Porsche has taken the wraps of the new generation, 2017 Panamera, complete with a range of new engines, including the introduction of the world’s fastest production diesel V8.
Porsche’s latest diesel variant, the 4S Diesel, has taken the honors as the world’s fastest production diesel thanks to its all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbo diesel throwing out 310kW, and an insane 850Nm between 1000-3250rpm. 0-100km/h is taken care of in 4.5 seconds, and the 4S will continue to push on to 285km/h.
Its common rail engine can withstand up to 2500 bar of pressure, and has sequential turbocharging technology which allows the engine to run with either a single or double turbo configuration, for increased response and less lag.
The most powerful Panamera variant, the Turbo, has been given a 22kW bump in power, while torque is up 70Nm from a new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. It produces 404kW of power and 770Nm of torque. This translates into a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds (3.6 with the optional Sport Chorno pack) and a top speed of 306km/h.
The Panamera 4S receives a 15kW/30Nm bump in power, now standing at 324kW/550Nm from a new 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6. 0-100km/h is taken care of in just 4.4 seconds (4.2 with Sport Chrono pack), and onto a top speed of 300km/h.
The design language has been even more-so influenced by the 911, now with a roofline lowered by 20mm for that added sporting pedigree. The body is 34mm longer and slightly wider overall, including a 30mm lengthening of the wheelbase.
Parts of the body are now produced in aluminum for weight-saving benefits, including the bonnet and roof, and there’s a retractable rear wing and rear diffuser to keep the Panamera planted. The 4S/4S Diesel variants come fitted with 19-inch alloys, while the Turbo comes as standard with 20-inch items or optional 21-inch alloys.
On the inside, the Panamera has received Porsche’s new digital interior, first featured in the 918 Spyder. Two seven-inch displays are positioned directly in front of the driver that sandwich the tachometer. The area usually reserved for the gear lever has been replaced with a massive 12.3-inch screen, housing Porsche’s PCM system.
Porsche’s PCM comes packed with Apple CarPlay, navigation, smartphone connectivity, a new voice recognition system, and four-zone climate control – a standard feature on all Australian Panamera models. Passengers also have the option of niceties like massaging seats, ambient lighting, and 3D sound courtesy of Burmester.
If you’ve got a family, you’ll be happy to find out the Panamera’s rear seats can be folded into a 40:20:40 split, with luggage space ranging from 495L to 1304L.
Australian prices are as follows (excluding on-roads), with deliveries of the 4S and Turbo variants kicking off in early 2017 (although buyers can order now). The Diesel Panamera 4S V8 variant will arrive shortly after.
2017 Porsche Panamera 4S – $304,200
2017 Porsche Panamera 4S Diesel – $312,100
2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo – $376,900
