HighestOfHigh
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Panamera 2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo S is world's quickest production sedan
- Thread starter HighestOfHigh
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The Porsche Panamera is a mid to full-sized luxury car (E-segment or F-segment for LWB in Europe) manufactured and marketed by Porsche. The Panamera name, as with the Carrera name, is derived from the Carrera Panamericana race.
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- Marcus
| First Drive | Munich, Germany | First Drive: Porsche Panamera Turbo S |
Thanks to Porsche's hectic launch cycle we've been here a few times recently and each time we're more seduced with the Panamera's looks. That's even truer with this Turbo S, which gains some subtle but effective body alterations to add some visual punch to match the massive grunt on offer from the twin-turbo V8. It's not pretty in a conventional sense, but there's no denying it's got plenty of presence.
Deeper side sills, a body colour painted retractable rear spoiler, 20-inch alloy wheels and Turbo S badging highlight this range topper on the outside. Inside, unique two-tone leather combinations are offered, while it's fully loaded with kit as standard too - as you might expect with the flagship model.
That the Porsche Panamera Turbo S is fast hardly comes as a surprise, as anything packing 542bhp and 590lb.ft of torque is going to be rapid. What's genuinely shocking is just how quick it is. The official 0-62mph time is just 3.8 seconds (faster than the 911 GT3 RS 4.0), but that number only tells a tiny part of the ferocity of the acceleration on offer. It's utterly relentless in its thrust, the 4.8-litre engine with its lighter turbines producing laugh-out-loud performance. The V8's mating with the quick dual-clutch seven-speed auto is a near perfect match; the gears shift almost imperceptibly - though the reluctance to upshift when dawdling does require some intervention via the hopeless wheel-mounted shift buttons - thankfully paddles are available for no additional cost.
Helping keep all that power in check is a chassis containing all of Porsche's dynamic and performance enhancing systems. As a result the Turbo S's specification has more letters attached to it than a Scrabble factory, though they all interact to enable the Turbo S to carry its so easily gained pace with utter impunity. It's ridiculously agile given its size, the only real limiting factor being the width on narrow roads.
The steering is finely weighted too; there's some feel at the wheel's rim and the grip and traction on offer is sensational. Find a series of fast, sweeping bends and there are few cars that'll carry such immense speed with such little fuss. Unrestricted Autobahns are the Turbo S's hunting ground, where it'll sit all day at over 180mph, but it's equally as capable on a challenging B-road. If anything it's the Turbo S's crushing competence in all conditions, on all roads, that robs it of some of its appeal. You won't go as fast in a Panamera S, but you'll have more fun - especially in the manual version.
Aside from getting one of the most accelerative, most capable sports saloons you can buy you get lots of standard equipment. There's obviously the option to add some more, with Porsche's PCCB brakes inexplicably not coming on the standard equipment list. You can add premium stereo equipment and dip into Porsche's 'Exclusive' department, too. All in, it's not cheap, but buyers won't care - nor should they.
Worth Noting
All that additional pace doesn't come at the expense of fuel economy, with the Turbo S's official consumption figure pegged at the same 24.6mpg as its regular Turbo relative. Good luck with that though, as even with stop-start as standard and a light foot you're unlikely to ever see anything approaching such a figure.
Summary
Porsche's Panamera Turbo is crazy fast already and the S turns the loony dial up a notch. It's expensive, but it's packed with kit and if you're going for a Turbo anyway you might as well have the full-on S. Crushingly competent and insanely quick, it's difficult to compare it to anything else. And that's a huge part of its appeal.
Car reviews | Porsche Panamera Turbo S | First Drive: Porsche Panamera Turbo S | by Car Enthusiast
M
Thanks to Porsche's hectic launch cycle we've been here a few times recently and each time we're more seduced with the Panamera's looks. That's even truer with this Turbo S, which gains some subtle but effective body alterations to add some visual punch to match the massive grunt on offer from the twin-turbo V8. It's not pretty in a conventional sense, but there's no denying it's got plenty of presence.
