Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has introduced the new Panamera Turbo, which features a highly innovative new eight cylinder engine. The Panamera Turbo is now available for the first time in Malaysia and it has one of the most powerful petrol engines of the model series.
The top-of-the-line Panamera Turbo model features a twin-turbo V8 engine with twin-scroll turbochargers and VarioCam Plus. Its 4.0-litre engine develops between 5,750 and 6,000 rpm and reaches a peak power of 550 hp. At just above 3,000 rpm the engine already breaks through the 340 hp threshold – pure power from a midrange of engine speeds. Its maximum torque of 770 Nm is available between 1,960 and 4,500 rpm – pure force from very low revs.
The Panamera Turbo accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. With the Sport Chrono Package, its sprint time is 3.6 seconds; after a short 13.0 seconds, the Gran Turismo is already moving at 200 km/h, and with the Sport Chrono Package this figure is even reduced to 12.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 306 km/h. The extraordinary performance figures stand in contrast to an improvement of up to 1.1 litres per 100 km in its combined fuel consumption of 9.4 – 9.3 l/100 km (NEDC); this equates to CO2 emissions of 214 – 212g/km.
Innovative cylinder deactivation – four pistons take a break rather frequently
The Panamera Turbo has the first Porsche engine to be equipped with a new adaptive cylinder control system. The system makes the eight-cylinder engine a four-cylinder engine in part-load operation: temporarily and imperceptible to the driver. The results: fuel economy has been improved by up to 30 per cent in the fourcylinder phases, depending on power demand.
Up to 9.5 kilograms lower weight and compact package
The weight reduction was achieved by various design measures. For instance, the high strength aluminium cylinder crankcase with its bearing cover weighs just 39.1 kilograms – this represents a weight reduction of 6.7 kilograms or 14.6 per cent compared to the comparable 4.8-litre engine of the previous model.
Central turbo layout – a design trait of all Panamera engines
To keep the engine packages as compact as possible, the turbocharger system is integrated centrally in the inner V between the cylinder banks. The Panamera Turbo has elaborately engineered twin-scroll turbochargers that Porsche uses to supply compressed air to the combustion chambers of the V8. The two turbines that are designed to be counter-rotating – due to the limited mounting space – generate very high torque figures at the lowest of engine revs.
Injectors positioned centrally
Another unifying property of all of the engines of the new Porsche Panamera is that the injectors – with their solenoid-driven high-pressure injection valves – are positioned centrally in the combustion chamber. In addition, the fuel injection of the Panamera Turbo creates an intensive charging motion that mixes the air-fuel mixture optimally, which in turn has a positive effect on the combustion process and reduces emissions.
Emissions control with catalytic converter located in the inner V
The new V8 engines have a dual-branch exhaust system with upstream catalytic converters and main catalytic converters as well as upstream and downstream silencers. Like the central turbo layout, another design feature of the eight-cylinder engine is the close proximity of the catalytic converter to the engine inside the inner V. This configuration allows the emissions control system to come up to its optimal operating temperature quickly. In addition, catalytic converter heating is accelerated in the engine start phase by opening the turbocharger’s wastegate valve.
Iron alloy of the cylinder linings reduces wear and oil consumption
A material highlight of the V8 engines is iron coating of the cylinder linings in the cast aluminium block. It significantly reduces internal friction, wear and oil consumption. Compared to previous concepts implemented in V8 engines, lining wear is reduced by one-tenth at the motion reversal point of the piston rings and is thereby nearly eliminated for all practical purposes.
Innovative oil circulation also enables high speeds on the circuit racetrack
The layout of the oil circulation system with wet sump lubrication even compensates for extreme lateral and longitudinal accelerations. A special feature of the lubrication system implemented here is that Porsche has partitioned the oil passages into oil supply for the engine and oil supply for the cylinder head. The supply openings in the oil passages are tailored to the needs of the specific components in the oil circulation system. This has a positive effect on the time required to build up oil pressure at engine start.
Retail base price for the new Panamera Turbo starts from RM1,550,000, comes with a four-year warranty and four-year free maintenance package which includes complimentary service, parts and labour. The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance.
