Spoiler Moved to the Rear of the Roof

Porsche'sPanameralineup is expanded. The "Panamera Sport Turismo" has arrived. A test drive event for this model was held in Canada.

When the first generation Panamera was announced in 2009, its concept seemed uniquely ambitious. However, as you know, its excellent driving dynamics, luxurious features, and stylish, low-slung profile led to greater popularity than anticipated.

In 2016,Second Generation Model Changethe second generation model of the evolved Panamera was released. In 2017, the entirely new Panamera Sport Turismo was announced as an additional model.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Its key features include an extended roofline, increasing luggage capacity by up to 50 liters, and a rear seat that accommodates three passengers. According to a development representative encountered at the event, there were 'quite a few requests' for these changes.

The rear seat backrests are split 40/20/40 for folding. The height of the luggage compartment opening is also lower than in the sports sedan (the conventional Panamera), potentially increasing the appeal of the Panamera for users who enjoy activities like golf.

Due to the altered shape of the tailgate, Porsche has repositioned the retractable rear spoiler on the Sport Turismo.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Previously, the rear spoiler deployed from below the rear window according to speed, but on the Sport Turismo, it has been moved to the rear edge of the roof.

Porsche calls this the Adaptive Rear Spoiler, which adjusts its angle based on speed. The development representative explained that this ensures optimal downforce on the rear wheels at high speeds.

Driving Enjoyment Unchanged from the Sports Sedan

In reality, however, the impression is not significantly different from the sports sedan. Porsche intentionally designed it this way.

"The most important thing was to maintain the stylishness," stated the company's exterior designer.

The test drive took place on Vancouver Island. It's about an hour's flight by propeller seaplane from Vancouver, Canada, across the sea.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

The course set by Porsche consisted of winding roads along the coastline, built around the elongated Vancouver Island, and through forests surrounding low mountains in the center.

The lineup is almost identical to the sports sedan. The basic model is the "Panamera 4 Sport Turismo" with a 3-liter V6. Above that is the "4S Sport Turismo" with a 2.9-liter V6. And then the "Turbo Sport Turismo."

Another option is the "Panamera 4 E-Hybrid," which combines a 2.9-liter V6 engine with an electric motor. While a 4-liter V8 diesel model is also available in its home market, it is not (currently?) planned for introduction in Japan.

The Sport Turismo has been added to the Panamera lineup. On Vancouver Island, we test drove the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo and the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid.

Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo

The wheelbase (for the standard model) is 2,950mm, and the overall length is 5,049mm, the same as the sports sedan. Despite this, there is a slight increase in weight, prompting Porsche to enhance the braking performance.

The Turbo boasts a maximum output of 404 kW (550 ps) and a maximum torque of 770 Nm, available from 1,960 rpm. This is distributed to the front and rear tires via a full-time 4WD system.

The driving impression is almost identical to the sports sedan. In other words, while it's a model developed with a greater emphasis on practicality, the driving enjoyment is first-class.

Exceptional Comfort on Any Road Surface

Within Porsche's product lineup, it feels akin to the911 Turboor the "Cayenne Turbo." It delivers a surge of torque, but unlike a peaky sports car, its character allows it to be enjoyed at the level the driver desires.

It likely exhibits breathtaking performance on highways and circuits as well. On the winding roads of Vancouver Island, the precise and predictable handling was particularly impressive.

Perhaps this is thanks to the benefits of chassis control technologies that actively incorporate electronic systems, such as adaptive damping control, roll stabilization, and brake control.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

All Panamera models are equipped with full-time four-wheel drive. The torque distribution between the front and rear is electronically controlled according to driving conditions, and the torque vectoring system effectively utilizes the brakes, making cornering exceptionally smooth regardless of speed.

The suspension absorbs impacts without unpleasant jolts, and the tires remain stable, providing excellent comfort on any road surface. It also fulfills its role as a luxury sedan admirably, with high levels of quietness.

If someone were to acquire this car for commuting to the golf course, they would likely be thoroughly satisfied with it as the ultimate golf mobile.

Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo

Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo

Meanwhile, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid offers a slightly more gentle driving experience. This is in comparison to the Turbo, of course; it still provides a considerable amount of driving enjoyment.

In terms of efficiency, which is paramount, it consumes only 2.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km according to European standards. This translates to approximately 40 km/liter in Japanese terms. It's a remarkable figure.

The lineup in Japan includes the Panamera 4S Sport Turismo (¥17,043,000), the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo (¥15,213,000), and the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo (¥24,533,000).