The 2020 Porsche Panamera is proof that mid model life changes can actually be the big ones!
It is quicker. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S just took a new world’s record, on tires that come as an option on the same car you can buy off the showroom floor, in the Executive Car class at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The new Turbo S has 630 hp coming out of the familiar but completely overhauled four liter V8 biturbo engine, a good 80 more than before. Oh and 820 Nm maximum torque. With test driver Lars Kern at the wheel, the Turbo S posted a time of 8:29.81 minutes over a distance of 20.832 km in the famous and infamous Green Hell of the North Loop.
Handling is sharper. Pretty much everything has been levelled up, optimized for a more model-specific end result. Roll stabilization control (via Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport) uses a 48 volt system for more immediate response and therefore mor body stability. Porsche Active Suspension Management has been improved to provide more damping comfort. The chassis has an optimized new setup that helps increase cornering stability, particularly useful while steering under braking. Speaking of brakes, they’ve been redesigned as well.
It is stunning. This is a mid-life change, so nothing massive. But what has been done works. There’s a completely new front to the Turbo S, with larger side intakes and elements that make the whole car look wider. Now, all other models will have the Sport Design front end with a more distinctive air intake. The rear section taillight cluster has a more pronounced 3 dimensional look.
E is getting more serious. The model is called the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, and has a completely new driveline with the electric motor coupled with a 2.9 liter V6 biturbo gas engine. This answers the request for more electric performance attributes while still keeping the safety net of being a hybrid rather than full Electric. Plus it makes 560hp total and 750 Nm max. New high voltage batteries with 17.9 kilowatt hours put the all-electric range (depending on how heavy your foot is) at 54km. This may well be the key model of the new lineup. It certainly had the most technical information.
You can get a really nice clock. And matching watches. Porsche Design got involved with the dashboard clock, a welcome change for those who think watches as much as cars. The Sports Chrono package is nothing new, but this execution is much more appropriately premium with manufacture-made hands and ceramic indices on a high-quality metal dial. Specifically developed lighting technology was used to make the clock readable in all the different lighting conditions in a fast-moving car. And in case you want to think Porsche even after you walk away, there are matching wristwatches. And because Porsche Design was actually involved, the wristwatches look gooood. There’s a chronograph, of course, but it is the three-hand models with small seconds subdial that really match the clock in the car.
