Porsche Panamera

Based as they are on the 300-hp V-6 Panamera and Panamera 4, the Platinum Edition is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Outside, the cars are separated from standard V-6 Panameras by platinum silver metallic trim. The shiny stuff covers the grille and rear diffuser accents, the lower half of the side mirrors, and the trunk trim. Porsche also throws in a set of 19-inch Turbo wheels and finishes the window trim in gloss black. A sport design steering wheel is standard, as well as Porsche crests on the front and rear headrests and “Platinum Edition” lettering on the doorsill trim.

The big focus for the Panamera Diesel update was around the engine. It got a completely new 300-bhp engine and dynamic performance package. Power output was up by 50 bhp (around 20% increase) with performance improved across the spectrum. Acceleration from 0 - 60 mph is now 6.0 seconds, while the top speed has increased to 178 mph. In addition to the improved power output, dynamic performance was also optimized: For instance, the Porsche Panamera Diesel now features the controlled rear-axle differential lock with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) as standard for the first time.

The Panamera received a fairly substantial mid-cycle update for 2014. The base engine, installed in the Panamera version, was an upgraded version of the previously used 3.6-liter V6. For the 2014 model year, it was mated exclusively with a 7-speed (PDK – dual-clutch) automatic gearbox and the 6-speed manual was dropped. It also gained some extra horses. The power of the V6 engine in the Panamera increased ten hp (eight kW) to 306 bhp @ 6200 rpm and 295 ft lbs @ 3750 rpm of torque.

The Panamera 4 was the entry-level all-wheel-drive version for the Panamera, the long-waited four-door Porsche. The Panamera's headlights resembled those installed on the Cayenne. The profile resembled an elongated 911 or the 989 concept-car. On the front fenders, two vents were used to extract the air within the wheel-well and decrease the front-lift effect. In the back, the taillights resembled those found in the Cayman. In the back, on the trunk-lid, a retractable wing was installed. It was automatically extended at speeds over 120 kph (74.5 mph).

The entry-level Panamera featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine carried-over from Audi. It was paired as standard to a 6-speed manual. A 7-speed PDK (dual-clutch) was on the options list. The base-model Panamera and Panamera 4 were introduced in 2010. While it came later than the initial variants, the base Panamera was no second class car. As a everyday passenger car it was plenty powerful with great luxury and plenty of standard features.

For the drivetrain, Porsche chose Cayenne as an inspiration model installing the 4.8-liter V8 engine under the hood. For the Panamera 4S, it fitted the car with an all-wheel-drive system and a 7-speed automatic (PDK – double-clutch) gearbox. The 400 hp Porsche 4-door hatchback was good for a 5-second run from 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph).