In addition to a raft of cosmetic updates, the local arrival of the second-generation Porsche Panamera, will usher in a new engine for the S as well as a Panamera S E-Hybrid model.
Porsche claims that with the new generation certain models can realise an improvement in fuel consumption of up to 56 per cent thanks to new engines and drivetrain technologies, including a redeveloped PDK system. Among the other technological changes are larger chassis mounts for the front suspension and advanced steering box mounts. The new Panamera will also offer lighter alloy wheels across the range.
Cosmetically, the refreshed Panamera features a new front facia, updated headlights, modified front and rear bumpers and restyled taillamps.
There’s also a change to engine line-up with the replacement of the 4,8-litre V8 engine in the Panamera 4 and 4S models. In its place is a new biturbo 3,0-litre V6. This unit has increased outputs of 308 kW (up by 14 kW) and 520 N.m (up by 20 N.m) of torque. Porsche claims that there is a fuel consumption improvement of 18 per cent when compared with the V8. The Panamera GTS will retain its V8 engine.
Arriving later this year is the Panamera S E-Hybrid. This model makes use of a 3,0-litre V6 engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. The combined output for this model is a reported 306 kW. It has a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 5,5 seconds and a top seed of 270 km/h, while returning a fuel consumption figure of up to 3,1 litres/100. Working on electric power alone, the Panamera S E-Hybrid has a top speed of 135 km/h. Emissions is said to be 71 g/km. To achieve these figures the Hybrid must be driven solely by the electric motor for 18 to 35 km at speeds of up to 133 km/h.
Prices:
Panamera – R958 000
Panamera Diesel – R950 000
Panamera 4 – R1 004 000
Panamera S – R1 224 000
Panamera S E-Hybrid – R1 279 000
Panamera 4S – R1 271 000
Panamera GTS – R1 419 000
Panamera Turbo – R1 996 000
