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Porsche Cars
© 1998
- 2009 Copyright & |
Porsche Panamera 2009:
Stuttgart - Introducing the Panamera, Porsche is proudly presenting the first four-door Gran Turismo in the history of the Company. This new model series sets the benchmark in its class not only in terms of superior performance and exemplary efficiency, but also through a particularly high standard of personal comfort and exclusive features. Porsche’s fourth model series following the 911, the Boxster/Cayman, and the Cayenne is entering the market in September in three V8 versions to be followed later by a V6 entry-level model and a Panamera with hybrid drive.
For the time being the range starts with the Panamera S combining a 400-horsepower 4.8-litre eight-cylinder with rear-wheel drive, power being transmitted in standard trim by a six-speed manual gearbox and as an option by the PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe with seven gears. |
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Equipped with this transmission, the Panamera S sets a new standard in acceleration and fuel economy, Porsche’s Gran Turismo reaching 100 km/h from a standing-start without the slightest interruption of power in just 5.4 seconds and consuming a mere 10.8 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.2 mpg imp) in the EU5 standard (CO2: 253 g/km). Top speed with PDK is 283 km/h or 175 mph, top speed with manual gearbox an even more impressive 285 km/h or 177 mph.
The top model in the range is the Panamera Turbo offering maximum output of 500 bhp from its 4.8-litre V8 with biturbo technology. Again, power is transmitted in all cases by the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe and PTM likewise featured as standard. This truly supreme Gran Turismo accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 303 km/h or 188 mph. Standard fuel consumption of the Panamera Turbo is 12.2 litres/100 km, equal to 23.2 mpg imp, with CO2 emissions of 286 g/km. When activated on models equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package and PDK, Launch Control improves acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h on all models by another 0.2 seconds for even more dynamic performance.
The Panamera offers a better combination of sportiness and comfort than any other car in its class. Apart from the regular steel suspension with variable dampers on PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management, the Panamera is available as an option (and standard on the Panamera Turbo) with brand-new, adaptive air suspension including PASM able to build up additional air volume in each spring. Providing the option to vary spring rates in this way, this revolutionary suspension offers an even wider range of different driving characteristics and set-ups, ranging from even greater driving comfort on the one hand to very sporting driving dynamics on the other. As an option the Panamera is also available with PDCC Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control actively compensating body roll in bends and at the same time improving the car’s behaviour and smoothness when driving straight-ahead on bumpy roads. PDCC comes in all cases together with a fully controlled rear axle differential enhancing both traction and agility to an even higher standard.
The supreme qualities of the Panamera also come out clearly in the functional luggage compartment, with the tailgate opening up wide to accommodate four midsize cases conveniently behind the rear seats. Developed consistently as a four-seater, Porsche’s unique Gran Turismo goes its own way also in terms of interior design and comfort. Despite its unusually low and stretched silhouette, the Panamera measuring 4.97 metres or 195.7” in length but only 1.42 metres (55.9”) in height ensures generous spaciousness on all four seats.
(June 19, 2009) Photos: Automotive IntelligencePorsche
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