approaching in the blind spots behind your vehicle.
Lane Keep Assist is a camera-based system for automatic detection of divider line markings on the road. The system eases the burden on the driver by providing steering assistance, helping to keep the vehicle in lane.
Integrated traffic sign recognition uses a camera and navigation data to detect speed limits and ‘no passing’ zones. Information is displayed in the instrument cluster. The advantage over information stored in the navigation database is that even temporary speed restrictions can be detected.
New for Porsche is the corner notification, an enhancement to the traffic sign recognition function. Based on navigation system data and camera recognition of cornering road signs, the system displays an arrowed direction warning on the instrument cluster display alerting you to tight corners. Long before you reach them.
Specs reflect base model unless otherwise noted.