Presenting the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S

There’s no denying that Porsche does its best to cater to all kinds of drivers, and for those wishing for an all-weather, four-dour coupe that can get from 0-62mph in less than four seconds, the Panamera Turbo S might just be the car for them.

The Panamera Turbo S comes with the same twin-turbo 4.8 litre V8 engine found in the standard Panamera Turbo, but with 550 hp it has an extra 50 hp.  Torque is quoted at 553 lb ft (750 Nm), but up to 590 lb ft (800 Nm) is available with an overboost function - which is activated during kick-down acceleration.

The extra power comes thanks to updated turbos that make use of titanium-aluminium turbine wheels, and an updated engine management system.   Power is then sent through Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission (PDK) to all four wheels, which enables the Turbo S to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.8 sec and reach a top speed of 191 mph.

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As standard the Turbo S will get PDCC (Porsche Dyanamic Chassis Contro) - a system that regulates body roll - as well as PTV Plus (Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus), which works with a rear limited slip differential to monitor torque distribution among the rear wheels.  Another extra will be a sports exhaust system for more decibels.

Apart from Turbo S badges, you'll be able to distinguish the car from the standard Turbo thanks to standard 20-inch wheels – the rear ones are wider – different side skirts, and an adaptive extending four-way rear spoiler in the exterior colour.  Meanwhile the interior will be available with two-tone leather upholstery.

The Turbo S will be presented at the New York International Auto Show on April 20, with sales expected to begin in late spring in the US, and June in Europe.  Prices will start at $173,200 (excluding a $970 delivery and destination charge) for US buyers, €167,076 in Germany, and £122,623 for UK buyers.

Alex Kisiri