A gold-accented afternoon indulging in a sumptuous spread by triple-Michelin starred Chef, Julien Royer, marks the unveiling of the new Porsche Panamera

Photos: Clifford Chow

CLAUDINE RESTAURANT, SINGAPORE

26 June – While the saying “all that glitters is not gold” may be true. But for one afternoon, against the backdrop of Claudine Restaurant, located along Harding Road; the new Porsche Panamera brought glitz and glitter, worth its weight in gold, to a crowd of brand enthusiasts…. Or should I say like-minded journalists.

Later that evening, customers who attended Porsche’s launch of their luxury sedan were treated to a four-course gastronomic journey, specially created by triple-Michelin starred Chef Julien Royer.

The Porsche Panamera, now in its third-generation retains the characteristic lines and proportions, which means that it is instantly recognisable to those who are familiar with the car.

The third-generation sports sedan is available with a choice of four combustion and hybrid powertrains, with the range-topping car – the Turbo E-Hybrid. The range begins with a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6. Contrasted with its predecessor, it produces 353hp, and 500Nm – an increase of 23hp and 50Nm. This is all thanks to modifications to boost pressure, fuel injection flow, and optimisations to the ignition timing.

For the third-gen car, three hybrid powertrains are available. Compared to the previous generation Panamera E-Hybrid, Porsche says that the new Panamera E-Hybrid cars offer greater electric range, faster charging speed, improved throttle response and all-round better drive delivery. These are equipped with their own 11kW on-board AC charger, which shortens time to 2 hours and 39 minutes. The batteries are also denser, with a rated capacity of 25.9kWh (gross), which translates to a capacity of approximately 45-percent more in a comparable space. The hybrid system is integrated with the PDK transmission housing, where it shares the transmission’s oil cooling system for compactness and functional efficiency. 

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The “base” Panamera 4 E-Hybrid combines the performance of the proven 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbocharged, with its electric drive, delivering a system output of 470hp and 650Nm. And thanks to the hybrid drive, its official combined fuel consumption is rated at a WLTP 1.4 – 1.0 l/100 km.

The next step-up is the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, which delivers a system output of 544hp and impressive torque of 750Nm. 

The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid which tops the range, benefits from a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo setup. Paired with the hybrid system, it delivers 680hp and an earth-rotating 930Nm.

All cars are equipped with a new adaptive two-valve air suspension, where customers can opt for the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which offers an even greater spread between comfort and sportiness. On selected models, the innovative new Porsche Active Ride active suspension can be optioned, which provides even more depth to the Panamera’s driving dynamics and comfort.

Together with the new and improved drivetrain technology, the Panamera also features a reworked interior. Porsche says that their new sports sedan is more intuitive and connected than ever. The new Porsche Driver Experience cockpit straddles the line between digital and analogue elements, leaving no compromise to driver ergonomics. Buyers can opt for a second 10.9-inch passenger display, if their front-seat occupant would like to be part of the action. The screen also supports video streaming, even when the car is in-motion. For the sake of safety, the passenger display cannot be seen by the driver.

Prices for the new Panamera start from S$498,468, with first deliveries expected during the first half of 2024.

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