Imagine this: The best of two worlds in one spectacular Porsche offering. A super sleek sports car and a luxurious saloon beautifully coming together in the form of the new Porsche Panamera. Yes, the dream is a true reality, as the new Panamera launch phase has officially begun in Kuwait!
In unveiling two all-wheel drive versions at a special event at the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company marked the remarkable introduction of the new generation Panameras—the Panamera 4S and Turbo.
In its second generation, the Panamera has been redeveloped down to every last detail. Modifications to the engine, transmission, chassis and overall design concept, make it a performance icon in the luxury class. The new model further extends the boundaries between an ambitious sports car and a comfortable cruising car with technical highlights such as rear axle steering, electromechanical roll stabilization and a three-chamber air suspension.
Meanwhile, inside a completely new display and control concept greets the driver and passengers upon entry. In many areas, touch-sensitive surfaces replace classic hard keys, and high-resolution displays merge into the interior. The digitalization of the Porsche interior, which began with the 918 Spyder, is now available in the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s four-door saloon.
Speaking at the launch event, Roger Kyriacou, General Manager of Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company said: “In the new Panamera, our customers and enthusiasts will experience a fundamentally redesigned car with new turbo engines, sharper exterior design, intuitive interior features and innovative technologies. All models launched here today are more powerful than previous versions, whilst also significantly improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.”
New engines and transmission
All Panamera engines have been redesigned to produce more power, whilst significantly improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. Two new twin-turbo engines have been introduced, combined with the brand’s first eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. The eight-speed PDK enables an even better gear ratio spread alongside a reduction in fuel consumption, because the seventh and eighth gears are designed as engine speed-reducing overdrive gears, with all models reaching their top speed in sixth gear. The Panamera 4S and Turbo apply their power to the road via Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – a permanent, fully variable all-wheel drive system. Tuned to the specific driving situation, PTM sensors continually monitor wheel speeds and perfect performance on dry roads as well as in wet conditions.
New design philosophy
At first glance, the unique concept and performance credentials of the four-door sports car are reflected in a new design which creates a stylistic link to Porsche’s design icon, the 911. Recognizable sports car aesthetics which make up the typical Porsche flyline in the new Panamera, includes various features such as pronounced shoulders, athletic flanks and an extremely fast roof line that is 20 mm lower at the rear. LED headlights and larger wheels also add to a sporty look.
The sharpened exterior includes a completely new front-end design, with a crossbar in the radiator grille emphasizing the car’s width and an arrow-shaped bonnet that features a prominently contoured power dome.
The rear of the vehicle now further highlights the Panamera’s four-door coupé credentials, distinguishing it from a conventional saloon. Features, such as the three-dimensional LED rear lights that include integrated four-point brake lights, interconnected by a narrow LED strip, result in a distinctive night design.
Refined chassis
In keeping with the overall concept of the Panamera, the chassis unites the cruising comfort of a luxury saloon with the performance of a true sports car. This is achieved by supplementing the basic layout with innovative systems such as an adaptive air suspension with new three-chamber technology and Porsche Active Suspension Management (electronic damper control), the further enhanced Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport system including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, as well as a new electromechanical steering system. The integrated 4D Chassis Control system analyses and synchronizes all chassis systems in real time for even better handling.
Behind the steering wheel
The luxury saloon drive experience is taken to a new level, through the functionality and easy interaction of the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit. Its intuitive user interface, makes operation of the communication, convenience and assistance systems easier than ever. The 12.3-inch display touchscreen marks the next stage of development for the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. For the benefit of the driver, front and rear passengers, classic hard keys and conventional instruments have been significantly reduced. Instead they have been replaced with touch-sensitive panels and individually configurable displays.
Panamera 4S
The 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine of the Panamera 4S is a completely new development, which produces 440 hp, available at 5,650 rpm and represents a 20 hp increase from the previous model. Reaching 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds (4.2 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package), the Panamera 4S has a top speed of 289 km/h. A NEDC combined fuel consumption of 8.2 – 8.1 l/100 km (186 – 184 g/km CO2) means that the new Panamera 4S offers a fuel saving of up to 1.0 l/100 km or 11 per cent in comparison to the first generation model.
Panamera Turbo
With its powerful petrol engine, the Panamera Turbo’s new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 develops 550 hp at 5,750 rpm, with a maximum torque of 770 Nm between 1,960 and 4,500 rpm. It has 30 hp more than its predecessor as well as a torque increase of 70 Nm. The new Panamera Turbo accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, whilst with the Sport Chrono Package the sprint time is down to 3.6 seconds. The new turbo model features a top speed of 306 km/h and a power-to-weight ratio of just 3.6 kg/hp. A lower combined fuel consumption of 9.4 – 9.3 l/100 km, is up to 1.1 l/100 km less than that of the previous model (NEDC), therefore equating to CO2 emissions of 214 – 212 g/km.
Engine response can be further increased using the standard Mode Switch with the Sport Response Button. The Mode Switch, which was first introduced in the Porsche 918 Spyder, is an intuitively operated rotary ring on the steering wheel, which can be used to activate one of four driving modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual). Located at the centre of the switch is the Sport Response Button. It can be used to free up the maximum power potential of the Panamera at the press of a button.
Presenting a harmonious balance between sporty performance, comfort and luxury, the new Panamera has been developed for sports car drivers who appreciate four doors and four seats. Achieving a new lap record of 7 minutes 38 seconds on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit and a unique design concept that replicates the brand’s iconic 911, the revamped model is a truly attractive offering in its segment.
With a range of derivatives set to be launched throughout the year, the new Panamera 4S and Turbo are available now at Porsche Centre Kuwait. The Panamera 4S retails for KWD 39,900 and the Panamera Turbo retails for KWD 56,100. For more information about Porsche in Kuwait, visit Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company. Call 1870 870 or visit www.porschekuwait.com. For the latest updates on social media, follow Porsche Centre Kuwait on Instagram @PorscheCentreKuwait and Facebook: PorscheCentreKuwait.
