Porsche’s new Panamera Turbo is coming to frighten VN Commodores at the lights near you soon – it is, after all, able to knock out 100km/h in just 3.6sec. We cover off the 10 things that make it great.

1. PORSCHE DOES A V8 Two twin-scroll turbos live in the vee of new 4.0-litre, 90-degree V8 – less plumbing makes for better response. Despite less than 4.5psi boost, still good for a potent 404kW and 770Nm. Centrally-mounted injectors improve fuel burn and efficiency

2. ’BAHN BURNER The Turbo will hit 100km/h in a launch control-assisted 3.6sec, 200km/h in 12.7sec on its way to a 306km/h top speed. The claimed combined 9.4L/100km fuel consumption might blow out a bit, though

3. GROWING BOY Second-gen Panamera is 34mm longer, 6mm wider and 5mm taller. A 30mm longer wheelbase absorbed with a shorter front overhang – much easier on the eyes

4. LIGHT SHOW Prismatic “3D” tail-light design not as cool as the optional Matrix headlights. With 109 LEDs each, high beam can track cars ahead and turn off individual LEDs, putting them in a little box of shade to avoid blinding them. Not new tech, but still clever

5. ANTI-GRUNT A big car with big power needs big brakes: optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes measure 420mm front with 10-piston (!) calipers, 390mm rear with four-piston calipers. Available as a $20,890 option on all models, it’s a big price, too

Panemera interior

7. NEXT 911? Analogue tacho flanked by two 7-inch screens – fully digital speedo on the left, infotainment on the right – hint at what next-gen 911 drivers will be seeing. Can include Night Vision, too – a first for Porsche

8. TITILLATING TILLER Pursuit of economy and the need to integrate systems like rear-axle steering and air suspension sadly meant replacing the super-sweet hydraulic steering with a new electric system. Fortunately it’s fixed rate, though the weighting is variable

9. TEUTONIC TECH Porsche has done its best tablet computer impression with an enormous 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, handling the new generation Porsche Communication Management, controlling sat-nav, phone and audio

10. HEADS UP It’s the most technologically complex Porsche ever, but gadget fans must wait a little longer for fashionable gear like heads-up display and semi-autonomous cruise control