Porsche presented the Panamera to the world public today, Monday April 20, at the 13th Shanghai Auto Show in China. The new four-door Panamera Gran Turismo enters the marketplace on 12 September 2009, and joins the Boxster roadster, Cayman coupe, iconic 911 sports car, and Cayenne all-wheel drive in the Porsche product portfolio.
The Panamera is making its debut with a normally-aspirated 400bhp V8 petrol engine and a twin-turbocharged 500bhp V8 petrol engine, and in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive chassis configurations. A six-cylinder petrol engine and hybrid-powered derivatives will join the range later.
Klaus Berning, Executive Vice-President Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG, expressed a clear view at the unveiling of the new Porsche. ”Introducing the Panamera, we are entering a market segment completely new for our customers and we are once again consistently expanding our model portfolio.“
Through its design and looks alone, the Panamera clearly stands out from the competition at very first sight. The Panamera offers the low and sleek silhouette that is typical of a Porsche, measuring 4.97 metres (195.7”) in length but only 1.42 metres (55.9”) in height, but these dimensions cloak a generous feeling of space for four people inside.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, Executive Vice-President Research and Development of Porsche AG, added an equally clear statement: “Our engineers, technicians, and designers have invested all their know-how, years of experience, a wealth of ideas, and their full passion for sports cars in this four-seater Gran Turismo.“
The Panamera is introducing no less than five outstanding innovations in technology to be admired for the first time in the luxury performance car class – among them the first engine Start-Stop system in conjunction with automatic transmission, air suspension with additional air volume available on demand in each spring, as well as active aerodynamics with an adjustable, multi-dimensional extending rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo.
The Panamera sets new standards in its market segment in terms of performance, driving dynamics and efficiency. As expected, the car benefits from the traditional Porsche core competencies and years of experience in motorsport, since efficient and powerful engines, lightweight technologies, and optimised aerodynamics are also crucial to success on the race track. All models in the Panamera range come with Porsche Direct Fuel Injection engines, low-friction drive systems, and optimised lightweight bodies.
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. 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.
Moving to the suspension, customers can choose between steel springs or adaptive air suspension with a fully-controlled damper system. Thanks to its intelligent chassis concept, the Panamera combines the driving comfort of a luxurious grand touring saloon with the driving dynamics of a thoroughbred Porsche sports car. Depending on the preferred individual style of motoring or current traffic conditions, the driver can choose to emphasise a particularly comfortable or an especially sporting set-up conveniently at the touch of a button.
The 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 literal centrepiece of the Panamera interior is a centre console that extends from the fascia to the rear seats. The intention behind this striking design feature is that the new Gran Turismo offers an unprecedented feeling of space and driving pleasure from all four seats, and at the same time emphasises the personal ambience for each individual passenger. The driver’s seat and cockpit area offer optimum ergonomics, with a low seating position providing that sensation of direct contact with the road so typical of a Porsche. The passengers, in turn, all enjoy highly comfortable single seats.
The interior of the Panamera offers a uniquely luxurious and high technology ambience, and this may naturally be upgraded further on request by a wide range of optional extras and special equipment.
The Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo goes on sale in the UK and Ireland 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. 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.
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