U.S. Porsche Panamera to get start/stop, active aero among other features
Porsche Panamera Tech Features – Click above for image gallery
Official information about Porsche's Panamera sedan continues to trickle out of Stuttgart's front door, with the latest word being that the four-door gran turismo will incorporate a slate of new technologies that include a fuel-saving stop/start measure on models equipped with the company's fast-acting PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Stop/Start technology has been gaining traction in all segments of the European market as a way to lower C02 output and fuel bills, but it has yet to catch on in the States outside of use in hybrid models, so it will be interesting to see how well the technology is accepted. In addition to stop/start, the Cayman will feature a trick air suspension system that includes additional air volume available on demand and active aero on Panamera Turbo models.
Our top tech man, Sam Abuelsamid, is in Stuttgart as this is being written to get all of the engineering details, but for the moment, Porsche says their adaptive air suspension (standard on Turbo and optional on other models) is an "absolute innovation in automotive technology" in its ability to provide a greater breadth of range between comfort and sport, a claim made possible in part through the use of the company's lauded Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system as well as optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), both being technologies we have sampled in other vehicles.
Porsche has a long history with active aerodynamics, and thanks to spy shots depicting a movable rear wing, we knew that the Panamera would also benefit from the technology. The automaker has now confirmed that the car will be fitted with a four-way rear spoiler on Turbo models. Click on the jump for the official press release, which further details Porsche's lightweight building technologies and acoustic efforts.
Gallery: Porsche Panamera Technical Details
Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera
[Source: Porsche]
PRESS RELEASE:
PORSCHE® SHARES MORE PANAMERA® INNOVATIONS
Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function Among Several New Technologies to be Featured on Porsche's Upcoming Four-Seat Gran Turismo
ATLANTA – March 18, 2009 ---- As the moment draws near when the Porsche Panamera makes its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 19, 2009, the Stuttgart, Germany based auto manufacturer reveals a few more technical details to whet the appetites of those in search of the emotional and driving character of a sports car coupled with the high luxury and interior comfort of a performance sedan in one unique vehicle that is still instantly recognized as a Porsche.
When it goes on sale in the United States on Oct. 17, 2009, the Panamera will showcase some innovative technologies. These include the first automatic engine start/stop feature used with an automatically shifting double-clutch transmission, air suspension with additional air volume on demand, and on the Panamera Turbo active aerodynamics with a multi-stage, adjustable rear spoiler that deploys when needed.
With the Panamera, Porsche's fourth model line, customers will see an unprecedented vehicle concept – a four-seat gran turismo offering both dynamic performance and superior elegance all in one. While competing with well-established models in the premium class, the Panamera carves a new niche in terms of performance, driving dynamics and efficiency. This is familiar ground as efficient, high-performance engines, lightweight engineering and optimized aerodynamics have been Porsche core competencies throughout its 60-year history both on and off the race circuits.
Maximum performance and efficiency
The Panamera is the first premium car with an automatically shifting double-clutch transmission to feature an engine start/stop system that saves fuel and reduces emissions by turning the engine off when it is not needed, such as sitting at a stop light, for example. All engines have advanced and fuel-efficient Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), as well. In addition to consistently reducing friction in their engines, Porsche further enhanced the engines with innovations such as map-controlled coolant/temperature management and ancillary units with enhanced efficiency.
The Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox, standard on all U.S. Panamera models and a first in this market segment, also enhances both fuel economy and performance. Being more efficient than a conventional automatic transmission, the PDK gearbox can save even more fuel through its long, overdrive-like top gear. It offers outstanding performance with typical Porsche driving dynamics through ultra-fast gearshifts without the slightest interruption of engine power.
In conjunction with other specific improvements enhancing overall efficiency, including tires with minimal rolling resistance and disc brakes with residual brake forces reduced to a minimum, the Panamera S consumes just 10.8 liters/100 kilometers (equal to 26.2 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available).
Chassis and suspension: driving dynamics and comfort all in one
The Panamera chassis and suspension is not a compromise between sporting performance and superior comfort, but rather a combination of the two. In its basic setting it offers a very high level of driving comfort, yet at a touch of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) button, it turns into a thoroughbred sports suspension.
Another highlight is the adaptive air suspension that can provide extra air volume on demand. An absolute innovation in automotive technology, it offers an even greater variation of sporting and comfort features and is standard on the Panamera Turbo and optional on the other models.
Driving dynamics and comfort may be further enhanced on all models through the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system available in combination with a fully controlled rear axle differential.
