German prestige car maker Porsche is launching a dynamic duo of top specification saloon models, namely the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Panamera GTS, two cars with different focuses. First up is the particularly performance-focused Panamera GTS (the red car in our images) is, we learn from the company, setting standards when it comes to driving purity and agility: It is a Porsche after all. Meanwhile (in white) there’s the Turbo S E-Hybrid variant which impresses by spanning the range from luxurious driving properties to racetrack-level top performance.
The Hybrid
The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is positioned at the very top of the model series as the most powerful, fastest and most luxurious derivative in the model range to date. The combination of highly efficient combustion engines and electric power-train enables particularly powerful drive and exceptional performance.
At its heart lies a V8 bi-turbo engine which has an output of 590 BHP (441 kW / 599 PS) and the output of the electric motor is completely integrated. Thus, compared to its predecessor, its system output has been increased by 100 BHP (75 kW / 102 PS) to 771 BHP (575 kW / 782 PS). The system torque has risen by 150 Nm to 1,000 Nm, no less. The Turbo S E-Hybrid accelerates from zero to 62mph (100 km/h) in a lightning-quick 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of, yes, 202mph (325 km/h).
Despite this enormous power the Panamera Hybrid is efficient to drive. Again, compared to the previous generation, its hybrid power-train offers greater electric range, faster charging and more agile responsiveness. With a capacity of 25.9 kWh (gross), the high voltage battery stores forty-five per cent more energy than the predecessor battery did. This gives this premium saloon an electric range of up to 54 miles (88 km) city average. With an increase in recuperation output to 88 kW, the Turbo-Hybrid drives more efficiently than ever in the fully electric mode. At a suitable power source, the 11 kW on-board AC charger charges the battery from zero to 100 per cent in around two hours and 39 minutes.
Inside & Out
Porsche underlines the role of the Turbo models as the top performers in their model lines with a distinctive rear bumper and a distinctive front end in the exterior colour. At the rear, the chrome-plated tailpipes in ‘Dark Bronze’ complete this look. The standard equipment for the Turbo S E-Hybrid also includes the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) with yellow brake callipers. A sort of bilious ‘Acid Green’ is also available as a typical ‘E-Hybrid’ colour, but the yellow looks better.
‘Turbonite’, a metallic grey tone, is exclusively reserved for the Turbo models. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid has this colour on its air-blades at the front of the car, on the strip of its rear bumper, and on the forged 21 inch Panamera Turbo S centre-lock wheels. Porsche also uses ‘Turbonite’ in the interior, for example on the trim strips and belt straps, the controls in the centre console, and the steering wheel. ‘Turbonite’ contrast stitching also features on the seats, door panel trim, dashboard and floor mats. The roof lining is completely upholstered with the suede-like ‘Race-Tex’.
To a great extent, the car’s mighty performance is due to the new ‘Carbon Aerokit’ and some especially developed ultra-high performance tyres from Michelin. The ‘Aerokit’ is available for the sports saloon models of the Panamera Turbo and the Turbo S E-Hybrid: It includes air-blades, side skirts and a rear diffuser made of carbon, and optimises the aerodynamic balance for driving on the racetrack for which this car is also designed. The front spoiler lip completely eliminates lift on the front axle. In combination with the Gurney flap on the adaptive 4-way rear spoiler, its net effect is to generate downforce, to great effect.
The GTS
GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport. Porsche cars with this model designation offer an extra serving of sportiness and maximum driving pleasure, together with high day-to-day usability. In line with this philosophy, the Panamera GTS is also distinguished by a chassis tuned for high performance, an exclusive ‘SportDesign’ package and a sporty, high-quality interior. It is a particularly direct and agile variant of the top-class sports saloon.
The powerful, comprehensively upgraded V8 bi-turbo engine plays a major role in the especially intensive driving experience in the Panamera GTS. It offers linear power delivery that is clearly noticeable even at engine speeds above 6,000 rpm.
The engine delivers 493 BHP (368 kW / 500 PS), nearly 20 BHP more than the drive that its predecessor offered. This results in better driving performance and dynamics, and even greater efficiency. The four-door sports car accelerates from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 187 mph (302 km/h). The standard sports exhaust system in the Panamera GTS was specifically developed to create a powerful, aggressive sound.
Porsche has delivered as standard a dual-chamber two-valve air suspension, including PASM in the Panamera GTS, a particularly sporty tuning selection. The 10 millimetre-lower body and reinforced anti-roll bars provide a noticeably more direct driving experience and a lower basic spring rate. The electronically controlled differential lock ensures the torque is distributed optimally between the wheels. In combination, these measures ensure greater body stability and reduced pitching and rolling over the entire speed range. Fortunately, these added dynamics come without any significant reduction in comfort.
As is the case across all model lines, the Porsche GTS models can be identified by their distinctive sporty design. Black GTS logos on the sides and rear of the car, a unique front section, dark-tinted HD matrix LED headlights and tail lights, as well as red brake callipers also make the Panamera GTS unmistakable. The standard Sport package also includes body trim elements in satin-matt Black. These include side skirts, insets in the front area, side window trim, and the rear bumper. Porsche has kept the tailpipes of the sports exhaust system in Dark Bronze to create an exciting contrast. A further accent is added by the 21 inch Turbo S centre-lock wheels in Anthracite Grey.
On the inside, Porsche is as ever lavish in its use of the suede-like ‘Race-Tex’. It covers the roof lining, armrests and door panels, as well as the centre panels of the adaptive sports seats with 18-way adjustment. Porsche also offers two GTS-specific interior packages in ‘Carmine Red’ or ‘Slate Grey Neo’. The decorative stitching and belts also come in the colour of the selected package. An interior package in Carbon matt is also available. The standard equipment of the Panamera GTS also includes a Bose sound system and the Sport Chrono package with a stopwatch and the push-to-pass function.
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