As promised at the Shanghai Auto Show where Porsche launched the facelifted Panamera, the current diesel engine will be replaced with a more powerful one developing 296 horsepower (300PS) starting from next year. The new diesel-powered Panamera will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The 3.0-liter V6 unit, which Porsche says is completely new, offers a 20 percent increase in performance compared to the previous engine, which developed 247hp (250 PS). Peak torque is also boosted by 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) to 650 Nm (479 lb-ft), and is available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.
These upgrades translate into faster acceleration and increased top speed for the premium liftback model. The 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint is now covered in 6 seconds (6.8 seconds before), while top speed is now rated at 259 km/h or 161 mph (244 km/h before).
Despite the performance gains, fuel economy is only slightly affected with the Panamera Diesel averaging 6.4 l/100 km (36.75 US mpg) compared to 6.3 l/100 km (37.33 US mpg) with the previous engine.
Along with the new powerplant, the Panamera Diesel’s transmission and chassis have been retuned, with the model featuring a rear-axle differential lock with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) as standard for the first time. Previously, this feature was reserved for the gasoline engine Gran Turismo models. The system includes an electronically controlled, fully variable rear-axle differential lock and targeted, individual brake interventions at the rear wheels.
According to Porsche, at low to moderate speeds, the PTV+ improves agility and steering precision, while at high speeds and when accelerating out of bends, it delivers greater driving stability. Thanks to the PTV+, the Panamera Diesel can now handle trailer loads of up to 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs), which Porsche says it means it is able to “tow attachments like horseboxes”. I never thought I’d see that in a Porsche press release, but there’s always a first time, right?
Another premiere for the Panamera Diesel is the water-cooled turbocharger, which provides a greater airflow as well as a higher boost pressure of three bar (formerly 2.5 bar).
The Panamera Diesel will be available from January 2014, with prices in Germany starting from €85,300 ($112,760), including VAT.
By Dan Mihalascu
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