Porsche Panamera upgrades (2010) first details

The 493bhp Porsche Panamera Turbo is about to get even more powerful: Porsche has released details of a new range of upgrades available on the Panamera, including a £14k Powerkit pack.

The Powerkit – as its name suggests – delivers an increase in power (and torque) over the standard car, and is exclusively available on the Panamera Turbo. The Panamera Turbo left us a little underwhelmed when we put it through its paces a year ago, chief issues being the packaging, styling and ergonomics. The Powerkit sadly addresses none of those things, instead hiking the power from 493bhp to a thumping 533bhp. The torque figure also climbs from 516lb ft to 553lb ft, and if you opt for the optional Sport Chrono package (which adds an overboost function) you'll have a full-fat 590lb ft on tap.

These increases are achieved by means of a couple of new turbochargers with titanium aluminium turbines, which, along with a reconfigured engine management system, get the Panamera to 62mph from rest in 3.9sec (a tenth quicker than before) and on to a top speed of 190mph. Considering that the regular Turbo tops out at 188mph, we'd question the wisdom of shelling out for the Powerkit, especially as it's expected to cost a faintly ludicrous £14k.

Unlike the Powerkit, the Sport Design Package is an option on every Panamera model; it's a solely cosmetic bunch of upgrades which you can have either factory-fitted or retrofitted to your Panamera. Features include more aggressive front and rear bumpers (the former complete with black air intakes) and new side skirts. Again, at almost £4k, you'd have to be über-keen on the changes over the stock Panamera to justify such a purchase.

The Panamera Turbo Powerkit will be available to spec on the Turbo from September, with a retro-fit option following in November. The Sport Design Package goes on sale in October.

By Ben Foulds