We are just months away from the official arrival of this all new Porsche variant. Some might call it a ‘shooting brake’, some others will call it a ‘sports wagon’ and some might even say it is a slammed Cayenne SUV. Well, this is an all new model from Porsche and we call it a mature 911. This is the Sport Turismo which is an extension of the Panamera.
Our local Porsche brand guardian flew in a left-hand drive unit, a turbocharged variant for selected media to get a behind the wheel taste of this latest super-sedan and allow some very interested buyers a chance to see what they should be having in their garage this year. Beyond its looks and impressive living space, this car is about the technology and drive dynamics that Porsche engineers have packed into one sexy package.
The Technology
From a technological and design perspective, the Sport Turismo utilises all the innovations introduced with the brand new Panamera which was launched only last year. These include the digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, pioneering assistance systems such as Porsche InnoDrive, including adaptive cruise control, chassis systems such as rear axle steering, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC Sport) electronic roll stabilisation system and powerful powertrains. In addition, all Panamera Sport Turismo vehicles are equipped with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – an active all-wheel drive system with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch – as standard. As of the S models, adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology is also supplied as standard.
The Size
Just like the coupé-style Porsche Panamera sports saloon, the Sport Turismo is characterised by its very dynamic proportions – a perfect reflection of the Porsche design DNA. The vehicle is 5,049 millimetres long, 1,428 millimetres high and 1,937 millimetres wide, while the large wheelbase spans 2,950 millimetres. The silhouette is further characterised by short body overhangs and large wheels measuring up to 21 inches.
Beginning from the B-pillars, that is, from the start of the rear doors, the Sport Turismo features a completely unique rear design. Above the pronounced shoulder, an elongated window line and equally long roof contour lend the vehicle its striking appearance. At the rear, the roof drops away much less dramatically than the window line, resulting in a prominent and distinctive D-pillar which transitions into the shoulder section in a coupé-like fashion.
The Biggest News. 1st adaptively extendible roof spoiler in the segment
At the top rear end of the vehicle, the roof extends into an adaptive spoiler. The angle of the roof spoiler is set in three stages depending on the driving situation and selected vehicle settings, and generates an additional downforce of up to 50 kg on the rear axle.
Up to a speed of 170 km/h, the aerodynamic guide element, a central system component of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) stays in its retracted position with an angle of minus seven degrees, which reduces drag and optimizes fuel consumption.
Above 170 km/h, the roof spoiler automatically moves to the performance position with an angle of plus one degree, thereby increasing driving stability and lateral dynamics. When in the Sport and Sport Plus driving modes, the roof spoiler automatically moves to the performance position at speeds of 90 km/h upwards. PAA also provides active assistance by adapting the roof spoiler’s angle of inclination to plus 26 degrees when the panoramic sliding roof is open at a speed of 90 km/h or above. In this case, the spoiler helps to minimise wind noise.
Now 3 seats In the rear
The new Sport Turismo is the first Panamera to feature three rear seats. The two outside seats take the form of individual seats and in keeping with the model line’s claim for sporty performance with maximum passenger comfort, thereby producing a 2+1 configuration at the rear. As an option, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo is also available in a 4-seat configuration with 2 electrically adjustable individual seats at the rear.
The raised roof line of the Sport Turismo allows for easier entry and exit at the rear of the vehicle and ensures greater head clearance. The usability of the luggage compartment benefits from the wide opening tailgate, which is electrically operated as standard, and a loading edge height of just 628 millimetres. Measured to the upper edge of the rear seats, the up to 520-litre storage capacity of the Sport Turismo betters that of the sports saloon by 20 litres. When loaded up to roof level and with the rear seats folded down, the gains amount to around 50 litres. The backrests of the three rear seats can be folded down together or individually (in a 40:20:40 split) and are unlocked electrically from the luggage compartment. When all of the backrests are folded down, the loading floor is virtually level. In this case, the storage volume is expanded to up to 1,390 litres.
How does it drive?
Simply put, impressively fast and predictable. Yes, in the right hands, this Sport Turismo is a quick, nimble fun machine. It is the Porsche for 911 and 718 owners who need a business sedan without sacrificing on drive dynamics. It sets the benchmark for the competition to challenge this car on a race circuit.
Porsche Sport Turismo Turbo Specifications:
Engine: 8-cylinders turbo
Transmission: 8-speed PDK
Displacement: 3,996cc
Power: 550hp @ 5,750 – 6,000 rpm
Torque: 770Nm @ 1,960 -4,500 rpm
0-100km/h: 3.8secs
Top Speed: 304km/h
Price: TBA