Deeper side sills, a body colour painted retractable rear spoiler, 20-inch alloy wheels and Turbo S badging highlight this range topper on the outside. Inside, unique two-tone leather combinations are offered, while it's fully loaded with kit as standard too - as you might expect with the flagship model.
That the Porsche Panamera Turbo S is fast hardly comes as a surprise, as anything packing 542bhp and 590lb.ft of torque is going to be rapid. What's genuinely shocking is just how quick it is. The official 0-62mph time is just 3.8 seconds (faster than the 911 GT3 RS 4.0), but that number only tells a tiny part of the ferocity of the acceleration on offer. It's utterly relentless in its thrust, the 4.8-litre engine with its lighter turbines producing laugh-out-loud performance. The V8's mating with the quick dual-clutch seven-speed auto is a near perfect match; the gears shift almost imperceptibly - though the reluctance to upshift when dawdling does require some intervention via the hopeless wheel-mounted shift buttons - thankfully paddles are available for no additional cost.
Helping keep all that power in check is a chassis containing all of Porsche's dynamic and performance enhancing systems. As a result the Turbo S's specification has more letters attached to it than a Scrabble factory, though they all interact to enable the Turbo S to carry its so easily gained pace with utter impunity. It's ridiculously agile given its size, the only real limiting factor being the width on narrow roads.
The steering is finely weighted too; there's some feel at the wheel's rim and the grip and traction on offer is sensational. Find a series of fast, sweeping bends and there are few cars that'll carry such immense speed with such little fuss. Unrestricted Autobahns are the Turbo S's hunting ground, where it'll sit all day at over 180mph, but it's equally as capable on a challenging B-road. If anything it's the Turbo S's crushing competence in all conditions, on all roads, that robs it of some of its appeal. You won't go as fast in a Panamera S, but you'll have more fun - especially in the manual version.
Aside from getting one of the most accelerative, most capable sports saloons you can buy you get lots of standard equipment. There's obviously the option to add some more, with Porsche's PCCB brakes inexplicably not coming on the standard equipment list. You can add premium stereo equipment and dip into Porsche's 'Exclusive' department, too. All in, it's not cheap, but buyers won't care - nor should they.
Worth Noting
All that additional pace doesn't come at the expense of fuel economy, with the Turbo S's official consumption figure pegged at the same 24.6mpg as its regular Turbo relative. Good luck with that though, as even with stop-start as standard and a light foot you're unlikely to ever see anything approaching such a figure.
Summary
Porsche's Panamera Turbo is crazy fast already and the S turns the loony dial up a notch. It's expensive, but it's packed with kit and if you're going for a Turbo anyway you might as well have the full-on S. Crushingly competent and insanely quick, it's difficult to compare it to anything else. And that's a huge part of its appeal.
Car reviews | Porsche Panamera Turbo S | First Drive: Porsche Panamera Turbo S | by Car Enthusiast
M
HighestOfHigh
Cornering Kingpin
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- Ben
Lol...I don't know about all that, but Porsche does have the fastest V8 four door hatchback.
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- Marcus
As much as I love the S65 it is trumped by the new Panamera and the Mercedes own S63 AMG. The S63 AMG with the new motor, transmission and the optional performance pack will outperform the S65 in most areas I would suspect. Lighter, better handling, and less (relative) of a petrol hog. The S65 while on paper still has over 600hp seems like the ruler of the 4-door world, but that old 5-speed tranny (same design as in my CLK430!) and the old turbo, SOHC V12 call it out. This however is a good thing, because if Mercedes is to continue to offer a V12, they now are forced to update it. I suspect we'll see a new V12 based off the new MoVe V6/V8 architecture. The S-Class will answer this question in about 18 months.
