Since Porsche released its
first official (partial) photo of the Panamera on September 15, interest for the first Porsche 4-door luxury sedan has added to the excitement already created by the latest prototypes sitings, in Las Vegas. The entry-level powerplant will be Volkswagen's 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine with 300 bhp, while Porsche's own drivetrain will be a direct-injection eight-cylinder gasoline engine, available in naturally-aspirated guise (350 bhp) and with twin-turbo (560 bhp). In addition - we're also expecting a Panamera S version.That should be enough to beat out the competition for a while. However, should Mercedes-Benz make the CLS even stronger, Zuffenhausen might strike back with the Porsche GT's 700-bhp ten-cylinder powerplant!Scheduled for an official presentation at the 2009 Geneva show, the
Panamera is expected to be a strong competitor to the
Mercedes CLS and the future
Aston Martin Rapide , as well as
Volkswagen's new Passat CC (with the six-cylinder engine).Though the Panamera takes over design elements from the 911-range, there will obviously be significant differences. While the 911 has always kept its rear-mounted boxer engine, the Panamera will have a choice of three front-mounted motors, although they'll be set back to the center of the car as much as possible. The target for the Panamera is to be a true sportscar, while at the same time being a "family-car" for every-day use with four full seats, easy access to the rear and a good-sized luggage compartment. When it hits the road in 2009, Porsche hopes to be able to sell 20 000 units annually - and to jump over the barrier of 100,000 sold cars per year.
photo: Jeremy Kupfer for Brenda Priddy & Company