Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is proudly presenting the key technologies of the new Panamera prior to the world debut of this truly outstanding Gran Turismo in Shanghai, among them no less than five innovations in technology to be admired for the first time in a production car in the luxury performance range and therefore marking world debuts themselves. These include the first automatic start/stop in conjunction with automatic transmission, air suspension with additional air volume on demand, as well as active aerodynamics with a multi-stage, adjustable rear spoiler moving up when required on the Panamera Turbo.
Offering the premium customer an unprecedented vehicle concept, the Panamera is a four-seater Gran Turismo featuring the most supreme standard of dynamic performance and superior elegance all in one.
As Porsche’s fourth model series, the Panamera is to achieve the same outstanding position that the 911, the Cayenne, the Boxster, and the Cayman already hold in their respective segments. While competing with well-established models in the premium class, the Panamera is most definitely the segment leader in terms of performance, driving dynamics and efficiency. Indeed, these have always been Porsche’s core competences, since efficient, high-performance engines, light-weight engineering and optimised aerodynamics have always been crucial in motorsport.
Now the Panamera for the first time combines this DNA of Porsche and the emotional character of a sports car with the superior space and comfort of an outstanding luxury performance saloon, creating a unique Gran Turismo in the process.
The powertrain: maximum performance and efficiency
The unique combination of comfort, performance and efficiency offered by the Panamera begins with the powertrain: The Panamera comes exclusively with high-tech power units featuring the most advanced and fuel-efficient Direct Fuel Injection. The consistent optimisation of friction on these engines is further enhanced by innovations such as map-controlled coolant/temperature management, as well as ancillary units with enhanced efficiency.
Introducing the PDK transmission, Porsche is offering a double-clutch gearbox for the first time in this market segment, contributing both to enhanced fuel economy and to an even higher standard of sporting performance.
Far superior to a conventional automatic transmission in its efficiency, the PDK transmission is able to save even more fuel through its long, overdrive-like top gear. At the same time it offers outstanding performance with driving dynamics typical of Porsche through its optimum gear increments and unparalleled, ultra-fast gearshift without the slightest interruption of engine power.
Yet a further milestone featured in the Panamera is the first start/stop system in a premium car with an automatic transmission. And again, the result speaks for itself: In conjunction with other specific improvements enhancing the efficiency of the overall vehicle, which include tyres with minimum roll resistance and disc brakes with residual brake forces likewise reduced to a minimum, the Panamera S with its PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe makes do with just 10.8 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.2 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle – and it does so despite the car’s superior performance.
Chassis and suspension: driving dynamics and comfort all in one
The chassis and suspension of the Panamera is not a compromise between sporting performance and superior comfort, but rather a combination of the two. In its basic setting it offers a very high standard of driving comfort. But then, at the touch of a button on the active PASM damper system, it turns into a thoroughbred sports suspension.
As another highlight the adaptive air suspension with its extra volume added on whenever required – an absolute innovation in automotive technology – featured as standard on the Turbo and otherwise coming as an option on the other models, offers an even greater variation of sporting and comfort features.
As yet a further point driving dynamics and motoring comfort may be enhanced additionally on all models by active PDCC stability control available in combination with a fully controlled rear axle differential.
Through their Sport Plus button, the optional Sports Chrono Packages enable the driver at the touch of a button to choose the uncompromising high-performance set-up of all drivetrain and suspension systems including PTM Porsche Traction Management with its fully-controlled all-wheel drive. PTM comes as standard in both the Panamera 4S and the Panamera Turbo.
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