The second generation Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo makes its grand entrance at UK’s Goodwood Festival of Speed this week. The car features plug-in hybrid technology available in the executive segment for the first time and the Panamera S E-Hybrid serves up 416 hp of combined power with 95 hp electric motor and lithium-ion battery that can be recharged on the move or in four hours via a plug-in socket.
The new rendition of the Panamera saloon comes with a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, which replaces the previous 4.8-liter V-8 engine and will be offered in the Panamera S and Panamera 4S. Advances in drivetrain technologies mean the new Porsche is up to a whopping 56 percent more fuel-efficient. The power is still there as the Panamera S E-Hybrid can reach up to 84 mph in all-electric operation and the acceleration time from 0-62 mph has been shortened by half a second to 5.5 seconds. The car tops out at 168 mph.
On the design front, the new Panamera features “a more expressive exterior design language signified by tighter lines, more pronounced contours and newly-shaped body elements,” according to Porsche. When viewed from the rear, the new generation Panamera stands out with a new tailgate, wider rear window and redesigned rear section with a wider spoiler and a tighter transition to the rear lights similar to the headlight treatment at the front of the car.
The electric drive produces 95 hp (70 kW), which is more than double the power of the previous model’s 47 hp (34 kW) electric motor. The new lithium-ion battery at 9.4 kWh has over five times the 1.7 kWh energy capacity of its predecessor, a nickel metal hydride battery. When connected to an industrial outlet, the battery can be charged within two and a half hours via the integrated on-board charger and the standard Porsche Universal Charger (AC). It can also be charged in less than four hours when connected to a conventional household electrical outlet.
The majority of Panamera models feature the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung PDK dual-clutch transmission. An eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic is used in the Panamera Diesel and Panamera S E-Hybrid. Fitted to every Panamera is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard. Customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
The new generation Porsche Panamera arrives at Porsche dealerships this month priced from $106,226 for the Diesel to $163,926 for the Turbo.
Photo Credit: Porsche
