The Porsche Panamera has won yet another award. This time, Auto Bild and Schwacke selected the Panamera Turbo as the car that holds its value best in its class. With a residual value of 56 percent of the original price, the Panamera won the “Value Champion 2012″title for the lowest percentage depreciation in the luxury class.
“Porsche-badged cars inherently hold their value – especially in the long run”, said Dr. Gernot Döllner, Manager of the Panamera model line, at the prize giving in Berlin on Thursday evening. “For example, approximately 70 per cent of all the Porsches ever made are still on the road, yet further evidence of our models’ ability to hold their value. This accolade further bolsters our vehicles’ value retention.”
The prospective residual value is behind many of the calculations for financing and leasing offers and the purchase decision when it comes to company cars and rental car fleets. It also provides a snapshot of the second hand car market in general. The data on which the selection of the Value Champion 2012 was based were calculated by Schwacke’s experts.
After all the rumor and speculation surrounding the “world premier”at the LA Auto Show, Porsche managed to surprise some and disappoint others. Here at PorschePurist, we were hoping for the new Boxster but expected a drop top version of the new 991. So we were a bit surprised when Porsche took the spotlight off the North American premier of the new 911 and shifted it to a GTS version of the Panamera.
Porsche Panamera GTS
Taking a page from the 911 playbook, Porsche places the new Panamera GTS smack dab between the 4S and Turbo. With 30 more horses than the S/4S, the Porsche Panamera GTS produces 430 horses from its modified, normally aspirated power plant. In addition to the increased horse power, buyers will find the torque increased by 15 lb. ft and the brakes replaced with larger ones straight from the Panamera Turbo.
Additional Panamera GTS Features
PDK with Sports Chrono (and launch control) for 0 to 60 times of 4.3 seconds
Top speed of 178 mph
Porsche Active Suspension Managment (PASM) adjusts spring rate and height while electronically modulating the dampening system
Redline up 400 RPM to 7100
Sound Symposer (fancy name for the new sports exhaust system found on the 991) for additional “aural excitement”
Porsche Dynamic Chassic Control (PDCC) to prevent body roll
Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) varies torque distribution to the rear wheels and incorporates an electronically controlled rear differential lock
Exterior “black”appearance package is standard
Standard 18 way adaptive seats trimmed with Alcantara and leather
Porsche today announced several improvements to the Cayenne and Panamera model lines for the 2012 model year. Among them are improved driving performance for the Cayenne S Hybrid and numerous customization options for both models.
Improvements to the Cayenne S Hybrid
The 380-horsepower Cayenne S Hybrid, with its ultra-efficient combination of 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and electric motor, now has an enhanced hybrid manager. If the conditions are right, it is now possible even from a cold start to drive at low speed on electric power alone. Previously, driving on electric power after starting the engine was only possible once operating temperature had been reached.
Power Kit Boost Cayenne Turbo to 540 hp
The new model year also heralds the availability of new Porsche Exclusive options for the Cayenne models. As with the Panamera Turbo, a power kit is now on offer for the Cayenne Turbo as well, boosting the maximum power by 40 hp to 540 hp. Performance improves to 4.6 seconds (minus 0.1 s) for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h; top speed rises to 281 km/h. Despite the extra power and torque, fuel consumption and emissions remain unchanged:
The increased power is partly achieved by two new turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbine wheels and adjustments to the engine electronics, resulting in perceptible improvements in the engine’s response. The greater power requires improvements to the braking system as well; brake cooling has been further improved and the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system provides enhanced deceleration courtesy of larger 420-mm front brake discs.
Numerous new visual enhancements are available
A new SportDesign package with painted wheel arch extension is available to give the new Cayenne an even more aggressive look. Also for the exterior, the Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic lighting system are available with black housings; new quad sports tailpipes and dark-tinted LED rear lights are also new for 2012. For the Cayenne’s interior, Porsche Exclusive offers numerous new options for visual customization, including new decorative stitching and leather packages as well as a Yachting Mahogany package with precious-wood inlays. The offering is rounded off by a milled aluminum Tiptronic S gear selector and new stainless steel and carbon door entry guards.
