Panamera Tech Briefing

[jasonmx5]

Some interesting reading:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/porsche-panamera-in-depth-tech-briefing-and-first-ride/

[jwetering]

You know, I was actually excited about this car when it was first announced. Unlike the Cayenne, I thought the Panamera fit in with my idea of what Porsche was all about.

Gotta say I'm disappointed in the looks though.... maybe it will look better in the flesh, but fugly comes to mind when I see the photos.

[jasonmx5]

I'm actually not offended by the look of it. I think that it probably looks much nicer in person. I feel that the Boxter and Caymen photos don't do those cars justice either. Everyone seems to think the Cayenne is ugly, but the dang things are everywhere!

[bhyde]

I’d seen a bunch of the early spy photos of this car. I honestly thought Porsche had put some fake bodywork in place to hide what would be the beautiful final form. My God what were they thinking! It looks like an Aston-Martin humped a Crossfire - beyond hideous. What next, a Porsche Minivan?

[jwetering]

I will reserve judgement until I see a few in the right colours. I have a fundamental problem with the Cayenne as a Porsche so it's impossible for me to ignore the ugliness. I really like the idea of the Pano though so I'm willing to give it a chance.

Unfortunately, the timing of this car's introduction in the middle of one of the biggest economic crises to hit in many decades means I might not see one in the flesh for a while.

[Zeke]

So, if I had one, you wouldn't let me take you to dinner in it?

don't worry....

[tshih]

Come on guys, give the company a break. Their Cayenne is a success and brings more people to the marque. That model actually outsold the 911 these last 2 years when SUV still are more practical than pure GT/sports cars in a poor economy.

Given that when Porsche enters a market segment they do so with the intention of cleaning up like when they race. I'm sure despite personal preference (looks and esthetics aside) the driving experience will win over many customers looking for a very entertaining 4 door sedan when compared to what's out there by BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Aston Martin, Jaguar, etc.

[911 tweaks]

need I say ca ching to fix that baby after the warranty runs out...
Also, looks like they took a 911 and added more center section and kept the nose & rear pretty close to 911 heritage... in time I may get to like it...

[bhyde]

Originally Posted by milt

So, if I had one, you wouldn't let me take you to dinner in it?

don't worry....

Dinner would probably be OK, since I would be incapable of soiling the interior with an empty stomach. After dinner I’ll need to catch a cab.

[imcarthur]

I don't really mind it. But then I'm not likely to buy one. According to the article posted, it will seat 4 adults very comfortably with lots of rear legroom. Interesting the writer keeps refering to it as a hunchback . . .

That chrome grill on the rear of the front fender is questionable.




Ian

[RWebb]

very disappointed in the new station wagon

[Head416]

I'm not crazy about the station wagon look, but if that's what it takes for me to actually sit up in a back seat, then it makes sense. (If you don't care about the size of the back seat, you'd probably be buying a 911 anyway, right?) I'm only 6'1", but almost always have to crouch in the back of any sedan.

[bhyde]

Originally Posted by RWebb

very disappointed in the new station wagon

How Porsche missed the most obvious styling cue is beyond me. A station wagon without wood siding!? WTF are you kidding me?

THIS is a real deal:


I feel a Photoshop session comin' on...

[ths911]

Nice photo Bob....

Now, I owe it to myself to tell you, Mr. Griswold, that if you are thinking of taking the tribe cross country, this is your automobile. The Wagon Queen Family Truckster. You think you hate it now, but wait till you drive it.

[Netspeed]

Originally Posted by imcarthur

I don't really mind it. But then I'm not likely to buy one. According to the article posted, it will seat 4 adults very comfortably with lots of rear legroom. Interesting the writer keeps refering to it as a hunchback . . .

That chrome grill on the rear of the front fender is questionable.




Ian

To me, they tried to take way too many 911 styling cues and work it into a 4-door sedan. For a company that says they don't do retro models, they sure hang on to a lot of stuff.

Also, what's up with that side vent/scallop? Did they watch too many Vettes running around the Ring?

[teenerted1]

is that james may on the right?

[Hladun]

Hans, cut that 928 behind the door and stick in a back seat! The 928 (front engine but tail heavy 911 look) didn't work the first time, will a stretched version work now?

[aturboman]

It definitely has 928 overtones and I'll bet it sells real well.

Here in California where more Porsches are sold than anywhere else in the world
it will be the car to have at least until the next fad comes out.

Maybe I'll get one in two years after the 60+% depreciation hits them.

[aturboman]

!!

[jpnovak]

Looks like a squashed Cayenne.