M
M
wookieecrisp
Tarmac Traveler
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- Derek
Well said! Although I completely acknowledge that the Panamera is extremely, extremely quick, I think its emphasis is more on sportiness than luxury. V12 S-Classes are the king of classy, luxurious, performance.
I also believe that the S65 is a bit too much; if I were going for performance I would get the S63 over it. But for me, the S600 is the ultimate S-Class, because it balances the unbelievable V12 power and luxury of the S65 with the "sensible"-ness of the S63.
I would rather get an S550 and a 911 Carrera over the Panamera Turbo S.
I also believe that the S65 is a bit too much; if I were going for performance I would get the S63 over it. But for me, the S600 is the ultimate S-Class, because it balances the unbelievable V12 power and luxury of the S65 with the "sensible"-ness of the S63.
I would rather get an S550 and a 911 Carrera over the Panamera Turbo S.
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Autoblog Review.......
Full Story: 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S [w/VIDEO]; Autoblog
Autoblog Short Cuts: 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S - AOL Video
M
Full Story: 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S [w/VIDEO]; Autoblog
Autoblog Short Cuts: 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S - AOL Video
M
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.........and the facelifted Porsche Panamera Turbo will answer the S-Class within 18 months.
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- Marcus
You misread the post. The question the S-Class will answer will be whether or not Mercedes will continue with V12s, nothing to do with the Panamera. The S-Class isn't a sports sedan so it will never match the Panamera outside of sheer speed.
M
Human
You. The Road. Nothing else.
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- Naas
Geez! The overboost function can raise boost pressure from 0.7-0.9 Bar. I just love the new turbo tech, the lighter turbine wheel makes a HUGE difference.
I have to say...the new M5's performance disappoint vs Panamera Turbo S
NewM5
560hp @ 6,000rpm
680Nm @ 1500rpm
0-100km in 4.4 seconds
0-200km in 13 seconds
M-Drivers-Package will increase top speed from 250km/h to 305km/h
Active M-differential with torque vectoring
I have to say...the new M5's performance disappoint vs Panamera Turbo S
NewM5
560hp @ 6,000rpm
680Nm @ 1500rpm
0-100km in 4.4 seconds
0-200km in 13 seconds
M-Drivers-Package will increase top speed from 250km/h to 305km/h
Active M-differential with torque vectoring
Beemer B773ER
Tire Trailblazer
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- Shameel
What's the weight of this thing? ... because those output figures are just a tick below the new M5, yet acceleration is mighty impressive!
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1995 kgs with full tank of fuel.
Human
You. The Road. Nothing else.
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- Naas
In terms of outright performance brought on by the new turbo technology which is IMO mind blowing and also frustrating as a BMW M enthusiast. BMW AG & BMW M decided on engine turbo charging, yet they have failed (new M5) to obtain or contract a Turbo Charger Supplier that has the tech used by Porsche.
I mean, can that be so hard? Kay Segler and his team could have obtained this turbo technology in the development phases of the new M5, so why didn't they?
One thing is for certain that the new M5 vs Panamera Turbo S comparisons will be done by the motoring press and BMW will be lagging the tech they 1st should have had.
And BMW ///M who's fault is that? I mean technology all over the world changes daily if not hourly, and I believe that sourcing at BMW is a high ranking job, so they have a lazy bloak heading that department...
EDIT: Sorry a bit off topic, yet the ball and trophy is in Porsche's corner - congratulations
Porsche!
I mean, can that be so hard? Kay Segler and his team could have obtained this turbo technology in the development phases of the new M5, so why didn't they?
One thing is for certain that the new M5 vs Panamera Turbo S comparisons will be done by the motoring press and BMW will be lagging the tech they 1st should have had.
And BMW ///M who's fault is that? I mean technology all over the world changes daily if not hourly, and I believe that sourcing at BMW is a high ranking job, so they have a lazy bloak heading that department...
EDIT: Sorry a bit off topic, yet the ball and trophy is in Porsche's corner - congratulations
Porsche!
