Howdy all, long time lurker on 6Spd but recently starting looking at some of the newer watercooled P cars so figured I'd pop my cherry here in the Panamera forum. Had an opportunity to drive a 2013 "Platinum Edition" 970 P4 with the V6, and I was honestly shocked at how slow it felt.

My question to all of you here is if anyone had a similar reaction after driving a base car, and if so whether they decided to go for an S or GTS and have been happy with their decision.

As a bit of background, my current winter beater is a B5 S4, making around 325hp in a much lighter car, so wondering if I really would be "upgrading" for the $40k+ I'd have to drop on a V8 or V6TT Panamera 4S. Thankfully I have a 964 and 993 for the summertime. TIA!

 

I found the base car lacking as well. Do yourself a favor and don’t drive a turbo. That’s how I ended up with my 2012 turbo last year.

 

I made the mistake of order the 6 cylinder (2012). Two years later I ordered a GTS. SA tried to get me into an S (high power v6) but I was not going to make a mistake again. While you don’t need the power often, the V8 is always smooth as it ages. Agree that if you are a power junkie, get the turbo.

 

I felt the same way when I had a base Panamera loaner. Although it certainly made left turns at intersections more exciting.

 

Same experience for me when I drove a 970.1 P4. All wheel drive makes the car heavy and base V6 feels underpowered. Ended up buying a 970.2 P4S and different car. Not lacking for power but noticeable turbo lag. Sprint Booster apparently fixes this (I have purchased but yet to install).

 

Can you send us the link for your sprint Booster? Please let us know how you feel after install it. I notice my wife 2018 Pan4S has a turbo lag.

Thanks.

 

This is the one I bought (FYI…I have no affiliation with them):

https://www.sprintboosterusa.com/pro...ter-select-v3/

 

Hey @dougcayenne! Finally got around to installing the Sprint Booster today (after a year of it sitting in my garage!). Wow…car feels totally different. I’ve only tried “Sport” mode on the SB on level 5 and the car is already way more responsive. The turbo lag is almost gone. You can adjust from level 1-9. There is also a “Sport” mode from level 1-9 so 18 total adjustments. Will play with it some more until I find my preference. Others have commented that the SB “wakes the car up” and I would agree.