More Standard Equipment on the Panamera
The Panamera, Porsche’s four-door Gran Turismo, rolls into the 2012 model year with more standard equipment. Heated seats, previously an option on V6 models, are now standard across the lineup, while a heated steering wheel, formerly also an option, is also standard on all Panamera models.
The range of options for the Panamera model line has also been enhanced. A Lane Change Assist system adapted from the Cayenne will be available from autumn 2011. It monitors the area behind and to the side of the vehicle as well as the blind spot and informs the driver via a signal in the exterior mirror if the system has located another vehicle in the adjacent lane. The Lane Change Assist system can be activated by a switch on the driver’s door and operates between 30 and 250 km/h (19 and 156 mph).
New Porsche Exclusive options for the Panamera exterior include Bi-Xenon main headlights in black including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as well as a redesigned sports tailpipe. A wireless internet access system will be available later in the year. It creates a wireless hotspot on board the Panamera, giving passengers the ability to access the Internet while in the car.
Written on March 30th, 2011 at 1:41pm by Pepper Girl
Pricing and Specifications of the Panamera Turbo S
550 HP and 553 lb-ft torque (up to 590 lb.-ft with overboost in “Sport” or “Sport Plus” mode
Sport Chrono is standard
Titanium and Aluminum Turbo Chargers
Even with 50 more HP fuel consumption is unchanged from Panamera Turbo at 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway (18 mpg combined)
0 to 60 in just 3.6 seconds with top speed of 190 mph
U.S. MSRP of $173,200
Available early summer 2011
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S will make its debut at the NY Auto Show on April 20th, 2011. As we’ll be there, we’ll be sure to take some extra pics for you. Stay tuned.
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón used the 59th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Fresh From Florida to unveil the Porsche Panamera Turbo as the official safety vehicle of the series.
Carrying a 4.8-liter, twin turbocharged V8 with 500 horsepower, the Panamera Turbo will be perfectly suited to handle any track situation, including inclement weather, thanks to PDK and PTM active all-wheel drive. With a 0-60 mph time of just four seconds and a top speed of 188 mph, the Panamera Turbo could blend in seamlessly with the ALMS grid. Producing some of the best economy numbers and lowest CO2 emissions in its class, the Panamera even stays true to the Series’ Global Leader in Green Racing message.
“Unlike its competitors, the Panamera is not based on the platform of a previous existing model or merely a highly tuned version of a sibling model. The Panamera has been built from the ground up to provide Porsche driving dynamics and performance while simultaneously surrounding its occupants in luxury and comfort. The Panamera Turbo, with its 500 horsepower, is the ideal car for American Le Mans Series race events,” said David Pryor, vice president of marketing for Porsche Cars North America.
The Panamera is an expansion of Porsche’s relationship with the American Le Mans Series, as the Porsche Cayenne will continue to serve as the Series’ official rapid response vehicle.
“The Porsche Panamera gives us an official safety car unmatched in motorsports,” Ed Triolo, ALMS VP of Marketing and Brand Development said. “This reinforces the commitment and partnership between the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and Porsche, one of the world’s greatest sports cars that has had extraordinary success in the ALMS and IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama. It is a perfect fit.”
As our plane touches down in San Francisco I realize the three hour time difference between east and west coast – a difference that normally seems exaggerated on these late night flights from Boston – is almost non-existent. Is it the anticipation of picking up our Panamera 4S press car? It’s not like we haven’t driven the Panamera before. Heck, we’ve even played with it on the track. However, this is the first time we’re going to spend any real time behind the wheel; six days in San Francisco and Napa to be precise. Yeah, it’s definitely the anticipation.
After grabbing our luggage from the carousel we make our way out of the terminal and over to the appropriate bus that will shuttle us to our awaiting Porsche. As we climb into the bus I can’t help but feel that something is different with this trip. Then it hits me, it’s the luggage. Normally, we pack light for these trips as storage space is, at times, a bit of a challenge in a Porsche. Not this time. We each have a full-size suitcase, a rolling carry-on and a backpack. Let’s hope the storage space is as good as we’ve read.
