Porsche Panamera 2011 gets power and bodykit options

Porsche has announced that they will begin offering a Panamera Turbo Powerkit that increases engine output to 540 hp, 40 horses more than the standard 500 hp model. Other personalization upgrades include a Sport Design Package and the new 20-inch Panamera Sport wheels for the Panamera Turbo and the other Porsche V6 and V8 Panamera models.

The Panamera Turbo Powerkit features two new turbochargers with titanium aluminium turbines, and engine management has been adapted to provide a further improvement in engine response. Maximum torque rises to 750 Nm compared to 700 Nm in the standard Panamera Turbo. If in Sport Plus mode, which is included in the Sport Chrono Turbo Package that is part of the Panamera Turbo Powerkit, torque rises to 800 Nm. This is an increase of 30 Nm over the standard Panamera Turbo fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Turbo Package and in Sport Plus mode.

In Sport Plus mode, the Panamera Turbo accelerates from 0-100 kph in 3.9 sec, barely 0.1 sec faster than the standard car. Top speed is 305 kph compared with 303 kph in the standard Panamera Turbo. Also, a Panamera Turbo with the Powerkit consumes no more fuel than the regular model. So for this enormous performance upgrade, Porsche will charge only US$ 21,730 in the United States, or probably around Dhs 100,000 extra in the UAE after local dealer markup.

Porsche is also offering a new Sport Design Package that includes a unique exterior colour, painted front fascia with widened black air intake grilles, separate side skirts and painted rear underbody apron with diffuser and fins. As a “Porsche Exclusive” option or a “Porsche Tequipment” retrofit upgrade, the Sport Design Package is worth US$ 4,590, with side skirts available separately for US$ 1,390 in the States.

Porsche also now offers optional new 20-inch Panamera Sport wheels, 9.5 inches wide in front and 11.5 inches at the rear, and available in silver metallic, black or in the car exterior colour, for all Panamera models.

Since its U.S. introduction in October 2009, Porsche says the Panamera “has received numerous awards and recognition”, among them the Playboy Magazine’s 2010 Car of the Year and the About.com Cars Best New Cars of 2010, if those mean anything.

Keep track of GCC prices and specs in the Porsche Panamera buyer guide.