Rumormill: Porsche could create Panamera convertible?
2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Rumors about a coupe version of the Porsche Panamera were circulating before the sedan was even officially announced, and while a 928 successor has potential, a convertible version of the four-door Panamera seems downright absurd. However, according to an interview conducted by Auto Motor und Sport with Porsche development head Wolfgang Dürheimer, a drop-top Panamera is feasible – if not entirely likely. Dürheimer is quoted as saying (translated), "Currently, this topic is not on the agenda. We have other homework to do, such as the six-cylinder. And then the Panamera will also have a hybrid engine." As expected, AMuS runs with it, saying that the Panamera convertible would pack a cloth soft-top rather than a retractable hard-top, in keeping with Porsche's convertible 911 variants and Boxster. Of course, a Panamera cabrio would be a huge gamble, particular as the standard sedan hasn't even gone on sale and Porsche is unable to gauge reaction to its first four-door model. If nothing else, Porsche could use the platform that underpins the Panamera to create a new FR coupe, spawning a drop-top variant further down the road.
Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
homunculus 3:08PM (5/06/2009)
What the what?
I'll believe it when I see it and when I see it I'll try to forget it.
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ChrisL 3:14PM (5/06/2009)
Why bother with a full cabrio? I think a panarama sunroof version like the 911 targa's system would be a natural fit for that market... and it keeps the doors, the two side roof rails and the hatchback.
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Ninjin 3:13PM (5/06/2009)
It makes sense. Porcshe already hacks the top off of just about every 911 except the GT2 and GT3. And they seem to be quite popular. I'd say about 80% of the 911s I see around here are convertibles. Although there are probably bigger engineering challenges with removing the roof on a larger car like that, I bet it would be wildly popular, even if it did handle like a wet noodle.
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ken_aisin 3:37AM (5/07/2009)
You're entitled to your opinion, and I respect that.
But making sense?? To begin with, a 4 door Porsche doesn't make much sense. Then it's making less sense with the tow hook. Now, it's making no sense at all with a soft top.
Red 3:22PM (5/06/2009)
A miracle indeed. Keep the top down and the Panamera would look gorgeous from every single angle. Top up...
...eh....I'll wait and see.
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Auari 3:27PM (5/06/2009)
No.... That's like saying This ugly girl at my school looks good with her top down, but ugly with her cloths on..... Shes ugly either way, just more bearable with it down.
Red 4:13PM (5/06/2009)
The ugliest girl in the world can still have the most gorgeous body. That's why they make brown paper bags.
:-)
On another note, this car reminds me of that movie Shallow Hal. You have to look past the whale butt to see the inner beauty: it still apparently drives/rides like a Porsche. Not that I have an issue with whale butt. I likes 'em thick. :-)
Colin Smith 3:18PM (5/06/2009)
Do we really need to see the interior as well?
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Kill The Fanboys 4:21PM (5/06/2009)
The interior is gorgeous, a drop top Panamera would be amazing.
Colin Smith 4:25PM (5/06/2009)
A drop dead one would be better ;)
Hecti036 3:19PM (5/06/2009)
Epic Fail
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MONTE 3:29PM (5/06/2009)
Two years or more of "spy" photos, oh please God no. I will take another season of Knight Rider instead of more photos and posts about this car. AB, we as a whole do not want to see any stories about this car, think you can somehow "forget" to post them anymore?
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Valentino Amoro 12:27AM (5/09/2009)
LOL!!!!
That is hilarious. This car is so ugly I cant even imagine how a 4 door version will look. When they are talking about a Panamera hybrid I think they are referring to it's looks: ie, a alligator-frog hybrid'.
I remember a top gear episode where J. Clarkson said the only person who looks good in a 4 door convertible is Adolf Hitler.
Jokes apart I'm curious to see how the market reacts to the car. There's pretty much consensus that it's overpriced and ugly, but handles well. But does it compared against the M3, C63/E63 and Audi RS4/6? Not sure what the niche is.
Valentino Amoro 4:22PM (5/06/2009)
Sorry, I mean God knows how a 4 door convertible version of this car will look.
smythe 3:32PM (5/06/2009)
horrible idea , heck why dont they make a cayenne a convertible while they are at it.
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Kitko 3:44PM (5/06/2009)
I thought that führer cars were in Mercedes domain.
Seriously, though. They should also consider making an Panamera crossover convertible and in a classic sedan version for the US market. And they'd better be fast because BMW, that X6-class master in answering questions nobody asked, may do it first.
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Erik 3:56PM (5/06/2009)
Man, that would be SO COOL. I always prefer the convertible version of anything, and the idea of a 4 door convertible sports car just sounds awesome.
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smythe 4:52PM (5/06/2009)
i cant tell if that was sarcastic or not, I HOPE u are being sarcastic
Drachen 4:09PM (5/06/2009)
"Currently, this topic is not on the agenda. We have other homework to do, such as the six-cylinder. And then the Panamera will also have a hybrid engine." like fix that god-awful rear end.
There, fixed it for you!
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Autophreak 4:16PM (5/06/2009)
I car that should never see the light of day has produced an offspring that should never exist.
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