The driver drops us at our car, gives us our keys and bids us adieu. Lurking menacingly in the dark before us is all 16+ feet of our Panamera 4S (that’s a good 20” longer than a 911 and 5” longer than our Cayenne). It is a big car, there’s no way of getting around that. Looks like luggage shouldn’t be a problem…
Popping the trunk I quickly see that maybe I was wrong about the luggage. You see, while the Panamera has considerable storage space (44.6 cubic feet), if you opt for the removable luggage compartment cover (which our test car came equipped with and you can see in the picture above) vs. the standard retractable one, you actually eat into your cargo space because you can’t make use of all that extra height the unique design of the rear-hatch provides. Remove the cover and you have no problem. Thankfully, the Panamera’s rear seats fold down independently of each other allowing for extra space and a variation on how you pack. Just don’t plan on bringing guests along if you utilize this feature.
Enough about Luggage, Let’s Drive This Sucker
With our luggage safely stored it’s time to get to the hotel and get some sleep. Opening the driver’s side door reveals a cockpit that would seem more at home in an airplane than a sedan, resplendent with overhead switches, controls and toggle switches (here’s a press pic that show’s a much better shot of the Panamera interior). The seats are exceptionally comfortable and the driver’s position is as good, if not better, than that of a 911. First time Porsche drivers, or even seasoned drivers of Porsches from years gone by, might be a bit overwhelmed by all the switches and buttons lining the center console and overhead. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it in time. Trust me.
Kick the Tires and Light the Fires
A twist of the Panamera shaped key brings the V8 hidden under the long hood to life. Dropping the 7speed PDK transmission into reverse quickly highlights one of the very few gripes we have with the Panamera. Blind spots. This Porsche is chock full of ‘em and backing out of a tight spot at night without the aid of Park Assist would be a harrowing experience. Do yourself a favor, if you’re getting a Panamera (and by the end of this review we’ll want one for our own driveway) option it with the Park Assist. Even better, spring for the rear-view camera bundle. You’ll thank me later.
With our on-board radar having helped to avert a parking lot disaster, it’s time to hit the road. Pulling out of the parking area at SFO and onto the access road removes any doubt that the size and heft of the Panamera would get in the way. The 400 hp 4S practically leaps onto the highway. The throaty growl from the exhaust is a pure Porsche eargasm. This is a sedan? Wow! I can’t wait to throw this against the hills and curves of Napa.
The Next Morning
I call the valet and ask to have our car brought around; we’re ready to head out. “No problem Mrs. Irving, it will be here when you come down.” I just love the San Francisco Four Seasons. Everyone’s so polite. The only problem however, is that at times, it can take more than a few minutes for your car to be retrieved; if it’s busy you might as well bring a book. Not this time. We’re down in the driveway less than 5 minutes after my call and the Metallic Green Panamera is right out front parked immediately behind a white Panamera V6. Looking around we see the only other cars given this type of treatment are a Bentley and a Ferrari. The Panameras are clearly the winners in this valet vanity contest.
Our first destination is Muir Woods National Monument. If you’ve never had a chance to visit, make the time. It’s worth it. The scenery is breathtaking and their little café in the woods should have at least one Michelin star. More importantly –and more on topic- the ride north from San Francisco is a treat for any Porsche lover. Who minds traffic when you’re in a luxury sport sedan and on vacation? Heading out of the city we make our way toward the Golden Gate Bridge. With PASM set on comfort you’re hard pressed to remember that the city is crisscrossed with trolley tracks and elevation changes that can challenge even the cushiest of Cadillac’s.
we stop at the Golden Gate Visitor Center before heading north
Once over the bridge, traffic thins and it’s time to step on the gas. Again, I can’t help but notice the throttle response of this big Porsche. If this is 400 horses, what can the 500 horse Turbo do? It’s not a 911, but it’s more than we expect for a car with such heft.
As we enter the hills I switch into sport mode allowing the computer to adjust the throttle mapping and tighten the suspension. It’s amazing how a push of a button can completely change the personality of a car. We just went from an elongated touring sedan to what feels like a road hugging coupe; magic! Just think, I still have Sports Plus in reserve. What else can the Panamera pull out of the hat?