Through the Sport Plus button, the optional Sports Chrono Packages enable the driver to choose at the touch of a button the high-performance configurations for the drivetrain and suspension systems, including Porsche Traction Management (PTM ) with its fully-controlled all-wheel drive. PTM is standard on both the Panamera 4S and the Panamera Turbo.
Body: light and functional
The body is the synthesis of lightweight technology typical of a sports car, superior comfort, generous spaciousness, and efficient aerodynamics.
The most advanced production methods and materials are used on the Panamera body. These include all kinds of steel grades, light alloys such as aluminum and magnesium, as well as plastics. The lightweight doors feature a load-bearing structure made of laser-treated pressure-cast aluminum, an aluminum outer skin and door window frames made of thin-walled pressure-cast magnesium. Thanks to this intelligent lightweight structure, the Panamera S, for example, weighs just 1,800 kg, or a just over 3,990 lbs.
The rear seats set new standards in the luxury performance class in terms of both comfort and variability. Perfectly contoured as single seats, they offer maximum comfort also at the rear through their wide range of electrical adjustment and seat climate functions and the headrests integrated into the seats.
The Panamera also comes with a highly functional, variable luggage compartment. The rear seat backrests tilt forward individually, providing up to 44.6 cubic feet or 1,263 liters of luggage capacity.
The visible highlight of the overall aerodynamic package is the active four-way rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo. Through its efficient management of control angles and surface geometry geared to driving conditions, the rear spoiler optimizes both the car's aerodynamics and performance.
Acoustics: sporting sound and superior touring comfort
Porsche's development engineers have successfully achieved a perfect balance of sound of the exhaust system, the air intake, the engine, and the car's aerodynamic acoustics. The result gives the Panamera a harmonious, characteristic sound pattern, bringing together seemingly contradictory requirements.
At a very early point in the development process, for example, Porsche engineers analyzed aerodynamic acoustics on a clay model right from the start, achieving further optimization by way of numerous technical improvements with specific, individual effects. The result is a truly low level of noise within the interior and most appropriate for the luxury performance segment. But at the same time the typical powerful Porsche sound comes out clearly when accelerating, giving the Panamera a wide range of sound, from discreet modesty while cruising all the way to powerful emotion whenever the driver wishes to experience a sporting style of motoring.
Using both new and proven technologies, Porsche's engineers in Weissach while developing the Panamera have succeeded in intelligently solving all conflicts of interest. The result is a car with a wide range of features most appropriate for such an outstanding gran turismo: the engines are powerful and dynamic, efficient and clean. The Panamera combines comfortable touring characteristics with sports motoring so typical of Porsche. And despite the car's dynamic proportions and coupe-like silhouette, the interior, apart from lots of space and superior comfort, also offers outstanding function and variability.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche sports cars and sport utility vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 201 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 60-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful marque in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles and soon the Panamera gran turismo for the United States, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
nastinupe 11:18AM (3/18/2009)
Wow... great technological advances. Way to go Porsche. This car may not be as bad as I thought.
Now, this is the "real" 4DSC. Nissan look out!!!
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fixitfixitstop 12:14PM (3/18/2009)
I'd rather drive a 2003 Maxima SE.
No, I am not joking.
fixitfixitstop 12:54PM (3/18/2009)
So much hate for the Maxima?
MikeW 4:44PM (3/18/2009)
What was Nissan thinking with that beam axle?
Oh the trunk is an extra cubic foot larger.
Pokey 11:19AM (3/18/2009)
Hopefully it will come with some sort of cloaking device, or a stealth mode, so people won't be able to see how ugly it is.
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rsfourever 12:01PM (3/18/2009)
nice! +1
Buffy 5:04PM (3/18/2009)
+2 :)
marklovelace01 11:20AM (3/18/2009)
Porsche needs to retire their stupid 'active aero' gimmicks and start designing their cars so that they don't need such BS. At slower speeds the car doesn't need the wing/spoiler for downforce, but neither does the spoiler cause any significant drag at such speeds. A properly designed shape would provide needed dowforce wtihout inreasing drag, and without the need for boy-racer add-on toys that are more befitting a JC Whitney catalog.
Oh, and did I mention that the damn thing is butt-ugly?
BTW, I used to be a big fan of Porsches, but in the last 10 years or so their cars have become self-parody.
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the vegas style guy 12:19PM (3/18/2009)
Let's face it, the active whatever thingy is a Tool toy.
Bloke 11:26AM (3/18/2009)
All these American males referring to the car as "butt-ugly" would no doubt head straight for a GMC, Ford or Dodge dealership and buy an unfeasibly ugly pick-up truck with all the grace of an old brick.
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Logan 12:47PM (3/18/2009)
Yea I could see someone having that argument: Silverado or Panamera? Hmm...
