By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
For 2014 the Porsche Panamera 4S offers greater performance and efficiency, Porsche developed an entirely new engine for the new generation Panamera S and Panamera 4S. Systematic downsizing has resulted in an engine with two fewer cylinders. It is closely related to the 3.6-litre V6 in the Panamera and Panamera 4, but its displacement was reduced to 3.0 liters. Twin turbo chargers let the new engine develop five per cent more power at 420 hp. The new engine also impresses with an improved torque curve; maximum torque of 384 lb.-ft. is available between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm, which offer instantaneous torque in most driving situations.
The newly refined exterior design of the Panamera is highlighted by a tighter and more prominent front fascia, featuring larger air intakes and a more distinctive transition to the headlights. When viewed from the back, the new generation Panamera is distinguished by its revised power lift gate and widened rear glass that emphasizes the horizontal aspects of the sport sedan. This effect gives the Panamera the visual appearance of a lower stance on the road. This concept is reinforced by integrating the license plate bracket lower in the rear bumper. The rear body section features a wider spoiler and a tighter transition to the rear lights, similar to the visual transition of the headlights at the front of the car.
Bi-xenon headlights are now standard for all new Panamera models. As an alternative, Porsche is offering LED headlights as an option for the first time. This package consists of the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus with high and low beam headlights as well as an auxiliary main beam and four-point daytime running lights in LED technology. The dynamic high beam headlight system detects the light sources of oncoming vehicles and vehicles ahead of the car via a camera that is mounted at the base of the rearview mirror and continually adapts the lighting range between low beam and high beam. This optimally exploits lighting potential without blinding other vehicles in traffic. At a lit intersection, the system recognizes the intersecting roads and merging lanes stored in the navigation system, and it activates the static cornering lights for optimal illumination accordingly, either the left or right light or both simultaneously. Visually, the LED headlights differ considerably from bi-xenon headlights. Instead of a cone shaped light housing with round projection lenses and auxiliary lamps with visible reflectors, the LED headlights consist of two tubular light stacked on top of each other with lens contours sculpted at the top and bottom.
The interior of the new generation Panamera unites sports appeal and comfort with four bucket seats and variable cargo space for a high level of everyday utility. The new two-tone combination of black/carrera red emphasizes the sporty character of the vehicle. Compared to previous two-tone features, the combination now has a modified distribution of colors.
Two new optional camera-based assistance systems are lane departure warning and Surround View. The lane departure warning system detects lane markings and warns the driver by signal tone if the vehicle inadvertently leaves the driving lane. The system becomes active at a speed of 40 mph, and it can be deactivated by a separate pushbutton on the center console.
Surround View refers to a 360 degree view of the surroundings; it transmits images from four high-resolution cameras to the PCM monitor. The system assists in maneuvering the vehicle by displaying a realistic photographic view of the vehicle’s surroundings as a top view of the vehicle. It offers many different detailed views that simplify maneuvering in special situations, such as approaching a curb, driving out of narrow driveways and in front of obstacles.
The adaptive cruise control system with Porsche Active Safe is based on radar detection. It regulates the preset vehicle speed and distance to vehicles ahead. In addition, when approaching a vehicle ahead too fast, PAS uses an acoustic and a visual signal as well as a brake jolt to indicate the need for intervention. If the driver reacts with insufficiently strong braking, the system boosts the brake pressure according to the situation within technological limits and up to hard braking.
EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $98,300.00 for the 2014 Porsche Panamera 4S, the one I drove included Leather Interior in Agate Gray, Adaptive Air Suspension, 20 Inch 911 Turbo II Wheels, ParkAssist, Thermal & Noise Insulated Glass, Bose Audio Package, Premium Package Plus and the Sport Package, and it came in at $132,590.00, which includes a $975.00 destination charge.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
