2021 Panamera Gets Large Infusion of Power

Infusion of Power

The 2021 Porsche Panamera is receiving a few updates, including a mild styling revision and the addition of a few tech features. But what really matters is the fact that Porsche's sedan is also getting a nice infusion of power, one that only increases the performance of an already potent lineup, in addition to some chassis and suspension changes to capitalize on that.

Photos: Porsche

Starting at the Bottom

At the bottom, the old 3.0-liter V6 has been replaced by Porsche's 2.9-liter V6, though they're both rated at 330 horsepower. The Panamera 4S starts the power wars, however, with a jump to 450 horsepower, using an engine that's closely related to the new base powerplant.

Photos: Porsche

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Moving Up

Then there's the Panamera GTS, which uses a detuned version of the Turbo's 4.0-liter V8. It's received a bit of a boost, from 453 horsepower in the outgoing model to 473 in the new 2021 version. 

Photos: Porsche

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Many Changes

Speaking of the outgoing 550 horsepower Turbo, it's being replaced by the Turbo S, which produces a healthy 620 horsepower for 2021. To achieve that jump, Porsche made a few changes to the V8, including upgrading the pistons and crank, installing larger turbos, and going with larger fuel injectors to feed the whole thing.

Photos: Porsche

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Electric Lineup

Those that want the ultimate Panamera will need to move up to the expanded hybrid lineup, however, which now includes the new mid-level Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. Along with the entry level 4 Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid, all of these models receive a new 17.9-kWh battery in place of the old 14.1-kWh pack.

Photos: Porsche

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Cracking the Barrier

According to Porsche, the new battery pack delivers around 30-percent more fully electric range across the board, which should boost it to around 18 miles. The 4 and 4S E-Hybrids utilize the 2.9-liter V6 gas engine, while the Turbo S E-Hybrid has a 4.0-liter V8, as before. The base car will remain around its 462 hp level, while the mid-level gets 552 hp. Output for the Turbo hasn't yet been finalized, but Porsche says it will crack the 700 hp barrier after producing 680 ponies previously.

Photos: Porsche

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Record Breaker

That performance, coupled with some chassis and suspension tweaks, was enough to help Porsche recently reclaim its record for the executive cars category at the Nürburgring with a best lap time of 7:29.81 minutes. But we imagine that those who simply enjoy their daily commutes behind the wheel of a new Panamera will enjoy this extra boost in performance, too.

Photos: Porsche

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