If you’ve never driven in this part of the world, find a way to get here and do so. Not only is the scenery unmatched, but the twists and turns will warm the heart of any automotive enthusiast. I chose to use the opportunity to see just how well the Panamera handles. With a clear road in front and a line of cars behind, it took less than a ¼ mile to lose all but one of our followers (a Porsche Boxster). Hmmm. This could get interesting.
Mindful that on these roads the wrong steering input or over confidence, in either car or driver, can result in a long, wet and most likely fatal plunge into a ravine or the Pacific, I switch to Sports Plus. Let’s see what that Boxster driver is made of! More to the point, let’s see what the Panamera is made of. I know how well the Boxster handles (seemingly better than the 911) and don’t hold out much hope that we’ll lose our tail any time soon.
Porsche Panamera Tears Through the Corners
To my surprise, and John’s horror, the Panamera tears through the tight turns at 50 mph with out the slightest whimper of protest from the tires. The 19” tires grip with fierce force. As we approach a particularly hairy hair-pin, an overzealous application of the brakes seemingly reverses the rotation of the earth (and these aren’t even the PCCBs). If not for our seat-belts we would have had an up-close and personal experience with the giant front windshield. Despite it’s long length and heft, the Panamera 4S slows from 60 to nill in 108 feet (not bad for a 4100 + lb Porsche). Even with continued punishment the big brakes performed each and every time with no noticeable fade.
While we didn’t lose the Boxster, we did garner the admiration of his owner. Turns out he (and his wife) were headed to the same destination as us. Arriving at the parking lot he quickly jumped out for a closer look at the Panamera, explaining he had only seen them in pictures and was “driving with everything he had” to keep up with us in the turns.
“Pepper Girl” enjoying the majesty of the Redwood forest at Muir Woods
After a romp through the redwoods it was back on the road and north on the Shoreline Highway toward Stinson Beach. At this point the highway gets quite narrow and even more twisty with lots of elevation changes. The road speaks to you, faster, faster. Thankfully, common sense takes over and you realize the amazing scenery is a bigger hazard than anything else in its continuous distractions. It’s as if with each turn Mother Nature is trying to outdo herself. I realize I’m so distracted from the amazing scenery I best just sit back and enjoy the ride. Turning off the Sport function the Panamera morphs back to a luxury ride in a plush sedan.
Upon arrival at Stinson Beach we decide to stop for food at the Sand Dollar Restaurant, smack dab in the middle of downtown. Even though it’s a weekday and the weather is a bit drab, there is still a good lunch crowd; a mix of locals and tourists soaking up the sights and sounds. Pulling the Panamera into its parking space, the party of eight on the front porch stops their conversation and simply stares. I’ve driven a lot of Porsches and a good many other exotics, Not one of them received as many looks as the Panamera. The comments ranged from “What the hell is that?”. To, “Beautiful car”. Not one disparaging remark (at least not while we’re in ear shot).
The map above is but a small part of our journey. If you zoom in, you can see just what kind of twists await you on your drive should you choose to visit
A quick lunch and we’re back on the road. This time, we’re headed east on the aptly named Panoramic Highway. With more twist and turns than a normal karting track, the Panamera is getting its exercise. Surprisingly, even with a heavy right foot, many starts, stops and an average speed of 42 mph (according to the computer), we’re still averaging about 19.2 mpg (this is better than 18.9 we regularly see for mixed driving in my 2009 six cylinder Cayenne).
Calling it a day
After a total of 6 hours and 220 + miles we’re back in the city. As I’ve never been to San Francisco before John suggests we head over to Lombard Street to check out this famous road. While an enjoyable attraction, it does highlight my only other gripe with the Panamera. The nose on this car is so long that when cresting the steep hills in San Fran you almost need to take it on faith that there’s still a road in front of you; it really is that hard to see over this very long hood.
Now that we’re back in the city, I notice a difference from previous drives. Usually after a drive of this length I’m tired and looking forward to relaxing. Not so today. While I’m happy to get back to the hotel, I’m already anticipating our drive to Napa tomorrow. I won’t even mind being designated driver!!
