Folk who prefer a sports car drive but require the full four seats need look no further than the Porsche Panamera. It’s been around for a while and now there’s a new version being launched in November of this year, so maybe it is time to start thinking about your new car for 2024. Why compromise? Here at MHH international we export cars for private clients from the UK to New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya, the Caribbean and other global destinations, so ask us for details about prestige Porsche cars.
It’s The Same But Different
The new model is seen in our images undergoing final trials before launch and it looks pretty much as before, but it is not. The main focus points of these tests, we learn, are the power-train which includes a new Porsche PDK gearbox and a newly developed chassis with active damper control. The sports saloon has already completed the majority of the test procedures, say the premium German brand, during which the four-door sports car demonstrated its qualities across four continents.
It is interesting to see just how comprehensive is the testing procedure. For example, tests in the US checked the drive-train performance at high altitudes and low oxygen levels, or verified the performance of the engine-cooling system and the air conditioning in extreme heat. Meanwhile, in Scandinavia, the Panamera was driven at very low temperatures; in South Africa, it mastered difficult road conditions; and in Asia, the high air humidity and hours of stop-and-go traffic in megacities posed particular challenges for the overall package.
In short, Porsche test every new car intensively in order to meet stringent requirements. The standard they set is always the development targets defined in the specifications. In short, before launch, the new Panamera must excel, in particular in terms of performance, comfort and acoustics.
Four E-Hybrid Variants
As always at Porsche, the right drive-train is imperative for optimum performance. The new model of the Panamera has a completely upgraded engine range with a state-of-the-art focus on sustainable drive-trains and efficiency. The previous version had three variations of hybrid technology and now the company are adding a fourth plug-in hybrid to the new Panamera range. This is in response to demand from customers it seems. In some countries, the proportion of E-Hybrids in the Panamera is almost one hundred percent, they say.
The new derivative is a high-performance model that fits perfectly into the versatile line-up and the company are increasing the electrical performance of the Panamera in all E-Hybrid models with regard to driving dynamics and the important disciplines of electric range and charging speed. During tests, the cars are driving up to seventy percent further purely on electric power than its predecessor managed. That is quite a leap forward.
The basis of all E-Hybrid models in this fresh model is a new, more powerful electric motor that is now completely integrated in the transmission housing of the new PDK dual clutch transmission. It offers higher drive-train and electrical recuperation performance values than its predecessor and all at a lower weight. Its energy is provided by a high voltage battery with a significantly higher capacity of 25.9kWh. An on-board charger with a power of 11kW shortens the charging time despite the increased energy content.
Fundamental revisions of the combustion engines facilitate additional efficiency and performance. All the drive-trains in the new Panamera are prepared for future emission standards. Porsche have made tremendous progress with electrification, it seems. The integration and combination of two drive systems in the Panamera works absolutely seamlessly and harmoniously, we are told. It’s a Porsche so there’s no real need to doubt that. With the new drive-trains, the car radiates tremendous ease and reliability when accelerating, according to the project team.
New Air Suspension
Along with its comprehensively revised engine range (V6 & V8 petrol), the new Panamera incorporates other new developments. For the first time the car has an optional high-end chassis with active damper control and a wide range of additional functions. New standards of control are set by this chassis and this was clear to the testers on the world’s roads. Highly dynamic and agile on winding country roads outside the city and smooth on city streets.
The new Panamera is equipped with a semi-active chassis with new two-valve shock absorbers as standard, which can regulate the compression and rebound stages independently of each other. This significantly expands the range between comfortable and high-performance chassis tuning in the new standard chassis as well. Expect four-wheel-steering and ceramic brakes to be optioned as well, post launch.
There’s nothing else like a Porsche frankly and this car will move the brand on with increased efficiency and improved fuel consumption. The current model Porsche Panamera is also well worth considering if you’re after a sharper-driving alternative to big luxury saloons and plug-in hybrids whichever engine option is preferred and you can’t wait for 2024. Please get in touch with MHH International about current stock. We will let you know the full details when the new car is revealed. Watch this blog.
