Porsche Panamera 2012

Overview
 Porsche has continued to make changes to the most interesting car in the world for the 2012 model year. There are two new 2012 Porsche Panamera models that represent two schools of thought. Representing the green team is the 2012 Panamera S Hybrid, which Porsche says is the most fuel-efficient car it has ever produced. For those who prefer their green-cred to be that they recycle dinosaurs for fuel, there's the Panamera Turbo S, which produces 550 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque (590 lb-ft with over boost and the Sport Chrono Package) from a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V-8.

The Porsche Panamera includes offers features like rear- or all-wheel drive, and comes standard with Porsche's fabulous "PDK" seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, with the exception of the Panamera S Hybrid which has an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. Porsche offers four different engines for the Panamera. Panamera buyers have the choice of a 3.6-liter 300-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque V-6, a 4.8-liter V-8 that produces 400 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 and electric motor combo that's good for 380 hp and 427 lb-ft of torque, and the aforementioned 4.8-liter twin-turbo 500-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V-8., that's capable of 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque in "Turbo S" guise.

Inside, the Panamera immerses its four occupants in luxury befitting of an executive sedan. The interior features a cockpit-like design with an exceptionally high level of refinement, which includes standard leather seating, and well thought out control placement.
The Range
Body Style: Sedan
Engines: 3.6L V-6, 3.0L supercharged V-6 + electric motor, 4.8L V-8, 4.8L twin-turbo V-8
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Models: Porsche Panamera, Porsche Panamera 4, Porsche Panamera S, Porsche Panamera 4S, Porsche Panamera S Hybrid, Porsche Panamera Turbo, Porsche Panamera Turbo S
What's New
Porsche has a few changes in store for the 2012 Panamera. Porsche has expanded the Panamera lineup with two new models that are the polar opposites of each other--the Panamera S Hybrid, which is the most fuel-efficient car Porsche has ever produced, and the Panamera Turbo S, which is the fastest four-door Porsche has ever built. A few other new options are available on the rest of the Panamera lineup: Lane Change Assist, black headlight surrounds, sports exhaust pipes, and new interior leather packages are all newly available.
Exterior
The 2012 Porsche Panamera stands out for its polarizing design. Some say the four-door Porsche is awkward-looking, while others appreciate the functional, sleek design that's unmistakably a Porsche. Porsche has made a few minor exterior changes to the 2012 Panamera. Black headlight surrounds and sports exhaust pipes are now available on the 2012 Porsche four-door. Porsche has also discontinued Jet Green metallic paint, and is offering to paint finishes on its wheels. The all-new Panamera Turbo S is distinguished with wider flared wheel arches, while the new Panamera S Hybrid gets subtle exterior tweaks and "Hybrid" badges for extra eco-cred.
Interior
The 2012 Porsche Panamera features Porsche's high rising center console design that first debuted on the exotic Carrera GT before spreading to the Panamera, Cayenne, and now even the haloed 911. The high center console design gives the Panamera a cockpit-like interior, and it flows all the way through the back of the car, splitting the rear seats. This gives the rear of the Panamera a high-quality, executive-type feel, and allows rear passengers to have their own air conditioning controls, seat adjustments, and multimedia interface. For 2012 Porsche has made a few changes to the Panamera's interior, including new coat hooks located on the B-pillar, and a leather-to-sample option.
Performance & Handling
As expected with any vehicle wearing the Porsche badge, performance is a priority in the Panamera. The 2012 Panamera comes standard with rear- or all-wheel drive, and all save the all-new Panamera S Hybrid come standard with Porsche's seven-speed "PDK" dual-clutch automatic; an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-drive are compulsory on the Panamera S Hybrid. A "4" denotes all-wheel drive; all Turbo models are all-wheel drive. The Panamera gets a 3.6-liter 300-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque V-6. The Panamera S gets a 4.8-liter V-8 producing 400-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Panamera S Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 and electric motor that's good for 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. The Panamera Turbo is powered by a 4.8-liter twin-turbo 500-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V-8. The Panamera Turbo S gets the same engine but with 550-hp and 590 lb-ft of torque with over boost.
Safety
The 2012 Porsche Panamera includes standard safety features you'd expect in a high-power executive sports sedan designed to handle the high-speed grand touring of Germany's autobahns. The Panamera is constructed from lightweight steel, and features side- and cross-members designed to channel energy from an accident away from the cabin. The Panamera's interior is also protected by super high-strength steel and side-intrusion beams. Inside, the Panamera also gets front driver and passenger airbags, side airbags in each seat, and side-curtain airbags. The Panamera also includes ABS, TPMS, ESC, and TC. More safety features like blind spot monitoring are available.
EPA Fuel Economy
Panamera: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Panamera 4: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Panamera S: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Panamera 4S: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Panamera S Hybrid: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway
Panamera Turbo: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway
Panamera Turbo S: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway
You'll Like
The Panamera Turbo, the fastest four-door we've ever tested
Quite possibly the best sports sedan you can buy today
High-quality interior
You Won't Like
V-6 Camry is quicker than V-6 Panamera
Polarizing design