As I pull into the Four Seasons, the valets jockey for position to open my door. I’d like to think it’s me, but I’m wondering if maybe I should start noting the mileage before I hand over the keys. No matter what, it seems like I won’t have to wait long for my Panamera tomorrow. John has talked about replacing his big four dour Mercedes with a Panamera. After today’s drive, I’m definitely good with that!
To see more pics from our trip, including my drive to Napa, please take a look at the PorschePurist Facebook page. Be sure to “like” it when you stop by!!
If you’re interested in a Panamera of your own (and we think you should definitely give it a try), you might want to check with Wally at Porsche of Hilton Head. He’s as big a Porsche nut as anyone we know (check out his Porsche blog) and there’s always a decent amount of stock available.
As with many Porsche lovers, I wasn’t sure what to make of the Panamera when it first appeared over a year ago. I still wasn’t too sure when I first saw it in person at my local dealership, but by now it has definitely grown on me. While I originally saw signs of Corvette in the larger front end wings, now I see Porsche gracefulness and appreciate the automaker’s conscious effort to bring the line together not only with headlight clusters and LED running lights, but also with the arches and “v”s in the bonnet. So, it was with anticipation that I traveled to Birmingham, AL to examine the new Panamera V6 up close.
When we first arrive in Birmingham, Porsche’s friendly staff usher us to the first of six very striking V6 Panameras. Visually, these are really like no other on the road today; the cars make a statement even while parked in a dimly-lit and humid airport parking garage. The first Panamera feature we get to examine is the trunk space: in go three maxed-out carry-ons and 3 lap top bags.
Somehow, I am chosen to drive first. I slide onto the seat, comfortable and lower than one would expect for a sedan. One of the features I enjoyed when I first got to sit inside the Panamera in 2009 was the way Porsche maintained the intimate sports car feel in the cockpit. The controls are predictable, and I quickly set my own climate-controlled seat, mirror and wheel settings as my co-pilot reviews the 1 hr 30 minute “long” route to Barber Motorsports Park.
Something all journalists in the car quickly agree would be very welcome in this car is ventilated seats. Birmingham’s 98 degree temps immediately put the Panamera’s climate control system to the test, and the lack of ventilated seats was disappointing. (Porsche, we know you have some really nice ones because we enjoyed them in the all-new 2011 Cayenne, and they made us forget it was nearly three-digits outside).
I leave the car in the normal mode and navigate the tight concrete walls and curbs of the parking structure. Immediately, the car feels bigger than the V8 Panamera S I drove last October, although it is in fact lighter (about 3800lbs). The additional 100hp and 74 lb-ft torque in the V8 makes the Panamera feel agile and manageable, and is missing in the V6 model.
As we merge onto Alabama Highways, the power delivery is very smooth and linear, and the 3.0L 90-degree six cylinder engine revs up, but it does so with perceptible effort. The athletic lineage is there, but this Panamera feels more like a long distance runner making his way up hill at challenging altitude.
All Panameras come standard with PDK, and while this “automatic” shifting system is highly advanced, I found its desire to constantly shift up somewhat frustrating. Cruising at 45 mph, the Panamera would work its way to 7th gear, no doubt in order to maximize fuel economy. While I understand Porsche needs to map the gear settings to conserve, this sensibility made for an uninspiring drive. Apparently, there is hope: folks at Porsche told me if I were to drive the car for a week, the transmission would learn my driving style and adapt to better suit it. I wonder for a moment whether my Panamera would become averse to shifting itself anywhere below 4500 RPMs?? Alas, I won’t get the chance to find out on this drive.
The Panamera looks for its Roots
As is to be expected in a car filled with automotive journalists, I was quickly encouraged to try out a few of the options offered by the Panamera. I knew just where to start: if there is a “SPORT MODE” button on any vehicle, it is usually the first one I want to push. I briefly questioned why anyone would want to have such a button in an almost two-ton, 4-door saloon, but I soon learned that you not only want such a button – you should have it. As soon as I engaged SPORT MODE, the shock stiffness, engine mapping and (more importantly) the transmission setting immediately change, and I am no longer driving 3 gears higher than I wished I were.