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2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S First Drive
It’s not that any Porsche Panamera lacks power. The 300-hp V-6 is quick, the 380-hp hybrid and the 400-hp V-8 are quicker still, and the 500-hp Turbo—well, let’s just say we’ve squeezed a 3.3-second 0-to-60 run out of that 4400-pound rocket. But this is Porsche, and where a Turbo exists, a Turbo S isn’t far behind. So here is the Panamera Turbo S, more powerful by 50 hp, thanks to a modified ECU, and more responsive, thanks to modified turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbine blades. The basic design of the Turbo model’s twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 remains unchanged.
The difference is not insignificant. The Panamera Turbo makes 516 lb-ft of torque in regular trim, and the Turbo S provides up to 553 lb-ft—or 590 with an overboost function. We estimate a 0-to-60-mph time of three seconds flat, and Porsche’s stated top speed rises by 2 mph to 190. There is one transmission: the excellent PDK, a ZF-sourced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It routes power to all four wheels, with a noticeable bias toward the rearmost pair.
Germans Have All the Fun
Few Panamera owners are as fortunate as those on the car’s German home turf, where it is legal to take it up to its top speed, so unless you like jail—and what Porsche owner with 175 large lying around doesn’t—you’ll have to take our word for the ultra-high-speed performance of this car. At virtually any velocity, this quickest of the four-door Porsches will charge forward with a menacing growl. It’s unlike, say, the Mercedes-Benz S600 or the BMW 760i, in which speed builds in surreal silence, and it doesn’t take a very long stretch of road to max out the Panamera. That’s not to say it’s a white-knuckle affair. This Turbo S masks actual speed very well, and 120 mph feels like 70. Remarkably, however, the Panamera might be even more efficient at killing speed than building it up, especially when equipped with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, which bite instantly and aggressively.
Still, by definition and by its somewhat clumsy styling, the Panamera is not a sports car, and this four-door hatchback sedan tips the scales at well over two tons. Thankfully, the chassis does a far better job of masking the Panamera’s size and mass than does its chubby sheetmetal. The hydraulic steering is nicely weighted and provides linear feedback. Among luxury liners, the Panamera is clearly the best handling, with impeccable stability and precise turn-in, despite having to swing around the heavy V-8 and its turbo accouterments. The torque-vectoring system included with the standard Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control basically forces the Panamera into corners and makes it virtually impossible to throw the car off course with anything less than wildly exaggerated inputs and insane entry speeds. The car is ever vigilant for that stuff, though:. It’s impossible to turn off the stability-control system entirely, even if the button labeled “off” suggests otherwise. If the car is out of sorts and you tap the brakes, the system always kicks in.
Beautiful Inside, at Least
As in other Panameras, the Turbo S’s front- and rear-seat room is adequate for its class of short-wheelbase luxury cars, and the tall center console front and rear is nicely styled and looks expensive and tasteful. Being sealed inside would be a flawless experience if not for the occasional creak and a few joints and seams that aren’t up to, say, Audi standards.
Even though it includes many of the $136K Turbo’s performance options as standard, at $174,175, the Panamera Turbo S doesn’t exactly represent great value. Plus, the non-S Turbo can be upgraded to 540 hp and the same 553 lb-ft of torque with a $21,730 power package that includes the modified turbos. But the less-expensive car doesn’t have the Turbo S’s available exclusive color schemes and other cosmetic goodies—the most notable, of course, being the badge.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 5-door hatchback
BASE PRICE: $174,175
ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 293 cu in, 4806 cc
Power (SAE net): 550 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 590 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 115.0 in Length: 195.7 in
Width: 76.0 in Height: 54.8 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 4450 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.4 sec
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 190 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 15/23 mpg
It’s not that any Porsche Panamera lacks power. The 300-hp V-6 is quick, the 380-hp hybrid and the 400-hp V-8 are quicker still, and the 500-hp Turbo—well, let’s just say we’ve squeezed a 3.3-second 0-to-60 run out of that 4400-pound rocket. But this is Porsche, and where a Turbo exists, a Turbo S isn’t far behind. So here is the Panamera Turbo S, more powerful by 50 hp, thanks to a modified ECU, and more responsive, thanks to modified turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbine blades. The basic design of the Turbo model’s twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 remains unchanged.
