Testing the PS4 at Royu

Later, my husband wanted to do a proper review, so he went to Royu early before work to break in the tires and try them out in a “broken-in” state (lol). Here are his impressions from that time.

Tire Pressure

The tire pressure was set to the Panamera Turbo’s 21-inch summer tire ‘standard pressure,’ but at this setting, it felt a bit bouncy compared to the Pirelli. It felt like the pressure was a little too high. Probably because the tires feel lighter, it seemed that way. For these tires, I think ‘comfort pressure‘ or if using standard pressure, about 0.2 to 0.3 bar lower would be just right.

Difference from Pirelli

The clear difference from Pirelli is the very sharp initial response. Even considering that the Pirelli tires were quite worn, I feel this way. The Pirelli didn’t behave like this when new. With Michelin, when you turn the steering wheel, the front responds instantly and smoothly, making cornering very enjoyable.

Grip

The grip is impressive. I was really surprised when I drove the Boxster with the 4S tires at Fuji Speedway, and I think the grip of the Pilot Sport 4 series is very good. Of course, if we talk grip alone, some Japanese tires for spirited driving might be better, but the grip combined with this level of quietness and ride comfort is truly remarkable.

When cornering at low speed with about 1.1G lateral force in the Panamera Turbo’s heavy body, the Pirelli would slip a bit and the PSM would intervene slightly, but with Michelin, it just turns smoothly, and even when applying a lot of torque at the corner exit, there’s no sign of wheelspin.

It feels reassuring to corner without slipping, and it’s very satisfying. I feel like the Panamera’s chassis performance is being fully utilized.

Panamera is just amazing

Finally, my husband said,

I revved the engine and pushed it hard in the Panamera for the first time in a while, and it’s such an amazing car (lol). The V8 engine feels much smoother than when it was new. I didn’t expect it to rev so easily up to the redline. It seemed like it could go even further easily, and I think that engine’s potential is far from fully unleashed. I think this engine is used with even higher power in the later 971 Panamera models or other VW Group cars.

Amazing, isn’t it? I don’t have nearly as much detailed insight as my husband, but since we changed the tires, I’m curious about the mileage and want to take the Panamera on a longer drive again soon.