Porsche Panamera 2013-2017 Turbo S

Panamera 2013-2017 Turbo S Review

Porsche is a renowned car brand, and it owes its premium status to models such as the Panamera. This is a luxury four door sedan that was originally released in 2011. It comes with a range of variants, one among which is the Porsche Panamera Turbo S. This variant is driven by an eight cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers strong performance. It takes the car to a top speed of 310kmph. Furthermore, it propels the vehicle from stall to 100kmph within just 3.6 seconds. Coming to its softer facet, the machine has a low and streamlined profile that improves its speed capacity. Its graceful shape has been built on sound aerodynamics, meant to ensure a good airflow around it when driving. There are fine detailing elements that further improve its exterior appeal. Its exterior measures reflect a good structural balance. It has a length of 5015mm, together with a width of 1931mm. Its height is 1418mm, while its wheelbase stretches for 2900mm. Turning to the interiors of the vehicle, the cabin provides a quality drive experience with the help of a refined atmosphere along with many comfort features. The presence of a good musical system, along with other entertainment facilitates further improves passenger satisfaction.

Exteriors:

It is crafted with a sporty personality that goes along with luxury themes as well. At the front, the enlarged air intakes provide optimal cooling to the engine, and also add to the body dynamics. The hood is wide and muscular, with well sculpted lines stretching up to the windshield. The headlamp clusters are designed for an imposing look by the front, and they are also incorporated with LED main light system and Porsche dynamic light system. By the side, the wheel fenders are delicately designed, and the wheel rims beneath them also pose an attractive feat. The visible brake calipers are painted yellow. The car's body hosts refined curves and sweeping lines that further accentuate its sporty personality. The door handles and external mirrors are body colored, and they integrate into the overall look. At the rear, the wings are higher for a more majestic stance. The muscular look is further enhanced by the neatly designed rear spoiler. The tail light clusters are crisply designed, and are equipped with turn indicators and courtesy lights for good safety when driving. At the bottom of the rear section, there are a pair of double exhaust pipes by either side, finishing off car's sporty dynamics.

Interiors:

The interiors are enriched with a dark walnut package for the best drive atmosphere. There is a two tone combination of Agante Grey and Cream for a more refined feel. There are headrests for all of the seats, providing support to the occupants' heads and necks. The Porsche crest is branded on the headrests, giving the cabin its distinctive feel. Hand rests are also present at the front and rear rows, enabling convenient arm placement for the passengers. There are inlays of wood by the doors, the front panel, and about the rest of the cabin. The steering wheel is attractively designed, with the Porsche crest at its center. The door sill guards carry the 'Turbo S' logo. Air conditioning vents are present at the back row of the cabin as well, ensuring good circulation.

Engine and Performance:

The vehicle is armed with a 4.8-litre V8 engine, present along with a twin turbocharger system for strong performance. The engine is given a direct fuel injection system for efficient fuel transfer. To accommodate its increased performance characteristics, the drivetrain uses a reinforced crank drive and special alloy forged pistons. It displaces 4806cc, and generates a max power of 570bhp at 6000rpm. Its torque output is 750Nm between 2250rpm to 5000rpm. The engine is coupled with a 7 speed dual clutch transmission for hassle free shifting. Beside strong performance, the engine also facilitates good fuel economy, with a mileage of 9.6kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

The vehicle is built for good standards on all facets, including its braking and handling systems. Starting with the brakes, there are six-piston aluminum monobloc fixed brake calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear, enabling a sound control when driving. The brake discs are of carbon ceramic composite type, internally vented and cross drilled. Next, for the suspension, the front axle of the chassis is armed with an aluminum double wishbone system, while the rear axle is equipped with an aluminum multi link system with chassis sub-frame. A hydraulic power steering function is also an asset to the car's ride stability.

Comfort Features:

There is a BOSE surround sound system, which comes with nine amplifier channels and 14 loudspeakers. There is a Porsche rear seat entertainment plus facility, which comes along with 10.1 inch touchscreens mounted behind the front seats, an integrated DVD drive, SD card slot and 32GB internal flash memory. There is a Porsche communication management system, which acts as a module for operations for the audio, navigation and communication systems. It comes along with a 7 inch high resolution touchscreen along with a 40GB internal hard drive. There is an optional telephone module as well, which has a SIM card slot and allows for hands free call hosting within the vehicle.

Safety Features:

There are airbags for the safety of the front passengers, along with side airbags, curtain airbags and knee airbags as well for optimal body protection in case of collisions. Also present as a standard feature is an energy absorbing steering column, which works to minimize damage in case of mishaps. For the front passengers, there are automatic three point seatbelts that come along with belt height adjustment and force limiter functions. There is a rollover sensor which detects situations where the vehicle is going to overturn, and automatically activates the curtain airbags. Its special lightweight body-shell construction keeps the vehicle in a highly resilient cell, thereby reducing chances of damage in case of collisions. The Porsche traction management system works to improve ride stability. There is also Porsche stability management for added control and safety.

Pros:

1. Strong performance characteristics.

2. Attractive body design and looks.

Cons:

1. The luxury of the cabin has room for improvement.

2. Its fuel economy suffers as a result of its performance.