New Porsche Panamera Turbo a slouch in the horsepower department, but if you happen to be one them, you may want to take a look at the new performance enhancement program from APS, the UK importer of the Swiss tuning firm Sportec.
Buyers can start off with the Stage One conversion that uses a reprogrammed ECU with optimized settings for fueling, ignition and turbo boost parameters to bump the V8′s output from a quoted 493bhp and 516 lb-ft, to a dyno proven 560bhp at 6,150 rpm and 576 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque at 3,340 rpm.
With this kit, the German sports saloon can sprint to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.9 seconds, a 0.3 seconds improvement over the standard model, while top speed is electronically limited to 195mph (315km/h). The ECU upgrade is priced at £,2900 fitted and including tax.
If that’s not enough, Sportec has developed a Stage Two package. Along with the recalibrated ECU, the kit adds of a cat back stainless steel sports exhaust system featuring quad 90mm tail pipes and a pair of ‘sound throttles’ that allow the driver to adjust the sound levels using a supplied remote control.
In this case, power is kicked up to 575 bhp at 5,800 rpm and 598 lb-ft 820 Nm (820 Nm) between 3,000-4,250 rpm. The tuner claims 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration takes 3.8 seconds, while top speed is once again limited to 195mph (315km/h). This package will set you back £7,990.
The company also offers a variety of other upgrades including 22 inch forged alloy wheels, suspension and braking systems, as well as cosmetic enhancements.