New Panamera Turbo S gets 542bhp 30 | 03 | 2011

SCOTS PORSCHE fans will have to wait until June to get their hands on the new Panamera Turbo S, the fastest and most powerful model in the range yet.

Capable of 191mph, 3mph higher than the standard Turbo, it screams to 62mph from standstill in just 3.8sec — that makes it quicker than a 911 GT3 RS which has to settle for 4.0sec!

Powered by its twin-turbo 4.8-litre V8, this four-door super-saloon boasts a whopping 542bhp, up 49bhp on the already mighty 493bhp Turbo Panamera. It also puts it way beyond its closest rivals, the 51bbhp of the Mercedes S63 AMG and the BMW 760Li (537bhp).

Just in case you have a green environmental streak in you, despite the power increase fuel economy stays the same as the Turbo at a combined figure of 24.6mpg.

As you would expect with Porsche, there are a number of dynamic systems delivered as standard on the Turbo S. Not only do you get Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, which boosts cornering stability, but also Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus which works with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to apply a variable torque split to the rear wheels for greater traction and agility. Just for good measure, the Sport Chrono Package Turbo revises suspension and engine controls for a more “sporting” drive in Sport Plus mode.

Naturally there are external styling tweaks which set the Turbo S apart from others in the Panamera stable, including new 20in Turbo II wheels and a sports exhaust, while inside there's a two-tone leather interior.

Cost? Well when it parks itself in the gleaming showrooms of Scottish Porsche dealers in June, it'll set you back anything from £122,623 — that's almost £20,000 above the standard Turbo.

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Jim McGill