With some 23,000 sales in the first year of production, the new Panamera is proving to be a major asset for Porsche in difficult times. Now, Stuttgart is looking to further enhance the appeal of its sports sedan with the introduction of new optional packages for the individualization programme including a Powerkit for the Turbo model, a Sport Design Package and new alloy wheels.
Available on the Panamera Turbo, the Powerkit package adds a recalibrated ECU and two new turbochargers with titanium-alloy turbine wheels. As a result, the V8 engine's output is lifted from 500HP to 540HP and torque from 700Nm to 750Nm (533 lb-ft). When combined with the Sport Chrono package, torque increases in the over-boost mode to 800Nm (590 lb-ft).
Porsche says that in Sport Plus mode, the Panamera Turbo with the Powerkit accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.9 seconds, or 0.1 sec faster than the standard car, while top speed rises from 303km/h to 305 km/h (190mph). According to the company, fuel consumption remains the same as that of the 500HP model at 11.5 lt/100km (20.4mpg US).
Now for the bad news. Those 40 ponies and 50Nm of torque will cost buyers in Germany a hefty €16,695.7 (about US$21,400) including VAT. The package will be available as an option for new models in September and as a retrofit kit for existing cars from November this year.
Moving onto the Sport Design Package, which will be available on all Panamera models in October, it includes a unique body-colored front end with wider black air intake grilles, more sculpted side skirts and the standard, body-colored rear underbody apron with diffuser and fins. This option will set new car buyers back an extra €4,581.50 (US$5,880) in Germany. The side skirts will be available for existing cars for €969.85 (US$1,240).
Other options released by Porsche include a newly designed set of 20-inch Sport wheels (9.5" wide on the front axle, and 11.5" on the rear axle) available in a silver or black finish for €1,588.65 (US$2,038).
