Porsche has released images and details of its facelifted Panamera model ahead of its world premiere at 2013 Auto China in Shanghai.
Visually the 2014 model has been freshened up thanks to restyled bi-xenon headlights and a front bumper with smaller lights and larger air intakes. At the rear there are new taillights, a restyled tailgate with a wider spoiler and window, and a more appealing bumper with relocated number plate recess.
A biturbo 3.0-litre V6 engine developing 313 kW (420 hp) and 520 Nm has replaced the 4.8-litre V8 unit in the Panamera S and Panamera 4S, and not only does it produce it 15 kW (20 hp) more power and 20 Nm more torque than its predecessor, but fuel economy is also improved by up to 18 per cent.
As well as the arrival of the new Turbo and 4S Executive models, which feature a 15 cm longer wheelbase than standard for improved leg room and comfort, Porsche will also be debuting its plug-in hybrid, the Panamera S E-Hybrid. An additional 70 kW (95 hp) motor allows the Panamera to reach 135 km/h in all-electric operation, with a range of 36 km achievable. An equally impressive NEDC fuel consumption of 7.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 71 g/km can also be accomplished.
Recharging from a household outlet takes less than fours hours, but this time drops to two and a half hours at an industrial charging point. When the combustion engine introduces itself 100 km/h appears in 5.5 seconds, with top speed working out at 270 km/h (167 mph).
The Porsche Car Connect smartphone app allows the driver to monitor the car’s charge status indicator, remaining driving distance, or preheat or cool the cabin via the climate control.
Due to be launched this July, pricing in Germany will start at €81,849 for the Panamera Diesel, €88,513 for the Panamera 4, €107,196 for the 4S and €110,409 for the S E-Hybrid. Moving up the scale, the GTS can be had for €121,595 and the Turbo for €145,990, while the long wheelbase 4S Executive and Turbo Executive will set you back €132,662 and €163,364 respectively.
[Source: Porsche]