SHANGHAI, April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 20, Porsche is celebrating the world premiere of the second generation Gran Turismo at the Auto Shanghai show in China. This leading auto show for the Asian market opens its gates to the public tomorrow. The centrepiece of Porsche’s show appearance is the new Panamera S E-Hybrid, the world’s first plug-in hybrid in the luxury class. Also making their debut - together with this new role model of intelligent interconnection of efficiency, sportiness and comfort - are three luxurious longer wheelbase Executive versions: the Panamera S, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo. The Panamera S Executive and Panamera 4S Executive are powered by three-litre V6 engines with bi-turbocharging, which is a completely new development.
Matthias Mueller, Chairman of the Board of Porsche AG, stressed: “The Porsche Panamera and China – that is a very special success story. Exactly four years ago, we introduced the first Panamera to a world audience here in Shanghai – and very intentionally here. Because it was clear to us that our Gran Turismo would be precisely the right model for this future market. And we were not mistaken. In 2012, one out of every three Panamera cars was delivered to China.” Since then, China has gained in importance and become the second largest Porsche market in the world.
The Panamera S E-Hybrid is a systematically advanced development of the parallel full hybrid, which Porsche introduced to the market as a pioneer in the field. With 416 hp (306 kW) of system power, acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h, it is a Porsche Gran Turismo through and through. Its special fascination comes from its unique efficiency and its ability to drive considerable distances in all-electric mode. In the NEDC, the Panamera S E-Hybrid consumes 3.1 l/100 km, which equates to 71 g/km CO2 emissions. The electric driving range of the Panamera S E-Hybrid was determined to be 36 kilometres in the NEDC, and its top speed in electric driving is an unrivalled 135 km/h. The electricity is stored in a newly developed lithium-ion battery with a 9.4 kWh energy capacity. Depending on the type of external electrical supply, the battery may be fully charged within as little as a few hours, and the battery is recharged by electrical system recuperation while driving. The forward-looking concept of the Panamera S E-Hybrid also includes a completely new range of convenience functions that can also be activated and accessed by a smartphone app.
In a second world premiere, Chairman of the Board of Porsche AG Matthias Mueller presented the Executive models of the Panamera, which have a 15 centimetre longer wheelbase, and as a result more leg space behind the front seats. Panamera S Executive, Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive offer a very extensive set of features, and the standard rear seats already offer exceptional comfort. All Executive models have the innovative Panamera air suspension, which combines excellent ride comfort with typical Porsche handling properties. Never before have luxury and comfort been so closely associated with such sporty driving performance.
Representing another step towards increasing performance and efficiency is the completely reengineered V6 bi-turbo engine with three litres of engine displacement, which is replacing the previous V8 engine of Panamera S and Panamera 4S in the new Gran Turismo. The engine’s key parameters are indicators of progress: 20 hp more power and 20 Newton metres more torque, but up to 18 percent improved fuel economy compared to the V8 engine in the previous model.
The new Panamera underscores its exceptional positioning with an even more expressive design language in the style of the new generation of Porsche sports cars, which are marked by tauter lines, more powerful contours and newly designed body elements.
Finally, the 911, Boxster and Cayman model series have enjoyed increasing customer interest in China as well. This positive trend will now be further reinforced by intensive motorsport involvement by Porsche in Asia. In this context, Porsche President and CEO Matthias Mueller presented two race cars on the evening before the auto show: along with the historic 936 – one of the most successful race cars in the world – he introduced the new Porsche 911 RSR, which is the fastest 911 ever. At the beginning of November, the Porsche 911 RSR will go to the start of the Six-Hour Race in Shanghai.
About Porsche China
Founded by Ferdinand Porsche in Stuttgart, Germany in 1931, and further developed to a sports car manufacturer by Ferry Porsche in 1948, Porsche has been known as one of the most prestigious automobile brands in the world for decades. Under the guiding credo of “Porsche Intelligent Performance”, Porsche pioneers to provide a new generation of sports cars that prove performance and efficiency can be perfectly combined.
Since 2001, Porsche China has been importing the full range of iconic Porsche sports cars that are imbued with the sporting spirit of the marque: the legendary 911 series, the renowned Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, the superb Cayenne premium SUV, and the exceptional four-door Panamera Gran Turismo. Porsche China currently operates 53 Porsche Centres in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, ensuring that Porsche customers across the country receive the hallmark personalised care that differentiates Porsche around the world.
In 2013, Porsche continues to enhance its success on the 2012 sales record of 31,205 deliveries across Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. Globally, Porsche also celebrates the 50th anniversary this year of its classic sports car icon, the 911 series.
Source: Porsche China