Ken 11:33AM (3/18/2009)
Nice stereotype.
I find this car incredibly unattractive but think it would make a pretty cool Grand Touring Coupe, priced above the 911, to compete with some cars like the Aston Martin DB9 and Ferrrari 599 GTB. Keep the functional luggage space and all the little technical bits but give it sexy, organic body design, maybe even a few details as a throwback to the 944, 968 days.
kazoomaloo 11:36AM (3/18/2009)
Well that's just not a very clever comment at all, and entirely untrue.
Tony 11:43AM (3/18/2009)
I don't think anyone mentioned big ole American trucks in their post, all people are simply implying is that design wise this really looks forced like a E65 7-series or Cayenne. I'm sure it will sell well since it has the Porsche badge on front, but compared to a Quattroporte(so beautiful), A8, S-class and even the new 7-series(with its huge nostrils and all) this vehicle looks very dowdy.
To me this vehicle looks like it has a ton of potential, but seems like the car was worked over by one too many designers.
Bloke 11:52AM (3/18/2009)
The point which you've all missed is that the "stereotypical" type concerned are unable to form an opinion without going completely below the belt with nothing less than crude slander. Same with all the commentary about the Smart. If you're unable to relate to a particular vehicle, why slander it in such playground-type fashion?
All you're getting is a taste of your own medicine, and you don't like how it tastes. Surprise, surprise.
Pokey 11:55AM (3/18/2009)
Nice stereotype Bloke.
Yes, I am an American male, but I have never owned or even wanted a truck, I don't need one.
I'm not some mindless lemming with no taste that is going to consider this car to be beautiful just because it is a Porsche.
I love most German cars, but I hate the way this thing looks. It's really that simple.
Pokey 12:11PM (3/18/2009)
Okay, let me get this straight. We are stupid and childish American males because we call this car ugly?
I just call them how I see them. Why do you care so much about what we think about this car and how it looks? It's almost as if we've hurt your feelings or something. Were you the lead designer?
If we were in here talking about how ugly the Pontiac Aztek is, would you be getting all defensive then?
By the way, you are not giving anyone a taste of their own medicine, you are just being an ass. Which is perfectly fine, I would expect nothing less from a person who sticks up for this car AND the Smart at the same time.
Bloke 1:08PM (3/18/2009)
Pokey - it isn't merely referring to it as "ugly", is it? The expletives are ridiculous and often off the deep end. What exactly is so intrinsically wrong with the Smart? It wasn't designed for extreme fuel efficiency, it was designed as personal transportation in crowded urban environments. It feels no more out of place to drive in Cleveland, Ohio than it does in Geneva. The price is merely a reflection of the quality of the product built in a country with expensive labour costs. Whatsmore, with the guaranteed-refund deposit system in place in the States, the minute a deep recession begins to bite will instantly drop orders ... yet that didn't stop the plethora of inane criticism. There are ways to express how a vehicle wouldn't suit someone without condemning the vehicle so belligerently.
Call me all the names you like because you get criticised, it makes no difference. Except that you then sit and wonder why your country has become so internationally unpopular.
Einwiwi 1:17PM (3/18/2009)
Funny. Blokes comment seems to annoy the Amarican male.
Now, call Bush and start a war against Bloke because he told you his opinion.
... sorry, but you sound like a pile of headless chicken.
Pokey 1:40PM (3/18/2009)
lol, all of this over a few people voicing their opinion on this cars looks. What is so wrong with voicing your distaste with a cars styling. I don't like the way it looks, period. What does that have to do with American males? I'm sure there are plenty of non-Americans who don't like the way this car looks.
@ Einwiwi; if you were paying attention, you would notice that is was our comments that annoyed Bloke. Stop being a cheerleader.
As far as the Smart is concerned. Sure, it's good for a single commuter in a crowded urban environment, but thats about it. They just don't make sense for the area in which I live. I live in a relatively small town, mostly rural, and whenever I see someone around here driving a Smart, I get a good laugh, because I know they only bought it to portray themselves as being "green". There is a guy down the street from me who bought one. He has a family, and we live in an area where traffic congestion and parking are not an issue. He could have gotten a Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, or even a crappy Chevy Aveo for about the same price and MPG, and had some extra interior capacity, and room for his two kids to actually ride with him if need be.
I'm sure for some people, the Smart makes sense, but for most of the people I see driving them, it's just not that smart of a choice.
If you want to paint us Americans as being childish and simple, maybe you two should stop throwing out such ignorant and infantile stereotypes. Of course, this was what you had planned all along, you baited us, and we bit. I only have myself to blame. :)