Porsche Panamera gets extra power hike

17th August 2010

Porsche’s executive Exocet has proven popular since its launch – and with global sales of 23,000 in the last 12 months Porsche is keen to keep its executive super saloon fresh – so it’s brought out a range of performance and styling updates for both V8 and new V6 variants to extract an extra ounce of pace.

First up is a Powerkit available for all turbo models, which uses two new titanium turbochargers and an engine remap to boost the power output by 40bhp to reach a whopping 540bhp, while peak torque is up to 750Nm.

The Powerkit increases the Panamera Turbo’s top speed to 190mph, and reduces the 0-60mph time by a tenth of a second, but it still manages a claimed economy of 24.6mpg – exactly the same figure as the 500bhp model.

Also new for V8 models is the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) pack, which can be specced in conjunction with Porsche’s Dynamic Chassis Control to improve the Panamera’s cornering agility. The system works by braking the inside wheel in tight corners, giving greater grip to the outer wheel to sharpen up the turn in response and improve steering feel.

In addition to the dynamic changes, customers also have the option of new lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels, which dealers can customise in silver, black, or co-ordinated to match the body colour.

As with most things on a Porsche option list, the new kit doesn’t come cheap, the Powerkit will cost £11,118 extra, while PTV Plus will set you back £3,130, but for some owners it will be a small price to pay for the privilege of owning the ultimate Panamera.