PEAKLIFE

The German car maker launches the Gran Turismo in Turbo and Turbo Executive guises.

Porsche has added yet another jewel to its crown, with the launch of the 2^nd generation Panamera Turbo and Panamera Turbo Executive in India. The Turbo Executive is the extended-wheelbase version of the sedan, with an added length of 150 mm to accommodate more legroom for the rear passengers. The new car carries forward the design philosophy of the current generation, as seen previously in the Boxster 718.

The design language of the new Panamera also creates a link to the Porsche 911 by its even more dynamic flyline and specific design elements of the sports car icon. “An observer will immediately recognise the coupé-like roof line, but now it is much ‘faster’, even more dynamic and now includes a new side window look that emphasises the coupé-like side view even more,” said Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche AG, who explained the design targets that were set for the new model: “The new Panamera can be made out at first glance as a Panamera, but also as the new Panamera. Its strengths have been reinforced, its weaknesses eradicated and above all its character preserved.” The new Porsche Panamera reconciles two contrasting characteristics more than ever before: the performance of a genuine sports car and the comfort of a luxury saloon.

Power is delivered to all four wheels via a new eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and  its 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol motor develops 550 hp (at 5,750 rpm) and a maximum torque of 770 Nm (between 1,960 and 4,500 rpm). It has 30 hp more power than the previous model, and its maximum torque has been increased by 70 Nm. The eight-cylinder engine accelerates the Panamera Turbo to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, which is an appreciable figure given its mammoth proportions. Both models are capable of a top speed of 306 km/h and like the 718 Boxster, the Panamera comes with four different driving modes – Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.

The Panamera Turbo is also the first Porsche to be equipped with the new adaptive cylinder control in its engine. In part-load operation, the system temporarily and imperceptibly turns the eight-cylinder into a four-cylinder engine. This reduces fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent, depending on power demand in the four-cylinder phases.

The new Panamera exhibits a completely new interior design. In many areas, touch-sensitive surfaces replace classic hard keys, and high-resolution displays merge into the interior. Meanwhile, the gearshift console between the driver and the front passenger is dominated by the 12.3-inch touchscreen of the next generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system.

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 (495 to 1,304 litres of luggage capacity). In order to personalise their cars, customers are provided with various equipment options such as the panoramic tilt roof, massage seats, ambient lighting and a 3D high-end sound system from Burmester.

Like its predecessor, the 2017 Panamera is sure to give Porsche a keen edge in the luxury sedan market, as it has on its portfolio a strong contender for other brands such BMW and Mercedes. The prices for the Turbo and Turbo Executive versions start at Rs. 1.96 crore and 2.09 crores respectively (Ex-showroom, Delhi).