Porsche AG President and CEO Wendelin Wiedeking said, "The Panamera is a perfect fit for Porsche. It has all the typical DNA characteristics of a genuine
sports car. In terms of performance, design, and driving dynamics, it meets Porsche's high standards in every respect. Through this sports coupe we are making our customers a highly attractive offer in the top performance segment."
For a little history, Porsche has been playing with the idea of a four-door sport sedan since the early '90s, when photos of a prototype designated 989 showed up in magazines around the world. While this early concept appeared to be little more than a 911 with four doors, the new Panamera is altogether unique.
And just what has Porsche dreamt up? The Panamera, named after the historic La Carrera Panamericana long-distance race that inspired the radical 911-based Panamericana concept of 1989, its sliding glass roof showing
up later in production 911 Targa models, is a true four-seat sport sedan with four door access.
While Porsche declined to mention any specifics in its announcement, it was said that the new model will be rear-drive. It only makes sense that the option for all-wheel drive is part of the plan, while it is highly likely that the Panamera is to be powered by an updated version of the Cayenne's 340-horsepower 4.5-litre V8 in base trim, and 450- to 500-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 in top-line models.
Unlike the Cayenne, which came to fruition via a joint venture with Volkswagen and as a result shares much of its componentry with the Touareg and upcoming Audi Q7 sport utility, the Panamera will be all Porsche. Whether this move will allow Porsche to break its Cayenne ties with Volkswagen in future years, is not known, but it only makes sense that the independent automaker would want to share more than just engines with the SUV and sedan, and therefore the current Cayenne may be the last from the Volkswagen JV.
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| Porsche has been playing with the idea of a four-door sport sedan since the early '90s, when photos of a prototype designated 989 showed up in magazines around the world. (Photo: unknown) |
For a little history, Porsche has been playing with the idea of a four-door sport sedan since the early '90s, when photos of a prototype designated 989 showed up in magazines around the world. While this early concept appeared to be little more than a 911 with four doors, the new Panamera is altogether unique.
And just what has Porsche dreamt up? The Panamera, named after the historic La Carrera Panamericana long-distance race that inspired the radical 911-based Panamericana concept of 1989, its sliding glass roof showing
 |
| It is highly likely that the Panamera is to be powered by an updated version of the Cayenne's 340-horsepower 4.5-litre V8 in base trim, and 450- to 500-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 in top-line models. (Photo: Artist's Rendering) |
While Porsche declined to mention any specifics in its announcement, it was said that the new model will be rear-drive. It only makes sense that the option for all-wheel drive is part of the plan, while it is highly likely that the Panamera is to be powered by an updated version of the Cayenne's 340-horsepower 4.5-litre V8 in base trim, and 450- to 500-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 in top-line models.
Unlike the Cayenne, which came to fruition via a joint venture with Volkswagen and as a result shares much of its componentry with the Touareg and upcoming Audi Q7 sport utility, the Panamera will be all Porsche. Whether this move will allow Porsche to break its Cayenne ties with Volkswagen in future years, is not known, but it only makes sense that the independent automaker would want to share more than just engines with the SUV and sedan, and therefore the current Cayenne may be the last from the Volkswagen JV.