Posted on Tuesday 27 May 2008
Whether you love it or loathe it, Porsche’s new Panamera sedan is due to hit the streets in 2009 and is expected to 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 four door saloon and according to latest reports the wait on the car could be less than a year.
According to AutoTelegraaf, the Panamera will officially start production in April next year and will make its world debut one month earlier at the Geneva Motor Show. Porsche will be able to build up to 26,000 units per year but the actual production levels will be kept at just 20,000, according to Porsche marketing exec Klaus Berning.
The Panamera will be a large car, stretching more than five meters long and two meters wide and weighing in at 1,800kg. Porsche will launch the Panamera with three engine choices – a 3.6L V6 with 300hp, a 4.8L V8 with 405hp, and a 4.8L Turbo model with approximately 520hp.
Base prices will begin at €80,000 for the V6 RWD model and go up to €125,000 for the Turbo AWD variant. Sales will begin soon after the car’s Geneva debut but only the V8 models will be available at first. You’ll have to wait until 2010 for the V6 model and 2011 for the long-awaited hybrid variant.
2009 Porsche Panamera renderings
I still think there is only one or two Porsches, the 911 and Boxster/Cayman.
I think the SUV is a travesty in it’s dilution of the brand, but a needed profit maker.
But I do like this car, and the Rapide from Aston as well. Nothing wrong with a good 4-door sporty car.
I think you’re right about that Gus. With the rising of the super sedans, and a bit lower down, the coupe sedans, this seems like the right time for Porsche to go this route. The wild card now is fuel.
as a Porsche lover i still dont like this car…the design looks just wrong…and the front is still 5 years ago 911