Car Reviews 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo s
The2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sis one of those cars that, even though it’s a dream to drive, you have to ask yourself "Do I want this one car, or do I want to buy a car for myself and another one for my wife?" Base price on this car is over $170,000, so this car is only for serious car buyers. Another drawback in this author’s opinion is the weak four-year Basic, drivetrain, and roadside assistance warranty. This guide takes a look at what makes this car what it is.
Beautiful and Well-Apportioned Interior
The instrument panel and driver controls of the 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S are laid out in such a way as to make everything easy to reach or see while driving. The Panamera is a four-door coupe with seating for four in leather-seated style with ten-way power seat controls and variable level heated seats.. Comfort and entertainment features include dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, iPod integration, multiple twelve volt power supplies, seat back video displays, auxiliary audio input, just to name a few. A full-featured navigation system keeps you pointed in the right direction on trips, long or short.
Like your music crisp, clean, and loud? No problem. The premium audio system delivers 5.1 audio, with subwoofer channel. A total of fourteen speakers deliver a massive 585 total watts from the AM/FM in-dash stereo with a single CD player with a USB input, and built-in MP3 playback capability. Another cool feature is that the stereo loudness is speed sensitive. What this means is that the stereo volume increases as your speed increases, making sure you can always hear your favorite tunes.
A Monstrous, Yet Docile Powerplant
The Panamera has a 4.8-liter gasoline powered eight-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder. The direct-injected dual overhead cam engine has variable valve timing to enhance power output and fuel economy. The 550 horsepower engine develops an amazing 553 foot-pounds of torque at 2250 RPM. Power is put to the wheels through the seven-speed automatic-manual transmission and the center-mounted limited slip differential.
Selectable Sport and Comfort Suspension Controls
The suspension of the 212 Panamera Turbo S is selectable between comfort and sport settings. When the sport setting is selected, driving aggressively feels like riding the rails of a bullet train. When set for comfort, the ride is more forgiving and soft. The four-wheel independent suspension has a double wishbone front and a multi-link rear, offering increased control in either mode. Stabilizer bars both front and rear reduce body roll and enhance control.
A Plethora of Safety and Security Features
The list of safety features on this car is seemingly endless. It starts with four-wheel anti-lock brakes with an emergency brake assist function and electronic brake force distribution. Braking force is ensured and enhanced by ventilated brake rotors front and rear.
Multiple airbags, including front and rear head airbags, as well as dual front and rear side-mounted airbags enhance driver and passenger safety in the event of an accident. Seatbelt pretensioners assist the airbags in enhancing occupant safety. One unique safety feature of the Panamera Turbo S is that it has child seat anchors in the rear seats.
Driving safety and control under adverse road and weather conditions is enhanced with an excellent traction control system, as well as a stability control system. Driver visibility is enhanced by high intensity discharge Xenon bulbs with high pressure washing systems and a headlamp self-leveling system. Front fog/driving lights increase visibility as well. Early morning and late afternoon visibility is ensured by dusk sensing headlamps, which turn the headlamps on automatically when the ambient light reaches a certain level of darkness.
All in all, this is an excellent car for the driving enthusiast with almost a fifth of a million dollars lying around.