The difference is not insignificant. The Panamera Turbo makes 516 lb-ft of torque in regular trim, and the Turbo S provides up to 553 lb-ft—or 590 with an overboost function. We estimate a 0-to-60-mph time of three seconds flat, and Porsche’s stated top speed rises by 2 mph to 190. There is one transmission: the excellent PDK, a ZF-sourced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It routes power to all four wheels, with a noticeable bias toward the rearmost pair.
Germans Have All the Fun
Few Panamera owners are as fortunate as those on the car’s German home turf, where it is legal to take it up to its top speed, so unless you like jail—and what Porsche owner with 175 large lying around doesn’t—you’ll have to take our word for the ultra-high-speed performance of this car. At virtually any velocity, this quickest of the four-door Porsches will charge forward with a menacing growl. It’s unlike, say, the Mercedes-Benz S600 or the BMW 760i, in which speed builds in surreal silence, and it doesn’t take a very long stretch of road to max out the Panamera. That’s not to say it’s a white-knuckle affair. This Turbo S masks actual speed very well, and 120 mph feels like 70. Remarkably, however, the Panamera might be even more efficient at killing speed than building it up, especially when equipped with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, which bite instantly and aggressively.
Still, by definition and by its somewhat clumsy styling, the Panamera is not a sports car, and this four-door hatchback sedan tips the scales at well over two tons. Thankfully, the chassis does a far better job of masking the Panamera’s size and mass than does its chubby sheetmetal. The hydraulic steering is nicely weighted and provides linear feedback. Among luxury liners, the Panamera is clearly the best handling, with impeccable stability and precise turn-in, despite having to swing around the heavy V-8 and its turbo accouterments. The torque-vectoring system included with the standard Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control basically forces the Panamera into corners and makes it virtually impossible to throw the car off course with anything less than wildly exaggerated inputs and insane entry speeds. The car is ever vigilant for that stuff, though:. It’s impossible to turn off the stability-control system entirely, even if the button labeled “off” suggests otherwise. If the car is out of sorts and you tap the brakes, the system always kicks in.
Beautiful Inside, at Least
As in other Panameras, the Turbo S’s front- and rear-seat room is adequate for its class of short-wheelbase luxury cars, and the tall center console front and rear is nicely styled and looks expensive and tasteful. Being sealed inside would be a flawless experience if not for the occasional creak and a few joints and seams that aren’t up to, say, Audi standards.
Even though it includes many of the $136K Turbo’s performance options as standard, at $174,175, the Panamera Turbo S doesn’t exactly represent great value. Plus, the non-S Turbo can be upgraded to 540 hp and the same 553 lb-ft of torque with a $21,730 power package that includes the modified turbos. But the less-expensive car doesn’t have the Turbo S’s available exclusive color schemes and other cosmetic goodies—the most notable, of course, being the badge.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 5-door hatchback
BASE PRICE: $174,175
ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 293 cu in, 4806 cc
Power (SAE net): 550 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 590 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 115.0 in Length: 195.7 in
Width: 76.0 in Height: 54.8 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 4450 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.4 sec
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 190 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 15/23 mpg
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Porsche
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, is a German automobile manufacturer
specializing in high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans,
headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Owned by
Volkswagen AG, it was founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche.
In its early days, Porsche was contracted by the German government
to create a vehicle for the masses, which later became the Volkswagen
Beetle. In the late 1940s, Ferdinand's son Ferry Porsche began
building his car, which would result in the Porsche 356.
Official website: Porsche
Official website: Porsche
