Porsche's 5-door record holder is priced

Porsche's 5-door record holder is priced 

Porsche's popular saloon was a rocket before, but to take on the Nordschleife saloon record, the Panamera has leveled up even further. Laying down an impressive time of 7:24.172 minutes, 3.62 seconds faster than the previous record, the new Panamera is no slouch, and the price for this rapid executive cruiser is now available. 

The Panamera GTS comes with a 4.0-litre bi-turbocharged V8, which pumps out a healthy 368kW, which is around 15kW more than the previous model. The GTS offers a 0-100 time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 302km/h. However, the big news lies in the Turbo S E-Hybrid, which produces 441kW from its V8 engine plus its PDK-housed electric motor, which offers an additional 140kW for a total output of 575kW and 1,000Nm. It packs +75kW and 150Nm more than its predecessor, with a 0-100 time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 325km/h.

To ensure the Turbo and Turbo S E-Hybrid stick to the road, the carbon aero package is rather extensive, with side skirts, air blades, a carbon rear diffuser, a more aerodynamically honed body, a front lip that completely eliminates front end lift, and a 4-way adaptive rear wing. Finally, on the grip front, it's fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that house 21-inch wheels.

It's clear that this new track-focused Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid has the heart to tear around the Nürburgring, but due to the hybrid nature of the car, it's practical too, offering a 25.9 kWh battery that allows you to drive up to 88km on electric range. 

The Panamera is a more well-rounded and practical vehicle with the performance to please while maintaining an emotional environment. The GTS comes in at R3,223,000, and considering the focus on practicality and performance, it is a fantastic option as a more thrilling family car. The Turbo S E-Hybrid is another story altogether, and despite its electrification, it is surprisingly rapid. It comes in at R4,808,000, which is steeper than its lesser variations, but its power output and handling speak for themselves. 

We are thrilled that these new models are heading our way soon, and we look forward to putting them to the test around our track. It is inspiring to see the implementation of V8s in modern cars, even if the product is slightly electrified, and to see Porsche produce another properly fast family car brings a smile to our faces. Nicely done, Porsche.

Pricing

Porsche Panamera GTS: R3,223,000

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid: R4,808,000

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