Another Porsche with S power ... what else is new?
OK, we share your boredom with Porsche's predictable marketing strategy, but the Panamera Turbo S is making some headlines. Here's why.
The Weissach boys have fettled the regular Turbo's 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a new ECU and turbo consisting of titanium-aluminium turbine wheels to boost power from 500hp to 550.
Torque also rises from 700Nm to 750, and to 800Nm with the overboost function of the standard Sport Chrono Package.
And combined with PDK seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Launch Control, the Turbo S goes from 0-100kph in a fast 3.8sec, 0.2sec faster than the normal Turbo equipped with such electronic aids. And if it really mattered, top speed rises from 303kph to 306.
The Turbo S costs some 22 million baht.
- Hey, that's quite quick ...
You bet, and that's why this isn't just another S from Porsche. In fact, the Turbo S could be considered the quickest-accelerating four-door saloon (or five-door fastback if you like to call it) to emerge from an OEM brand.
To ensure that performance is properly contained and that its flagship status is justified, the Turbo S comes with PDCC active suspension, torque-vectoring control for the rear wheels and sport mode for the exhaust system (to sound even racier) as standard.
When it goes on sale around mid-year, the Turbo S should cost some 22 million baht, roughly 15% more than the 19.75 million Turbo.
The 550hp twin-turbo V8 yields 3.8sec 0-100kph time.
- Sounds like this Panamera is a winner ...
Probably, if all you had ever lusted for is an ultra-quick saloon. But if you're really a Porsche fan, you might as well wait till June when the Panamera S Hybrid arrives on Thai shores.
Of course, with a 380hp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol-electric drivetrain and 5.7sec acceleration time, the hybrid-powered Panamera will be no match for the Turbo S.
But since it can attract just 10% excise tax (as opposed to the Turbo S's 50%), the Hybrid will be cheaper by half _ yes, half _ at approximately 10-11 million baht. To many, such performance is better value for real-world driving.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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