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Spy shots: Porsche Panamera shows its skin in San Francisco

 
6 21,127 views Oct 20, 2008

2010 porsche panamera san francisco spy 005

Panamera will initially be available with V8 engines only but V6 and hybrid models are expected to follow

Panamera will initially be available with V8 engines only but V6 and hybrid models are expected to follow

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Porsche released a revealing official teaser for its upcoming Panamera sedan less than a month ago, which coincided with the start of the company’s official marketing campaign for the car, and now we have new spy shots, courtesy of the guys at Jalopnik, which give us a further preview of what to expect. Despite its early 2009 launch date quickly approaching, engineers are still finetuning the car but as the shots reveal the final design is almost complete.

Whether you love it or loathe it, the Panamera will likely change the performance sedan market forever. Buoyed by the success of the Cayenne SUV, Porsche’s managers have seen fit to put their famous badge on a car almost as big as a Mercedes S-Class.

Early reports indicate the Panamera will stretch almost five meters in length and more than two meters across, while tipping the scales at around 1,800kg. Owners of the top-of-the-line 4.8L V8 Turbo model will be looking at a kerb weight of almost two tons.

Porsche will launch the car with three engine choices – a 3.6L V6 with 300hp (224kW), a naturally-aspirated 4.8L V8 with 405hp (302kW), and a 4.8L Turbo model with approximately 520hp (388kW). Even with the base model owners will be able to hit 250km/h, however the Turbo will be capable of nudging the 300km/h mark. The Panamera will also be used to showcase Porsche’s commitment to eco-technology, with the introduction of a hybrid model using the 3.6L V6 mated to a 110hp (82kW) electric motor.

Base prices should start at €80,000 for the V6 RWD model and go up to €125,000 for the Turbo AWD variant (U.S. prices will most likely be lower). Porsche will expand its workforce by almost 1,000 to cater for Panamera production and the company hopes to sell 30,000 units a year.

Sales will begin in early 2009 but only the V8 models will be available at first. The V6 version isn’t expected to arrive until 2010, while the hybrid is slated for a 2011 release.
Porsche Panamera spy shots
2010 Porsche Panamera preview July 2008

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 porsche panamera san francisco spy 005

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 porsche panamera rendering 001




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Comments (6)

  1. ma_smh avatar smh Posted: 9/19/2008 6:57am PDT

    Am I the only one who thinks this thing is hideous? I actually laughed when I saw it. It's just... off.
     
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  2. ma_mcw avatar mcw Posted: 9/19/2008 4:57pm PDT

    I've seen this POS on the streets and it's FUGLY!!! What a waste of resources!

    But I'm sure they'll sell a sh!t load.
     
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  3. ma_HECTOR avatar HECTOR Posted: 9/24/2008 4:03am PDT

    This is going to be such a mess. You must really love Porsche or hate your bank account to pay nearly $200K for a V6 engine on an ugly car. Then again we said the same thing about the Cayenne and look what's happened.
     
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  4. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 10/8/2008 11:15am PDT

    Still prefer the Lambo, and the Aston Martin Rapide
     
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  5. ma_Ivan avatar Ivan Posted: 10/21/2008 9:55am PDT

    Rear looks terrible. I understand why 911 has such a specific rear, but this car has engine in front. Why not make rear overhands shorter?

    Looks terrible.
     
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  6. ma_giovannigambini avatar giovannigambini Posted: 10/21/2008 12:38pm PDT

    Man....Who farted, or should I say who approved this failure of a car. Who in their right mind would buy this horrible beast. The whole idea behind a low slung, high horsepowered car is to be a sports car. Not a low slung, high horsepowered horrible looking stretched 911(997).

    Porsche, do yourself a favor. Shelf this mistake, and put some effort towards increasing fuel economy on your existing fleet, and possibly creating a new $30-35k entry level coupe since the Boxster is no longer entry level.
     
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