The Porsche Panamera is a new class of noble This sporty model cars, but that will not long remain so
Mercedes than four years ago introduced the CLS, was quickly from the invention of the "four-coupe" the speech. That's true but not quite. First draw a coupe especially the two-out. And secondly, the Americans already built in the 50-year cars, the coupé term impact, but still had four doors. The success of the CLS but did not cause - and now it is really closely in the vehicle class.
After passing through the spring presented VW Passat CC is the Porsche Panamera as the next dynamic Four in the starting blocks. In the summer of 2009 begins the long-announced sale of the series, the classic sports car 911, the initial versions Cayman and Boxster and the Cayenne SUV, a new Porsche experience adds. In contrast to Mercedes or VW enters the Porsche Panamera but with the new terrain. For while the CLS a mere offshoot of the E-Class, and the CC in the direct line from the Passat descendant, is the basis of a new Panamera. A suitable platform with front engine and rear wheel drive (optional all-wheel), there was currently not in the house. The last Porsche with this technique were recruited in 1995 models 928 and 968th The two were Hecktriebler but classic sports car with two doors, during the first Porsche Panamera mix of sedan and coupe is.
The chances for success are not bad. Because basically, the Panamera with Mercedes CLS and VW Passat CC is not directly comparable, even if they have demonstrated that buyers are in choosing a car still can go to more than utility. During the impression of sporty sedans mainly flat from the line leadership lives, is simply a real Porsche sports car in which four people can travel well anyway.
Therefore, the Panamera competes most closely with a Maserati Quattroporte, but especially with cars that do not yet on the market: an Aston Martin Rapide and the Lamborghini study Estoque, where good chances to be series. The future Lotus Evora came as a competitor challenged Panamera - Four British however exceeds the Panamera in the length of its approximately five meters by 65 centimeters, which makes clear his claim: He must not only have four doors, but also offer rear tidy place . One of the big development contracts evolved Porsche Heads Wendelin Wiedeking should have been that he too comfortably on the back can travel - mission accomplished.
When you drive Porsche takes on six-and eight-cylinder engines of the Cayenne, which thoroughly revised from 300 to 500 hp and up to 20 percent less fuel than previously to be. Whether to launch a series of start-stop system and a brake energy recovery will be available, is not yet clear. Certainly, however, is that the Panamera from about 2010 with a hybrid drive can be ordered. In the planned hybrid version of the 3.6-liter six-cylinder with 300 hp from a 50-horsepower electric motor supported - at the consumption levels Porsche has so far not yet spoken.
How much Porsche in the development of the Panamera at once minor details like everyday practicality and usefulness has been respected, the announcement shows that at the request of Four with a trailer hitch could be delivered. A chilling idea for real sports fans. However, the Cayenne SUV bulky image of the products and the value of the brand Porsche can not dilute.
