Porsche Panamera makes Shanghai debut
April 21, 2009 by David Twomey
The world debut of the much-hyped Porsche Panamera four-door sports Grand Tourer has finally taken place, at the Shanghai Motor Show in China.
The Panamera joins the 911, the Cayenne, and the Boxster/Cayman, as Porsche’s fourth model series, with three variants entering the market in Germany on 12 September 2009.
The Panamera is making its debut as an eight-cylinder delivering 298 and, respectively, 372 kilowatts and with either rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, a six-cylinder petrol model and a hybrid version following later.
Klaus Berning, Executive Vice-President Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG, expressed a clear view at the world debut of the Panamera: ”Introducing the Panamera, we are entering a market segment completely new for our customers and we are once again consistently expanding our model portfolio.”
Porsche says that through its design and looks alone, the Panamera clearly stands out from the competition at very first sight.
“Like no other car in its class, it offers a truly unique combination of sporting performance and luxurious comfort.
Despite its low and sleek silhouette so typical of Porsche, the Panamera, measuring 4.97 metres in length but only 1.42 metres in height, yet ensures a generous feeling of space on all four seats.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, Porsche’s Executive Vice-President Research and Development, added an equally clear statement: “Our engineers, technicians, and designers have invested all their know-how, years of experience, a wealth of ideas, and their full passion for sports cars in this four-seat Gran Turismo.“
The Panamera is introducing no less than five outstanding innovations in technology as world premieres to be admired for the first time in the luxury performance class – among them the first Start-Stop system in conjunction with automatic transmission, air suspension with additional air volume available on demand in each spring, as well as active aerodynamics with an adjustable, multi-dimensional, extendable rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo.
Porsche’s Gran Turismo sets new standards in its market segment in terms of performance, driving dynamics and efficiency, benefiting from Porsche’s traditional core competences and years of experience in motorsport, since efficient and powerful engines, lightweight technologies, and optimised aerodynamics are crucial to success also on the race track.
All models in the Panamera range come with Porsche Direct Fuel Injection, low-friction drive systems, and weight-optimised lightweight bodies.
With its centre console extending back from the dashboard all the way to the rear seats, Porsche’s new Gran Turismo offers an unprecedented feeling of space and motoring pleasure on all four seats, highlighting the personal ambience and style of each individual passenger.
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Although I have alot of respect for this car, I don’t think the Porsche design language suits such a long wheel base. Slightly awkward looking. If I had the money and was looking for a limo I think I’d be going with a 7 Series or waiting for the Aston Martin Rapide. Not looking to take anything away from the Panamera, its clearly a well engineered piece of machinery.
S&D, I agree that the engineering maybe top shelf etc, but this car is about as exciting to me as a the Cayene! I just wish manufacturers would learn to stay true to their core business. Once some scientologist type person said the there was no substitute for Porsche, if the company continues to blur the line between it and the others I reckon that the substitutes will come thick and fast.
The back of this (unnecessary) Porsche looks a bit like a Chrysler Crossfire.
Not for me. Looks like a Porsche that has had kids, moved to the burbs and gotten a bit of a belly…. probably exactly the market it was intended for I guess.
Porsche is the same as any other evil car company, if it can make money off an ugly/unnecessary car it will. You may say the brilliant cash revenues from the Cayenne will allow them to pump more money into making real Porsche cars. Though most likely they’ll use it to further their stake in other car companies.
Though I can’t really blame them, they’re a business after all and whatever people are willing buy, they will make more of it. I’m not a fan of the car’s looks, personally I think it looks like a cow’s tongue on wheels.
I have no doubt though, it’s a great piece of engineering and will be fun to thrash around, as much fun as a long wheelbase car can ever be I guess.
It’s really a car for cash strapped people who want a Porsche (and nothing else will do) but what to have their kids or mates in it and also maybe the occasional long trip.
I reckon the green one looks alright (the launch photo) but that might be because the Porsche reps are standing in front of it.
Regardless of its “challenging” aesthetics, this thing will blow every other sedan into the weeds for performance and dynamics.
Perhaps the next generation Panamera in 2014 will deliver the looks to match it’s dynamics.
Cant wait to read EVO magazine’s review of this car…they’re usually on the money.
JJ
I do like this, but the rear end looks unfinished. I also wonder how much room is in the rear seat area.
Not sold on these on these 4-door supercars, aren’t you better off with a supercharged Range Rover, Twin Turbo X5 or Cayenne?
wouldnt think so, completely different ride and handling, and size, and looks. Err…just different altogether.
Ouch!!! my eyes!!! stop it! it burns!!!
wait for the aston Martin Rapide.
As much as I would have loved porsche stayed true too it’s core business and not made the cayenne etc., the truth is porsche would have gone the way of the DODO. The 911 was not selling in sufficient numbers too keep porsche afloat. First they brought out the boxster which put porsche on the path too being around in the future and then they brought out the cayenne. Personally I hate the cayenne, but because of cayenne sales in North Americam, porsche is now one of the most powerful car companies in the world and on a per car basis the most profitable car company in the world. Power wise the panamera is certainly in the ballpark, and dynamically it should be brilliant. But the looks. Arrgghhh. Horrible just like the cayenne, but that did not stop people buying it in droves!
I think the first comment here sums everything up perfectly. I just can’t get my head around the styling. I’m confused because I like the current 911 shape, and this is essentially a stretched version. But with Panamera I can’t stop seeing a lowered Cayenne.
love german cars and engineering but this is the ultimate wankers car!!! why buy this when u can get a maserati…just makes no sense.