The new Porsche Panamera GTS and Turbo S E-Hybrid have been revealed, adding two “particularly sporty” variants to the third-generation Panamera family, the latter of which is billed as the new flagship.
Porsche South Africa confirmed to TopAuto that the starting prices of these new models are pegged at R3,223,000 for the GTS and R4,808,000 for the Turbo S E-Hybrid, which includes a 5-year/100,000km Driveplan.
The dynamic Panameras are available to order right now with deliveries to commence towards the end of the year.
A new record-setter
Both the GTS and Turbo S E-Hybrid benefit from a specially developed 4.0-litre, V8, bi-turbo petrol powerplant as well as an overhauled eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox that feeds power to both the front and rear axles.
In the GTS, the powertrain delivers 368kW and 660Nm which enables the Porsche to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 302km/h.
It furthermore boasts a bespoke sports exhaust system and features dual-chamber, two-valve air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management that lowers ride height by 10mm in comparison with the standard Panamera variants while also providing a noticeably more direct driving experience without sacrificing comfort.
Meanwhile, the Turbo S E-Hybrid gains a 140kW e-motor alongside the combustion engine, which pushes the total system output to a substantial 575kW and 1,000Nm.
This slashes its acceleration time to just 2.9 seconds while simultaneously lifting its speed cap to 325km/h.
As a result, the Turbo S E-Hybrid set a record for the fastest time for a four-door sports car on the 20.832km Nürburgring Nordschleife at just 7:24.172 minutes.
Powering the hybrid system is a 25.9kWh high-voltage battery that supplies an all-electric driving range of up to 88km. It can be recharged from empty to full in two hours and 39 minutes at an 11kW AC plug.
Additionally, the range-topper gets Porsche Active Ride suspension as standard which is reserved only for the E-Hybrid models.
Each shock absorber in this system has an electrically operated hydraulic pump that actively generates forces in the rebound or compression direction. In this way, the suspension almost fully compensates body movements and keeps the car horizontal during dynamic driving manoeuvres.
Other fitments comprise the rear-axle steering and ceramic composite brakes with 440mm discs at the front and 380mm at the rear.
The Turbo S E-Hybrid is also available with a new Carbon Aerokit and specially made Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
The optional Aerokit comprises carbon fibre airblades, side skirts, and a rear diffuser, as well as a front spoiler lip and a Gurney flap on the adaptive rear spoiler. At a speed of 200km/h, the package supplies a considerable 60kg of extra downforce.
Standard kit on the Panameras encompasses high-resolution HD matrix LED lights, the Porsche Driver Experience cockpit, and extended connectivity functions through the deeper integration of features such as Apple CarPlay.
The GTS also comes with an exclusive body kit highlighted by dark-tinted headlights, brakes, and badges; satin-matte black front insets, side skirts, window trims, and rear bumper; dark bronze tailpipes; and 21-inch centre-lock wheels in Anthracite Grey.
In the interior, Porsche’s Race-Tex material covers the roof lining, armrests, door panels, as well as the centre panels of the adaptive sports seats with 18-way adjustment; and a Bose sound system and the Sport Chrono package is installed at no additional cost to the buyer.
The Turbo S E-Hybrid builds on its namesake’s equipment sheet with a distinctive front fascia and rear bumper in body colour, dark bronze exhaust outlets, unique 21-inch forged alloy wheels, and an exclusive Turbonite exterior colour.
The Turbonite hue also features inside the cabin on the trim strips, belt straps, controls in the centre console, and the steering wheel, as well as on the needlework on the seats, door panel trim, dashboard, and floor mats.
Porsche Panamera GTS
Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid
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