Los Angeles Motor Show: Porsche reveals new Panamera flagship

THE SCINTILLATING Panamera Turbo S has been launched at twin events at the Tokyo and Los Angeles motor shows.

The new flagship at the top of the firm’s grand tourer line-up packs a 562bhp punch from a twin-turbocharged V8 engine mounted at the front, with drive transmitted to all four wheels via a sophisticated drive system that can shift torque to whichever wheels can best use it.

Displaying true supercar pace, the Turbo S can catapult to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 192mph.

The car borrows heavily from existing models, with most parts shared by the existing Panamera Turbo and the wider, stronger wheels coming from the current 911 Turbo’s stock.

However, the Turbo S gains 50bhp over the Turbo thanks to higher boost pressure and larger compressors that allow more air to be shovelled into the cylinders at high engine loads.

Managing the epic performance on offer are an array of active electronics including Porsche Traction Management (PTM), Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with adaptive air suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV).

There is a huge amount of standard equipment including a Bose hi-fi system, climate control, full leather upholstery, sat-nav and Bluetooth.

Theoretical fuel economy is rated at 27.7mpg, but owners will find that figure difficult to replicate.

Frustrating though the running costs may be, peace of mind is offered with a standard-fit vehicle tracker that can be activated if the car is stolen. Equivalent to Thatcham category 5 level, the system can quickly transmit the live location of the car before it can be broken up or exported.

By Press Association reporter