The second-generation Porsche Panamera Turbo has
officially arrived in Malaysia, packing 550 hp and 770 Nm of torque from its
4.0 litre biturbo petrol V8 under its hood. Though all Panameras are now
turbocharged, this is the Turbo with a capital ‘T’ – peak power is produced
from 5,750 rpm to 6,000 rpm, while peak torque is made from 1,960 rpm to 4,500
rpm.
The output figures are 30 hp and 70 Nm higher than
in the previous Panamera Turbo, which together with the optional Sport Chrono
package, yields acceleration times of 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h
in 12.7 seconds. The V8 biturbo also features cylinder deactivation, which can switch
off four out of its eight cylinders between 950 rpm and 3,500 rpm, up to a
torque limit of 250 Nm. The Panamera Turbo does 306 km/h.
Its prodigious outputs are channeled to all four
wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, while its roadholding
abilities are anchored by adaptive air suspension with three chamber
technology, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport, Porsche Torque Vectoring
Plus and active roll stabilisation. Optional rear-axle steering here aids both
agility and low speeds, and stability and high speeds.
Inside, the Turbo features the latest in Panamera
interior design, with the traditional analogue tachometer flanked by a pair of
digital displays for vehicular information. In the centre of the dashboard
console sits a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, with Apple CarPlay for smartphone
integration and support for voice command input. Outside, the Turbo is most
distiguishable by its elaborate, split-and-extendible rear spoiler.
The Panamera Turbo joins the base Panamera (from
RM 890k) and the Panamera 4S (RM 1.1 million) already launched for the Malaysian
market, and now marks the top of the Panamera tree with a base price of RM 1.55
million which includes applicable duties, but without registration, road tax
and insurance. This includes a four-year warranty and four-year
free maintenance package comprising of complimentary service, parts and labour.