After releasing a couple of stunning packages for the Porsche 911/991 and Porsche 911 GT2 RS at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, TechArt is making its way back into the limelight with yet another amazing rendition for a Porsche. Their newest package is the Stage 2 Kit based on the Porsche Panamera Turbo.
The standard Panamera is powered by a 4.8 liter V8 biturbo engine that produces 550 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque. With the help of new turbo chargers as well as a new sport air filter, TechArt was able to increase that output to 630 HP and 649 lb-ft of torque. The new Panamera Turbo will now sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and from 0-124 mph in 12.3 seconds. Top speed has also been increased from 190 mph to 202 mph.
In addition to the added toys under the hood, the Panamera is also rocking a new sport exhaust system and stainless steel sport tailpipes. Not much else was needed, but TechArt’s package for the Panamera carries much more heat than it does style. If potential customers would rather have a certain "look" added to their Panamera, they will have to sacrifice some power and check out the works by Hamann or Anderson Germany.
Porsche is quickly trying to fill up the high end luxury market with a variety of models for every need. The 911 is a classic sports car with a recently revealed new generation, the Cayenne is a successful SUV that some people thought would never work, and the Panamera is the company’s sports sedan that offers comfort for the kids and speed for the parents. It seems they have all aspects covered, but now the Italian automaker is filling in the gaps between these models with miniature versions. We are all well aware of the baby Cayenne - the Cajun - that should debut in 2013, but now the company is said to be working on a baby Panamera as well. This future baby model is currently being dubbed the Pajun (Panamera Junior) and is expected to be unveiled in 2016.
The upcoming Pajun will most likely be a rear-wheel-drive model and will be offered with a range of turbocharged direct-injection V6 engine developing between 400 and 550 HP. It is also believed that Porsche will offer a 3.0 liter TDI with an output of 265 HP and a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 that will deliver an impressive 600 HP. A hybrid version might also be a possibility.
The future Pajun will be offered in sedan, convertible, coupe and even shooting brake versions, but before we see any of those models, we will get a facelift for the Panamera, as well as a Panamera Coupe. These new models will be produced to help Porsche achieve their goal of increasing sales to 200,000 units a year.
Oh the Porsche Panamera. Love it or hate it, it is here to stay and our spy photographers have confirmed that with some new images showing a minor facelift for the sports sedan. The new Porsche Panamera should be showing its new face in time for the 2013 model year and is apparently taking some design cues from the new Porsche 911/991 to dazzle the crowd.
The term facelift is rather appropriate for the future Panamera because as of right now, the vehicle’s "face" is exactly what has received some changes. These images show Porsche’s attempt to hide the new headlights, bumpers, and rearlights that will be showcased on the future Panamera. The front end looks to have taken a page from the new 911’s book, but the rear end is still holding on to the old design...for now. We expect that prototypes displaying the full changes for the facelift will arrive shortly.
As for the engine lineup, we anticipate the current line to carry over, maybe with some performance enhancements for good measure. This will mean a 3.6-liter V6 engine that may be slightly more powerful than the 300hp at 6,200rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3,750rpm it currently delivers. Direct fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication, and “VarioCam Plus” will also carry over, as will the 7-speed PDK transmission.
The new take on the classic Porsche 911 may be a window into the future if these new spy images have anything to say about it. This is the future Porsche Panamera that in due time - 2013, to be exact - will strut into the market with a minor facelift.
Our spy photographers were able to capture the future Panamera as it tries to hide the new headlights, bumpers, and rearlights it is now sporting. The front end looks to have taken a page from the new 911’s book, but the rear end is still holding on to the old design...for now. We expect that prototypes displaying the full changes for the facelift will arrive shortly.
As for the engine lineup, we anticipate the current line to carry over, maybe with some performance enhancements for good measure. This will mean a 3.6-liter V6 engine that may be slightly more powerful than the 300hp at 6,200rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3,750rpm it currently delivers. Direct fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication, and “VarioCam Plus” will also carry over, as will the 7-speed PDK transmission.
Updated 01/20/2012: The facelift version of the Porsche Panamera has been caught testing one more time, now during winter conditions. The new images revealed slightly changed front lights and a new designed front bumper, the rear lights with a new graphics and a changed rear bumper.
The list of tuners who have taken a crack at modifying the Porsche Panamera is almost as long as the list of people who baulked at the idea of the Italian sports car manufacturer producing a large sports sedan in the first place. There’s no better marketing strategy for tuning firms than to take a vehicle that is undesirable in the eyes of some and turn it into a must-have for all. Prior Design has tried its hand at just that and, although intricately debonaire, the result is a little less than extravagant.
Prior Design’s new aftermarket kit for the Panamera isn’t exactly all glitz and glamour, nor does it have an incredible boost in power to entice the Porsche naysayers. What it does have is a touch of simplicity and class that refines the sports sedan for those that didn’t think there was anything wrong with it to begin with. This is done with subtle additions of an add-on front spoiler lip, a new rear diffuser, front light covers, and carbon bars for the bumper’s air intakes. Spray the Porsche down with some black as night paint and the sultry look of the Panamera is revealed.
The Porsche Panamera by Prior Design isn’t as fast as the Panamera Stingray GTR by TopCar, nor does it have the extensive exterior modifications done on the Panamera GrandGT Carbon Fiber by TechArt, but anyone looking to slightly improve their vehicle’s look would be more than satisfied.
Prices for the Porsche Panamera PD 570 by Prior Design are only available upon request, so anyone interested in this subtle modification should give them a call.
