Porsche officially lifted the veils off the most powerful and fastest version of the Panamera to date, the new Turbo S. The latest addition to the sports saloon’s range features an uprated version of the standard Turbo model’s 4.8-liter force-fed V8 engine with improved turbochargers boasting titanium-aluminium turbine wheels and modified engine control management.

These changes boost output by 50HP to 550HP and peak torque from 700 to 750 Nm (553 lb-ft), while in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” mode of the standard Sport Chrono Package Turbo (as well as during kick-down in normal mode) the eight cylinder engine delivers 800Nm (590 lb-ft) courtesy of the over-boost function.

When using the Launch Control function, the Panamera Turbo S completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds [0-60mph in 3.6 seconds], and can reach a top speed of 191 mph (307km/h). In comparison, the standard Panamera Turbo needs 4.2 seconds and can go up to 303km/h (188mph).

Porsche says that despite the increased performance, fuel consumption of the Panamera Turbo S remains at the same level of the Panamera Turbo at 15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined [US], or 11.5 km/lt in the combined European cycle.

The Turbo S comes equipped with several driving dynamics control systems as standard including the active roll stabilization system (PDCC), the PTV Plus that applies a variable torque split to the rear wheels, and the Sport Chrono Package Turbo, which tunes the suspension settings and engine control.

The only exterior changes include 20-inch Turbo II alloy wheels with increased rear axle track width, side skirts from the Porsche Exclusive range and the adaptive extending four-way rear spoiler. Inside, the Turbo S is available with a standard two-colour leather upholstery, with Porsche offering two new exclusive optional combinations of black/cream and agate grey/cream.

In the US, the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S will go on sale later this spring with a base MSRP of $173,200, excluding $975 for delivery and destination. In Europe, sales will start in June with pricing in Germany set at €167,076 including VAT.

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