Porsche has unveiled new technical know-how for their eight cylinder Panamera model to make it much more economical with a higher level of spec. This could be a response to Mercedes who are making more powerful V8 engines with better consumption than the typical Porsche engine. The fierce rivalry between the two German car makers and their market orientated production style is resulting in faster cars with greater efficiency.
The V8-powered Panamera was unveiled at the 13th Auto Shanghai International Automobile Show in China, on April 2009. The Panamera is generally considered to be the long-awaited birth child of the Porsche 989 concept car. The 989 was designed in 1988 as a 4 door performance oriented touring car although never produced.
The better all-round efficiency will be accompanied by new options on the car, the next stage Panamera will have a new brake energy recuperation system coming as standard. As well as optional 19-inch all season tyres offering reduced roll resistance. The car will also boast a navigation system with 3D maps, new colour schemes and a sports steering wheel.
As a result to the engine and spec upgrades the 500-horsepower top model now consumes just 11.3 litres instead of formerly 12.2 litres/100 km. This increase in efficiency results primarily from brake energy recuperation, as the battery will be charged primarily during application of the brakes. When the car is accelerating the field current in the alternator is reduced, minimising the load acting on the combustion engine since it is now required to deliver even less energy for charging the battery, instead making this energy available for even faster acceleration. The Auto Start Stop function has also been optimised, now allowing the driver to set off again even faster and more comfortably after coming to a halt.
The new upgrades should be welcomed by the market and Porsche will be hoping to continue their success in the 4-door Gran Turismo range.
