Porsche Panamera

[harrytuttle]

It needs to look like this:

Any doubts as to whether they're the same platform?

No, it's not terribly attractive, but any time someone tries to make a coupe into a 4-door (or vice-versa), you're bound to get ugly lines & proportions on one half of the car. In this case, it's the rear half. It does indeed resemble a station wagon more than anything. The front end is okay, but I could care less about it looking "Porsche". The 924 et. al. hardly looked very "Porsche" back when they were new, and they're fine cars to me. Just because the 2006 M6 doesn't look very "E30" doesn't mean it's a bad car (the excessive weight takes care of that).

Why do some of these companies feel the need for such cars anyway? In a downturning economy, wouldn't simpler, more streamlined model lineups make more sense? Wouldn't the excess R&D put in large sedan-thingies have been better if spent on economies of scale, engineering, or fuel economy? Then again, the high-end market shows no real signs of slowing down.... I really don't look forward to hearing how quickly the Rapide sells out, either.

 

[TheCracker]

Why do some of these companies feel the need for such cars anyway? In a downturning economy, wouldn't simpler, more streamlined model lineups make more sense? Wouldn't the excess R&D put in large sedan-thingies have been better if spent on economies of scale, engineering, or fuel economy? Then again, the high-end market shows no real signs of slowing down.... I really don't look forward to hearing how quickly the Rapide sells out, either.

Porsche had predicted the bottom of the market for large sporty SUV's to fall right out, leaving one of their big money spinners, the Cayenne out in the cold. They decided that people would go for large sporty saloons instead, although the current market might scupper those plans. Agree with it or not but Porsche have made their fortune by diversifying their product range.

 

[exigeracer]

Here's a video of it in motion:

http://www.tv1.at/view/3551/porsche-panamera

This car definitely looks better in motion. The front half is great, the graphics on the tail have grown on me the most, but it's still pretty disproportioned in the back there. It might take a little while, but it's for sure getting there.

 

[YSSMAN]

You're right, it does look better as a tangible product. My guess is that like the 6-series, I'll just end up getting used to it... Despite the rather hideous rear end.

...and are those carbon ceramic brakes I see?

 

[Omnis]

I think it would look fresh as hell if they didn't swoop up the windows in the back. They should've just followed the main line.

 

[ND4SPD]

Are those boxster tailights? I just noticed that.

 

[exigeracer]

Are those boxster tailights? I just noticed that.

They're quite different. I actually think they look very fresh:

 

[Leonidae]

and now you can hear the engine too.



and yes, it competes with Citroen Xsara Picasso in the hideously fugly level.

 

[Quattro20v]

and yes, it competes with Citroen Xsara Picasso in the hideously fugly level.

IMO Picasso looks good compared to this thing.

 

[Leonidae]

I actually agree. Picasso hasn't made my stomach churn yet like this thing has.. if I'd see this abomination in real life, I would barf instantly.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

Shoot me but I don't mind it even if the rear does somewhat resemble a mix of Pinto Runabout and Volvo C30.

 

[MinoltaMan89]

Are they gonna make one with a Carrera GT engine?

 

[Philly]

I doubt it. That engine isn't in production any more. And even if they wanted to do a V10, they'd probably grab the 5.2 from Audi. Personally, I think the 4.8L V8 from the Cayenne will do just fine. That engine also produces comparable power to the V10 anyway.

 

[Keef]

I think the car looks fantastic. I'd only make one modification--I'd have the dealer paint the side skirts black, or leave them the black plastic they probably come in before they're painted. The damn things look like body color running boards.

 

[exigeracer]

I think the car looks fantastic. I'd only make one modification--I'd have the dealer paint the side skirts black, or leave them the black plastic they probably come in before they're painted. The damn things look like body color running boards.

I just noticed something like this on the GS - pretty nice detail:

 

[Keef]

The GS's detail is just a chrome insert. The Panamera's rocker panel is actually convex and sticks out--just like a skirt. It reflects light and make the car look way too thick. I have no idea why they even considered it. It's even more glaring since the front and rear air dams are black, but this big painted sucker hangs down in the middle like a fat lady's gut.

 

[exigeracer]

That's why I think they should do a similar job as the GS - if you can't hide it, try to accent it.

 

[exigeracer]

I'm still trying to win people over. Come on guys, it's not that bad!

 

[Philly]

Are those the same headlights I have on the GTI?

And I'm sure there are at least a few of us who think that this is a good looking car. I think it look very nice.

 

[DRIFT4EVA]

Wait till RUF get their hands on this....

 

[-ultraflow-]

Wait till RUF get their hands on this....

I agree RUF or GEMBALLA . . . they will perform this porsche like a rocket!

 

[Philly]

I imagine then we'll see something similar to what Brabus of Carlsson do to Benzes?

 

[YSSMAN]

I'd put a bit "IF" tag on it first. I haven't exactly been able to figure out who is going to be buying these cars yet.

 

[Rue]

I'd put a bit "IF" tag on it first. I haven't exactly been able to figure out who is going to be buying these cars yet.

Unfortunately I reckon just about 1 in every 30 new cars sold in Hong Kong will be one of these

 

[TVC]

I agree RUF or GEMBALLA . . . they will perform this porsche like a rocket!

9ff already has a concept for it.

 

[Blackbird.]

I'm still trying to win people over. Come on guys, it's not that bad!
*snip*

You got my vote, my boss' mom turned in her XJR after the lease was up and is looking for a new car and I suggested the Panamera, we were going to go tomorrow afternoon. I never really read up too much on it except for on the Porsche website and assumed it was already for sale since it was on their website and you could do the whole build your own business. But I guess they aren't going to be for sale until October. 👎

 

[Jim Prower]

http://www.porsche.com/all/usa/startcc/default.htm?t=&screen=1280x800

Yuu can nao build uur own. :3

 

[Philly]

I built a $175,000 car. Those can get pretty pricey.

 

[Blackbird.]

I think that goes for all Porsches.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Rather than making a new thread. I suppose I'll put this here. Have to say, I really like it!

http://jalopnik.com/5946625/porsche-panamera-sport-turismo-concept-yes-its-a-porsche-wagon