New design language for the luxury class

Exterior

With the Panamera Sport Turismo, Porsche is introducing an avant-garde touring car to the luxury segment whose triple pillars of dynamics, comfort and versatility represent a unique alternative to the traditional saloon. Following on from the Panamera sports saloon with its optional long or short wheelbase, the new Sport Turismo is now the third model to bring fresh impetus to the luxury segment with its dynamic design. With its completely redesigned rear, the designers in the development centre in Weissach have changed the design impression, the package and the character of the large Porsche. Michael Mauer and the head exterior designer Peter Varga were able to further refine the lines of the concept study presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and transfer this to mass production. Numerous elements ensure a powerful design, not least the pronounced shoulders in the style of a sports car. Based on the Porsche Design DNA, a Panamera version was born that is just as homogeneous and definitive as the sports saloon.

The silhouette: Long roof line and striking D-pillar

Just like the Panamera sports saloon, the Sport Turismo is also marked by dynamic proportions and equally powerful and elegant design elements. The new Porsche is 5,049 millimetres long, 1,428 millimetres high (Turbo: 1,432 millimetres), and 1,937 millimetres wide. It features a long wheelbase of 2,950 millimetres between the short body overhangs. As standard, the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, and the 4S models are fitted with 19-inch rims; the Turbo Sport Turismo comes with 20-inch wheels. As an option, Porsche offers 21-inch wheels for the Sport Turismo.

An elongated window line and equally long roof contour run above the powerful wheel arches and the pronounced shoulders. Together with the polished black painted B-pillar and C-pillar trims, the tinted side windows with heat-insulating glass form a youthful and sharp surface running towards the rear. This is framed by a narrow side window trim, which is finished in black or, for 4S models and higher, chrome. At the rear, the roof drops away much less dramatically than the window line, creating a striking, clear, and unmistakeable D-pillar. This is inclined at an angle that is uncharacteristic for vehicles of this type, thus lending a sports car look in the shoulder area. One characteristic feature shared by all Panamera versions is the air outlet vents in the front wings. On the 4 and 4S models, these are finished in high-gloss black, while on the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, they are painted in the car colour.

The roof technologies: Adaptive roof spoiler and panoramic roof system

As an option, Porsche offers the Panamera Sport Turismo with a panoramic roof system. This is the largest sliding roof of its type so far developed by Porsche. The front area of the two-section glass roof can be raised or even fully opened. A continuously adjustable two-piece roll-up blind also protects the passenger compartment from strong sunlight where necessary. A roof transport system is also optionally available for all models. The maximum roof load is 75 kg with or without the panoramic roof system.

In the tailgate area, the roof line transitions into an adaptive spoiler, which is a key component of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA). The spoiler, which is painted in high-gloss black, reduces air resistance up to a speed of 170 km/h, thus reducing fuel consumption. Above this speed, it increases downforce on the rear axle, which optimises driving behaviour.

This means that the roof spoiler is automatically raised to two positions depending on the driving situation and selected vehicle settings, and generates an additional downforce of up to 50 kg on the rear axle. Up to a speed of 170 km/h, the aerodynamic guide element reduces drag at an angle of minus seven degrees, thus optimising fuel consumption. At speeds of over 170 km/h, the roof spoiler automatically slides into the “Performance” position, thus increasing driving stability and lateral dynamics at an angle of one degree. When in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” driving modes, the roof spoiler moves to this position at the lower speed of 90 km/h and above. The PAA system also provides active assistance by adapting the roof spoiler’s angle of inclination to 26 degrees when the panoramic sliding roof is open at a speed of 90 km/h or above. In this case, the spoiler helps to compensate loss of downforce on the rear axle. If necessary, the roof spoiler can also be manually controlled via Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Active body elements also optimise the aerodynamics of the front section, using active cooling air intakes with variable control in the air intakes.

Rear section: Three-dimensional light strip and low loading edge

The design of the rear is dominated by the roof spoiler, the powerful sports car shoulders, and a horizontal strip containing the “Porsche” logo and the LED rear lights with four-point brake lights. Above this horizontal element, a narrow light strip runs across the entire width of the vehicle, which also makes the Panamera models unmistakeable at night. The consistent horizontal layering also emphasises the width of the Panamera Sport Turismo. Under the horizontal strip, the tailgate merges with the bumper and the side body elements. The electrically opening and closing tailgate stretches down to a low loading edge of just 63 centimetres.

The version-specific tailpipes of the exhaust system, which are always finished in brushed stainless steel, and a central diffusor are harmoniously integrated into the rear bumper. The Panamera 4 Sport Turismo and the 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo are each characterised by a large tailpipe to the left and right, while the 4S models come with round twin tailpipes. Finally, the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo is fitted with square twin tailpipes designed specifically for this model. The sports exhaust system, which is optionally available for all models, also comes with round twin tailpipes.

Front: Distinctive wings and bonnet in the Porsche Design DNA

The new Panamera Sport Turismo shares the typical Porsche appearance of the front section with the sports saloon. Both models look very wide from the front. This effect is emphasised by the ratio of the large width of 1,937 mm (without exterior mirrors) to the comparatively low height of 1,428 mm (Turbo: 1,432 mm), and as a result of the A-shaped, outward-facing air intake of the front section. At the same time, a precisely designed crossbar in the radiator grille emphasises the width. The arrow-shaped bonnet with its striking, contoured power dome gives a wide and low look from the front – a design feature from the world of two-door sports cars. To the left and right of the power dome, precisely finished arched wings emerge from the bonnet. And the three different versions of LED main headlights with four-point LED daytime running lights also lend a sense of supremacy.

High-strength chassis structure made from aluminium-steel hybrid construction

As with the sports saloon, Porsche has opted for intelligent lightweight construction for the Sport Turismo. The use of aluminium, boron-alloyed steel and deep-drawn steel as an aluminium-steel hybrid construction ensures that the body of the new Porsche weighs less while simultaneously offering a high level of dynamic torsional rigidity. The use of micro-alloy, high-strength steels and multiphase steels in particular guarantees the best possible values in this regard.

Porsche uses aluminium as standard in body areas subject to less stress. More than 30 per cent of the bodyshell comprises this alloy. For example, the exterior is made from aluminium – including the roof, floorpan assembly, front end, doors, wings, bonnet and tailgate. The high level of material efficiency achieved by the aluminium/steel hybrid construction reduces the overall weight. The result is added agility with lower fuel consumption.

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The Panamera Sport Turismo brings new variety to the luxury segment