Tokyo show: Porsche adds pace to Panamera

PORSCHE is set to unveil its fastest and most powerful sedan to date, slotting in the premiere of the 310km/h Panamera Turbo S at this month’s Tokyo motor show.

With a brace of new turbochargers and boosted fuel pressure, Porsche has squeezed another 15kW out of the Panamera’s 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8, taking the peak power to 420kW with a hearty 750Nm of torque (or 800Nm on overboost).

The extra power hasn’t improved the previous Turbo S’s 3.8-second 0- 100km/h time, but the new version will crack a top speed of 310km/h -- a 3km/h increase over the grand tourer it replaces.

The second-generation Panamera Turbo S will go on sale here from February priced from $443,600 before on-road costs, a relatively small increase of $3400 over the previous car, but a substantial $61,200 more than the $382,400 Turbo version with the missing “S”.

Bigger turbo compressors feed more air in to the Porsche V8, while a 290PSI increase in fuel pressure – now a dizzying 2000PSI – delivers the fuel to match. Even the engine’s pistons are redesigned to cope with the extra load.

Porsche’s ‘Traction Management’ system gets the power to the road via all four wheels, while launch-control is incorporated in to the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Previously an option, the lightweight PCCB ceramic brakes with yellow calipers now come as standard on the Panamera Turbo S, cutting the brake component weight in half.

Despite the extra ponies under the bonnet, the plus-two Porsche uses 10.2 litres of fuel per 100km on the European cycle – the same as its less powerful sibling, the Panamera Turbo, and 11 per cent less than the previous Turbo S variant.

Top-performing S variants stand out from lesser Turbo versions with 20-inch alloy-wheels shared with the 911 Turbo, and unique ‘Palladium’ metallic paint.

The flagship Turbo S joins an already extensive Panamera range, alongside two entry-level 3.6-litre V6 options, three normally aspirated 4.8-litre V8 variants, a hybrid version and an also recently performance-enhanced 3.0-litre diesel.

The Tokyo motor show opens its doors on November 20.