2011 Porsche Panamera
New V-6 versions of the Porsche Panamera has just on sale in the U.S. but the original V-8 models (S, 4S and Turbo) introduced last year have also been updated for the latest model year. Due in August, the new V-8 powered 2011 Porsche Panamera lineup is coming onto the market with an even higher standard of efficiency and additional options.
The most significant update is a new brake energy recovery system that charges up the battery when the brakes are applied and thus takes some load off the engine. The new system is featured as standard, together with optional 19 inch all-season tires with reduced roll resistance. The Panamera’s engine stop-start capability, featured on European models, has also been tweaked, now allowing the driver to set off again faster than before.
The combination of these technologies boosts fuel economy on the range-topping Panamera Turbo to 21 mpg and on the Panamera S and Panamera 4S to 23 mpg and 22 mpg, respectively, on the European combined driving cycle.
Also new is the option of the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system together with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and a fully controlled rear axle differential lock. PTV Plus optimizes steering behavior by intervening in the brakes on the inner rear wheel in a corner and generating additional rotational force acting in the same direction as the steering wheel. The result is even more direct and dynamic steering when entering a corner--and at the same time PTV Plus, in conjunction with the rear axle differential, improves traction on the rear wheels when accelerating out of a corner.
Other changes include new color schemes, sports steering wheels on PDK dual clutch-equipped models and new 3D maps for the navigation system.
[Porsche]