On the subject of gears, I should mention that I did try the Panamera’s “full manual” mode, and quickly found that there is a reason why the highly-developed PDK transmission always starts in 2nd. Unless you’re ready to take the proverbial bull by the horns or are planning on ascending a wall face, stay away from 1st gear. In addition, my initial complaints about the PDK shifting system still holds true: I still have to think about pushing the button towards the hood to up-shift (vs. the more intuitive opposite) and it still feels like it takes just a little too long to shift up. The PDK does such a good job in auto, I suggest you just pretend there is no other mode. You can always pull the paddle toward you and be rewarded with a completely seamless downshift, hand the shifting duty back to the PDK, and watch it shift up for you when appropriate.
During the next 15 miles of scenic, hilly back roads peppered with expansive Southern estates, I re-think my critical views of the car. The Panamera V6 has complete willingness to attack corners, floating deftly into theoretical apexes. The car’s handling is suddenly pure Porsche, and the attention to detail Porsche engineers are known for is very obvious behind the wheel. In SPORT mode, it is as if the Panamera has had a shot of Brazilian espresso, and it has become animated and enjoyable to drive. This car has incredibly good balance, and coupled with a tire developed specifically for providing excellent road hold and poise it offers sports car characteristics rare in bigger cars today.
Is the Porsche Panamera V6 Right for You?
The Sedan that you thought Porsche would never produce now has a front V6 engine and a 4-wheel drive model. The V6 is the entry level model for the four dour saloon, and it boasts a 3.0l, 300hp, 295 lb-ft torque engine based on the V8 model (ready to install, the motor minus two cylinders weighs only 404lbs). Porsche engineers have drawn on their extensive performance knowledge, incorporating all aluminum engine block and cylinder heads, four valves per cylinder with four overhead camshafts, Vario Cam Plus and Direct Fuel Injection. Porsche decided to stay with a 90 degree V configuration to keep the motor low and allow them to push it back from the front axle. This required them to use a very light balance shaft very low down in the engine (in the oil pan, actually.) The result is a smooth and civil motor. The car weighs in just over 3800 lbs, which is great for a car in this segment (but, admittedly, a lot of weight for 300hp). The four wheel drive model weighs in at 4012 lbs, but still accelerates to 60mph in only 5.8 seconds (with the optional Sport Chrono Plus Package the time falls to 5.6 seconds). These numbers are impressive when you consider these were once air-cooled 993 0-60 times.
So why did Porsche build a Panamera with less zip? For starters, fuel economy. Porsche claims the combined fuel economy around 24 mpg (18 city / 27 hwy), but early tests show fuel economy is even better, as high as 30mpg on highway (vs. the 4.8L V8 Panamera S’s 16 mpg city / 24 mpg hwy). Indeed, Porsche is very proud of the fact that no Panamera model is subject to the gas guzzlers tax. Porsche has already built 25,000 Panameras, 4000 of which they have sold in the US since last October. Their goal is to sell as many V6 variants as V8.
Cost and accessibility are two other big reasons. One may wonder why anyone would buy a $75k sedan instead of a $90k sedan. For starters, there’s the not-so-small $15,000 difference and the car is still 100% pure Porsche. On the highway off-ramp, at speed or in your favorite twisty bits, you can float the car into the corner and enjoy a sedan like no other. The brakes don’t fade, even after some hard laps on track. It is incredibly well engineered for comfort and poise on the road. Despite the car’s size, the rack and pinion steering does keep a nimble feel The power delivery is very smooth and if you keep it in sport the standard PDK transmission keeps you interested and allows you to just drive the car (0-60mph is a respectable 6.0 seconds, 5.8 with the Sport Chrono Package). Last, but not least, along with the driving pleasure, the Panamera V6 maintains the fit and finish of the S and Turbo models, providing comfort that is not available from competitors. All in all, the Panamera V6 is a great way to own a Porsche while sacrificing nothing but a bit of power.
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