THE 3RD-GENERATION PORSCHE PANAMERA HAS ARRIVED.
Porsche has revamped the Panamera, the long and low Porsche is now in its 3rd generation, and this new version has a wider range of digital features, an updated design and a broader spectrum between dynamic performance and driving comfort. This new Panamera has a host of upgrades like a new Porsche Active Ride suspension system, all-wheel steering, a Porsche Active Ride active suspension system for the E-Hybrid models, the Porsche Driver Experience cockpit, a high-resolution HD Matrix LED lighting system, and a new digital experience with new assistance systems. As expected, there are already a few models that are ready for rollout next year, which is really not that far away anymore. On the hybrid side of the range, there’s a total of four E-Hybrid powertrains for the new Panamera. The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid uses a 4.0-litre V8 as the base of its powertrain that is combined with a newly developed electric motor, which alone is good for 140 kW of power. The electric motor is integrated into the housing of the redesigned 8-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. This shaves around 5 kg from the overall weight. The integration of the unit into the oil circuit of the transmission helps optimise the heat balance of the electric drive unit and allows for higher continuous output from the electric motor. Combined with the V8, this setup is rather powerful, rated at 500 kW with a very impressive 930 Nm of torque.
As a result, the new Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid can hit 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of an impressive 315 km/h. Battery capacity is now 25.9 kWh which gives an electric range of up to 91 kilometres, and a new 11 kW on-board AC charger shortens the charging time at suitable charging points to 2 hours and 39 minutes. On the petrol-fed side of the new Panamera range, there have been a few tweaks to the engine setup, including modifications to boost pressure, fuel injection flow rate and ignition timing to further optimise performance. The petrol eater’s power base is a turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 and it’s pretty decent in the power stakes. In this 4th-generation Panamera the lump now produces 260 kW of power with torque up at a decent 500 Nm. This means the power is up by 17 kW and torque has risen by 50 Nm. As a result, the sizeable Panamera has a decent 0-100 km/h shunt of 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 272 km/h. When you see the effects of the upgrades to the all-wheel drive version of the Panamera, it equates to a 4.8-second 0-100 km/h run and a 270 km/h top speed. The flagship Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is characterised by a distinctive rear apron with painted diffuser panels and a unique front apron in body colour, as well as chrome-plated tailpipes in dark bronze and optional centre-lock wheels. The Turbo-exclusive colour, Turbonite, is used as a contrast on the side window strips and the Turbo logo on the tailgate, as well as in the Porsche crest on the bonnet, wheels and steering wheel. Inside, Turbonite is combined with carbon elements to create a sporting ambience. It can be found, for example, in the central rev-counter in the instrument cluster and as the colour of the controls in the centre console. Pricing in SA ranges from around R2,300,000 to a little over R4,000,000.
Take a look at the YouTube video, that's admittedly a little too long, but it does tell all about the latest 3rd-generation of the sleek Porsche Panamera that has some powertrain upgrades along with a whole host of new tech and onboard systems. The new version should be available at the start of 2024: The new Panamera – live stream | Porsche
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