What's all this about?
Porsche's somewhat divisive and, er, idiosyncratic large saloon, the Panamera, is morphing into its all-new, second generation.
Are you sure you're showing me pictures of the new car?
Yes, this is another classic example of Porsche's design team evolving a style, rather than, er... revolving it. Or something. Anyway, it's basically some new LED headlights with the four-point DRLs maintained, a sculpted bonnet, slightly bigger dimensions in all directions and a set of rear clusters that are linked in the middle by an interconnecting LED strip. Choose from 19-, 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, according to which model you choose, and look out for round exhaust pipes on lesser variants and trapezoidal tips on the range-topper.
Right, well you'd better tell me about the line-up now, hadn't you?
OK, there are three models, all of them being entirely new biturbo units with a 'hot inside V' configuration (meaning the turbos are in the 'valley' between the cylinder banks). Drive goes to all four wheels on all three Panameras via an eight-speed PDK gearbox, leading us to the 4S, 4S Diesel (the first AWD Panamera that drinks from the black pump) and the mighty Turbo.
Start, if you will, with the 4S Diesel.
It's the only Panamera that has sequential rather than parallel turbocharging, but that doesn't stop it putting out some impressive figures. Its 4.0-litre V8 gives out 422hp at 3,500rpm and a ginormous 850Nm - the largest number for any variant of Porsche's refreshed saloon - from just 1,000- to 3,250rpm. That means, despite green data of 42.2mpg and 176g/km CO2, it can still sprint from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds (4.3 seconds if you fit the optional Sport Chrono package) and run on to 177mph, leading Porsche to claim it's the fastest production diesel vehicle in the world.
Excellent. And how about the 4S?
A 2.9-litre V6 bestows 440hp (+20hp on the old Panamera 4S) at 5,650rpm and 550Nm (+30Nm) from 1,750- to 5,500rpm on the 4S. That's enough to propel the Porsche from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds (Sport Chrono, 4.2 seconds) before it tops out at 180mph. Which is plenty punchy.
Yet that leaves the Turbo...
Oh yes. This thing has a 4.0-litre V8 good for 550hp at 5,750rpm and 770Nm from 1,960- to 4,500rpm; gains of 30hp and 70Nm on its predecessor. It's therefore essentially as rapid as the old Turbo S special, monstering 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds (Sport Chrono, 3.6 seconds) and capable of achieving 190mph.
Can you give me the consumption and emissions data for the petrol models?
Certainly, the 4S will do 34.9mpg and emit 184g/km CO2, while the Turbo returns 30.9mpg and 212g/km.
OK, how about the interior and other equipment?
Inside, the new 'black panel surfaces' for the major controls lead to Stuttgart christening the Panamera's cabin the Porsche Advanced Cockpit. A 12.3-inch touchscreen signifies the next-generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system and options will include four-zone climate control (with a touchscreen for the rear passengers), a panoramic tilt roof, massage seats, ambient lighting and a Burmester high-end 3D sound system. Boot space starts at 495 litres and rises to 1,304 litres, if you fold the 40:20:40 split rear bench away.
And the chassis?
A full array of Porsche's hardware will be either standard fit or optional on the Panamera, depending on model and final UK specifications. So look out for adaptive air suspension, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damper control, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and active roll stabilisation, along with a new electromechanical steering system. Rear-axle steering, adapted from the 918 Spyder and 911 Turbo, and more powerful brakes, complete the Panamera's underpinnings.
Any other little nuggets you'd like to feed me?
The 4.0-litre V8 in the Turbo can run on four cylinders if you're not caning it, which supposedly increases fuel economy by up to 30 per cent.
How much is all this going to cost?
UK prices and specs are not yet confirmed, as the car is due on sale in Germany in November.
Matt Robinson - 28 Jun 2016