2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo: 10 Little Things

Porsche's new Panamera Turbo is coming to frighten VN Commodores at the lights near you soon - it is, after all, able to knock out 100km/h in just 3.6sec. We cover off the 10 things that make it great.

1. PORSCHE DOES A V8
Two twin-scroll turbos live in the vee of new 4.0-litre, 90-degree V8 – less plumbing makes for better response. Despite less than 4.5psi boost, still good for a potent 404kW and 770Nm. Centrally-mounted injectors improve fuel burn and efficiency

2. ’BAHN BURNER
The Turbo will hit 100km/h in a launch control-assisted 3.6sec, 200km/h in 12.7sec on its way to a 306km/h top speed. The claimed combined 9.4L/100km fuel consumption might blow out a bit, though

3. GROWING BOY
Second-gen Panamera is 34mm longer, 6mm wider and 5mm taller. A 30mm longer wheelbase absorbed with a shorter front overhang – much easier on the eyes

4. LIGHT SHOW
Prismatic “3D” tail-light design not as cool as the optional Matrix headlights. With 109 LEDs each, high beam can track cars ahead and turn off individual LEDs, putting them in a little box of shade to avoid blinding them. Not new tech, but still clever

5. ANTI-GRUNT
A big car with big power needs big brakes: optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes measure 420mm front with 10-piston (!) calipers, 390mm rear with four-piston calipers. Available as a $20,890 option on all models, it’s a big price, too

6. NEW CHASSIS
Brand new body-in-white now 31 per cent aluminium – up from 7 per cent in the first-gen car – and 335kg compared to the old car’s 356kg. New Turbo is 1995kg to the first-gen’s 1970kg. Weight distribution 54.4/45.6 front-to-rear with a 2mm higher centre of gravity, now 532mm

7. NEXT 911?
Analogue tacho flanked by two 7-inch screens – fully digital speedo on the left, infotainment on the right – hint at what next-gen 911 drivers will be seeing. Can include Night Vision, too – a first for Porsche

8. TITILLATING TILLER
Pursuit of economy and the need to integrate systems like rear-axle steering and air suspension sadly meant replacing the super-sweet hydraulic steering with a new electric system. Fortunately it’s fixed rate, though the weighting is variable

9. TEUTONIC TECH
Porsche has done its best tablet computer impression with an enormous 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, handling the new generation Porsche Communication Management, controlling sat-nav, phone and audio

10. HEADS UP
It’s the most technologically complex Porsche ever, but gadget fans must wait a little longer for fashionable gear like heads-up display and semi-autonomous cruise control