It’s usually a question of when — not if — Porsche will introduce an “S” specification to any of its model lines nowadays. The Panamera line now has two with the introduction of the Panamera Turbo S.
The Turbo S is the most powerful Panamera with 550 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The regular Turbo sans the optional $21,730 Powerkit Panamera Turbo makes due with 500 hp and 516 lb-ft to propel it to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, Porsche claims, but the Turbo S will conquer all Porsche four doors with a zero to 60 time of at least 3.6 seconds. Equipped with the standard Sport Chrono Package Turbo the Turbo S has an overboost function that raises torque temporarily to 590 lb-ft.
The 4.8-liter, twin-turbo V8 extracts the extra power most notably through the use of titanium-aluminum for the turbines and compressor wheels.
Many performance options on lesser Panamera models come standard on the Turbo S, which is partly reflected by the price increase from the $135,300 Turbo to $173,200 for the Turbo S. Exclusive to the Panamera Turbo S will be three color combinations: A black exterior with a cream interior will be available initially when the car goes for sale in the U.S. later this spring, and an Agate Grey or Agate Grey Metallic exterior with a cream interior will become available later this fall.
After “building” a Panamera Turbo to practically Turbo S specification on Porsche’s website on March 31, 2011 — minus the colors exclusive for the Turbo S and including the 540 hp Powerkit Panamera Turbo option — it was priced under $170,000.
Official Porsche Press Release
ATLANTA – March 30, 2011 - With its new four-door Panamera Turbo S, Porsche once again raises the bar for sporty four-door luxury cars by delivering ultra high performance and efficiency, sports-car-like driving dynamics and first-class comfort in a purely Porsche package.
Porsche will reveal its most powerful Panamera for the first time in North America on April 20, 2011 at the New York International Auto Show.
The engine in the new top-of-the-line Panamera is based on the already proven and powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the Panamera Turbo. The 4.8 liter, V8 engine in the Turbo S achieves a maximum output of 550 horsepower, which is 10 percent more than the 500 horsepower delivered by the Panamera Turbo. The torque is also increased over the Turbo from 516 lb-ft to 553 lb-ft. In the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” mode of the standard Sport Chrono Package Turbo, the overboost function temporarily generates additional torque with a peak rating of 590 lb.-ft.
The power increase delivered in the Panamera Turbo S can be attributed to two main enhancements: improved twin turbochargers with titanium–aluminum turbines and a modified engine control. Titanium–aluminum reduces the turbine and compressor wheel’s weight, which results in a quicker turbo response that improves the engine’s agility.
The formidable powerplant that lies beneath the hood of the Panamera Turbo S is capable of propelling it to sports-car sprint times. With the help of Launch Control, the newest Panamera can reach 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The top track speed is 190 mph. And despite this increased performance, fuel consumption is expected to remain comparable to the Panamera Turbo that delivers an EPA rating of 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway (18 mpg combined). Official EPA-certified fuel economy figures for the Panamera Turbo S will be available when the car goes on sale in North America.
Even for a world-class luxury car, the Panamera Turbo S boasts an extraordinarily high level of comprehensive features. In keeping with its sporty concept, it comes equipped with the most important driving-dynamic control systems. For example, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is an active anti-roll system that significantly reduces lateral body movement during corning, which enhances stability, handling and overall occupant comfort. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) is also standard and works to help ensure superior traction and higher-performance cornering by applying a variable torque split to the rear wheels in combination with an electronically controlled rear differential lock. Also standard is Porsche’s advanced speed-sensitive Servotronic steering system, a sports exhaust system, and the Sport Chrono Package Turbo that further tunes the engine and suspension at the touch of the “Sport Plus” button.
While the sporting character of the new Panamera Turbo S is most apparent behind the wheel, the car’s exterior tastefully exudes its high-performance ambitions. The new 20-inch Turbo II wheels with increased rear axle track width, side skirts from the Porsche Exclusive range and the adaptive four-way extending rear spoiler express the car’s elite performance abilities. Inside, the fusion of exclusivity and sportiness is conveyed in the interior by the standard bi-color leather finish. A new combination of black/cream is offered exclusively for the new Panamera Turbo S with Agate Grey/cream also being added as an exclusive option later this year. Agate Gray Metallic will also be an exclusive exterior color.
The new Porsche Panamera Turbo S will go on sale in the U.S. later this spring, and will have a MSRP of $173,200, excluding $975 for delivery and destination.
