Big changes are in store for the second generation of the Panamera. Amongst other things, Porsche is introducing the world’s first plug-in hybrid to the luxury class, the Panamera S E-Hybrid. In addition, two versions of the Panamera get a stretched wheel based while the V8 in the Panamera S and 4S gets replaced with an entirely new three-liter V6 engine featuring twin turbos. The new generation Panamera will celebrate its world premiere at Auto China in Shanghai, which opens its gates on the 21st of April 2013.
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Panamera S E-Hybrid Sets New Standards in Efficiency, Performance and Operating Convenience
We first saw some of the new styling and plug-in technology last year on the Panamera Sport Turismo concept. The Panamera S E-Hybrid is a systematically advanced development of the parallel full hybrids with a more powerful electric motor, a higher-performance battery that supplies more energy and the ability to charge it externally from the electrical grid. The electric motor produces 95 hp (70 kW) and draws its energy from a newly developed lithium-ion battery. When connected to an industrial outlet, it can be charged within around two and a half hours via the integrated on-board charger and the standard Porsche Universal Charger (AC).
The Panamera S E-Hybrid far exceeds the driving performance of the previous model. The electric driving range of the Panamera S E-Hybrid is estimated to be greater than 20 miles based upon current NEDC testing and can reach up to 84 mph in all-electric operation. It’s capable of accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and has a top track speed is 167 mph. The parallel full hybrid system developed by Porsche also offers “coasting” at higher speeds, a mode wherein the internal combustion engine is turned off and the electric motors use vehicle momentum to generate electricity that is stored in the lithium-ion battery.
Control Your Panamera With Your Smartphone
The Panamera S E-Hybrid includes an entirely new range of convenience functions which can be activated and operated by Porsche Car Connect, a mobile app available for Android and iOS-powered devices. These functions include a charge status indicator and the ability to control the vehicle’s new auxiliary climate control option, which enables vehicle preheating or cooling via the Porsche Car Connect app. These functions can also be programmed from inside the vehicle. A mobile device may also be used for remote access to vehicle information, such as remaining driving range or vehicle location. Other functions not specific to the hybrid drive will also be available as options for other Panamera models via the Porsche Car Connect mobile app.
Longer Wheelbase = Executive Models
Want to get chauffeured around in a Panamera? There’s a model for that. Extending the wheelbase an additional 5.9 inches, the Panamera Executive models will be truly limo like. Offering more rear seating space and even better ride comfort through the innovative Panamera air suspension, which combines excellent ride comfort and typical Porsche driving properties. We’re not so sure a bigger Panamera is better, but then again, chances are you won’t be tracking your Panamera like these guys do.
New Twin Turbo V6 Replacing the V8 in the Panamera S and 4S
Boosting of performance and efficiency is a core competency at Porsche. In developing the new Panamera, this led to an entirely new engine based on the downsizing concept: a V6 engine with three liters displacement and bi-turbo charging. The V6 bi-turbo replaces the previous 4.8-litre V8 engine in the Panamera S and Panamera 4S, and it is also used in the new Executive version of the Panamera 4S. The new motor delivers 20 hp more power and 20 Newton metres more torque, but up to 18 per cent better fuel economy compared to the V8 engine in the previous model.
New Option of LED Headlights Just Part of the Re-Design
The further advanced exterior design of the Panamera can be made out at first glance. The tighter and more prominent front end is apparent in the larger air intakes and the distinctive transition to the headlights. In side profile, the new, more swept-back rear window creates an even more extended silhouette. When viewed from the back, the new generation Panamera is primarily made out by its new trunk lid. The widened rear window emphasizes the horizontal orientation of the Gran Turismo and therefore its sporty character. The rear section itself was redesigned, including the wider spoiler, and it shows a tighter transition to the rear lights, similar to the visual transition of the headlights at the front of the car.
New Standard Features
The Panamera models are further upgraded by new standard features such as bi-xenon headlights, multifunction steering wheel and an automatic trunk lid. In addition, an extended line-up of assistance systems is available for safety and convenience. The optimized adaptive cruise control system, for example, now actively intervenes in the braking process in hazardous situations. Camera-based traffic sign detection and lane departure warning offer greater convenience in cross-country and motorway travel.
Pricing for the New Panamera Line-up
The new generation of Panamera models will be available starting late in 2013. Panamera Turbo S and Panamera Turbo S Executive variants will be available in 2014.
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