Highperformance Cars

Porsche's much-questioned decision to follow in the lead of Maserati and release a 4-door luxury sports sedan slotted in above cars like the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series is finally nearing its first real test: market reception.

The Panamera's official title has been given as the 2010 Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo. The top-of-the-line Panamera Gran Turismo model carries a twin-turbocharged Porsche V8 outputting 500 horsepower, and AWD. Early driving impressions have pegged the Panamera Turbo as much more like a 911 on the road than a Cayennne, even though the Panamera Gran Turismo's design has been near-universally criticized.

From some angles, the 2010 Panamera Turbo, S and 4S models carry a revolutionary design that is true-to-form for Porsche but smashes some industry notions of what a sedan needs to look like. Things get a little sketchy from the C-pillar rearward, though. Porsche's decision to release the 2010 Panamera as a 5-door hatchback rather than a true sedan has caused some head scratching, to say the least.

Almost looking as if it has been rear ended at parking lot speeds, the Panamera Gran Turismo's rear end could have benefitted from an elongated trunk rather than the afforementioned hatch.

There are hints of the Cayenne in the way the rear window wraps downward toward the bumper and splitter, while the front end is all 911. The result looks great if viewed from certain directions, and downright yucky when seen from others.

The Turbo, like the Panamera 4S but carrying more power, has full time AWD and Porsche's new 7 speed PDK DSG manual with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Priced above all but the most extreme of 911 models, the 2010 Panamera Turbo should make good use of its 500 horses and electronically controlled everything to make a serious push for the best driving dynamics found in a sedan to date, M5 included.

And for Porsche enthusiasts and family types for whom money is not an object, having a car that can comfortably haul the kids and all their gear with this type of performance prowess should be plenty. The Panamera line will sell, to be sure.

-RSportsCars






Porsche confirms pricing for new Panamera Gran Turismo

Official Porsche Press Release

Porsche has confirmed UK prices for its forthcoming four seat Panamera gran turismo, which goes on sale on 12 September 2009. The four door performance car will be priced from £72,266 for the Panamera S, £77,269 for the Panamera 4S and £95,298 for the top of the range Panamera Turbo.

The Porsche Panamera will be available with powerful and efficient V8 power units, the choice of rear or four-wheel drive, and an interior design with a uniquely luxurious and high technology ambience.

The rear-wheel drive Porsche Panamera S is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission is available as an option for £2,289. The Panamera 4S and Turbo have four-wheel drive and feature the PDK gearbox as standard. The active all-wheel drive system is controlled by Porsche Traction Management (PTM) via a multi-plate clutch that adjusts the engine power distribution between the front and rear axles for increased grip and agility.

The Porsche Panamera offers a unique symbiosis of sporting performance and sheer luxury. Every model offers a full leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, and a Bluetooth telephone module – complete with cordless handset for use by rear seat passengers.

The heated front seats fitted as standard in the Panamera S and 4S are of a sporting style, and can be adjusted electrically in eight different directions for optimum comfort. Adaptive sports seats with higher side bolsters are available as an option across the range.

Standard on all Panamera models is the ‘Sport’ button, which increases throttle pedal responsiveness, selects the ‘Sport’ suspension setting on the PASM, and the shift patterns of the PDK transmission, where fitted. Offered in combination with PDK is the new Porsche Auto Start/Stop function. This automatically switches off and restarts the engine when stationary to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions – for example, at traffic lights or in congestion.

The Panamera S and 4S have 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with a choice of 19-inch and 20-inch alternatives available. The Panamera Turbo rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. As is typical of a Porsche, the braking system of the Panamera is designed to deliver a high level of stopping power. However, similar to all other Porsche models, the race-proven and highly efficient Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) option is also offered for the Panamera.

Additional features on the Panamera Turbo include PASM with an adaptive air suspension function that actively adjusts the ride height, BOSE® Surround Sound audio system with 14 speakers, metallic paint, multi-function steering wheel, heated rear seats and rear side airbags. Also, the 14-way electric front seat adjustment has a Comfort Memory Package for the various seat positions and the electrically adjustable steering column.

The Panamera offers comprehensive levels of active and passive safety across the range. In addition to Porsche Stability Management (PSM), there are driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbags as well as – on the front seats – side and knee airbags, each ensuring maximum protection as standard features in the event of an accident. Rear seat side airbags are available as an option on the Panamera S and 4S.

A luxurious journey is guaranteed in any of the four seats in the Panamera but, for passengers in the rear, the option of electrically adjustable backrests, cushion length and lumbar support raises the standard further still. It is also possible to specify rear seat ventilation, and a comprehensive rear interior illumination package with high power reading lights.

For customers seeking the ultimate in-car audio experience, the Panamera is the first Porsche to offer the option of a High-End Surround Sound System from Burmester®, the renowned Berlin audio specialist. A total of 16 loudspeakers masterminded by 16 amplifier channels with an overall output of more than 1,000 watts provide a unique sound, complemented by an active subwoofer together with a 300 W Class D amplifier.

The superior, yet practical, driving qualities of the Panamera are borne out clearly by the luggage compartment. Opening the rear lid reveals a load capacity of 445 litres (15.6 cu ft) in the Panamera S and 4S. Maximum stowage in the Panamera Turbo is 432 litres or (15.1 cu ft). With the rear seat back rests folded, luggage capacity in all models increases to an ample 1,250 litres or 43.8 cu ft.

Every Panamera has the assurance of a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the new Porsche Driving Experience Centre, Silverstone.