Autoblog

Porsche Panamera wins inaugural Bloomberg Car of the Year

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., Europe, Porsche, Luxury

2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo - click above for high-res image gallery

Normally when a vehicle wins a car of the year award, its merit is so obvious that all you have to do to justify the selection is say, "just drive one." However, with the Porsche Panamera, the excitement surrounding Porsche's first ever four-door sports sedan/car is so palpable all you must say is, "Just talk to someone that's driven one." The Panamera's that good. Our man Michael Harley's still heaping praise upon the Turbo in his sleep. In case you missed it - the Porsche Panamera rules.

Then it comes as no surprise that Bloomberg News has selected the different looking Panamera as its inaugural Car of the Year. Says Bloomberg's auto-guy Jason H. Harper, "Like a lot of people I wasn't entirely sure what to expect of the Panamera, but sometime between having a six-foot eight-inch buddy in the back seat and hauling into deep corners around the track, it became clear. It's still a Porsche -- just a really versatile one." You will also no doubt remember that our colleagues over at Inside Line recently stuck the Panamera at the tippity top of their "Most Wanted" list. That's a lot of praise, particularly for a vehicle that has been so divisive aesthetically.

Bloomberg also selected several other winners including Best Green Car (Ford Fusion Hybrid), Best Sports Car (Audi R8 5.2), Best Economy Car (Mazda3), Best Executive Sedan (Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG), Best People Mover and Family Car (Lincoln MKT EcoBoost) and Best All-Around Sports Utility Vehicle (Land Rover LR4). All good choices by the way, though this author might have swapped the E63 AMG for the Porsche and figured a way to sneak in the Ford Shelby Mustang GT500. Just sayin'. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche Panamera wins inaugural Bloomberg Car of the Year

Porsche Panamera wins inaugural Bloomberg Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, Ford, Mazda, Porsche

Inside Line Most Wanted 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love award season, even if it is a bit tough to keep up with them all. Motor Trend has a set of golden calipers for its Car, Truck and SUV of the Year winners. Car and Driver has its 10Best. Automobile has the, well, the Automobile of the Year. Then there's Edmunds Inside Line and its six Most Wanted winners. Sure, Most Wanted doesn't enjoy the same sort of name recognition as the aforementioned awards, but at the very least, we tend to like the vehicles IL picks as their favorites. We also appreciate the fact that their selection process isn't exactly chock-full of rules. If they tested the vehicle before November 1, 2009, then it's eligible for Inside Line's six shooter. The only award category that truly stands out is the "Instant Classic," an award won over the last two years by the Audi R8 and the Nissan GT-R, respectively.

This year's list didn't have quite the raw power of last year's winners, but we can definitely see where the final six could be considered big fun on four wheels. The big winner is the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The 540-horsepower pony car picked up IL's Instant Classic award for being such a willing dance partner - even at 3,900 pounds. In fact, Blue Oval badges dominate this year's Most Wanted list, as the EcoBoost'd Flex and the wicked cool F-150 SVT Raptor made the final cut. Porsche scored with its new Panamera, while Audi found its way back on the list with the R8 V10. The cheap thrills Mazda3 rounds out this year's list. Click on the gallery below to check out Inside Line's Most Wanted winners in our high-res gallery, then let us know if you agree with their findings by leaving a note in 'Comments.'

Gallery: Inside Line Most Wanted 2009

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen Preview: speedArt to debut PS9-650 Panamera

Drew Phillips — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows

speedArt PS9-650 Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Essen Motor Show is just days away, and all of Europe's tuners are set to unveil their latest and greatest aftermarket parts at Germany's version of SEMA. One of those companies will be speedArt, which will be introducing its new performance and appearance packages for the 2010 Porsche Panamera.

Using the Panamera Turbo as a base, speedArt have transformed Porsche's four-door into a 650-horsepower monster thanks to larger turbochargers, an upgraded exhaust system and a revised ECU. The German tuner claims impressive performance figures: a top speed of over 200 mph and 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

The body kit fitted to the PS9-650 is fairly subtle, and dare we say tasteful. The aerodynamic package consists of a front chin spoiler that improves air flow to the brakes, rear diffuser, roof spoiler, side skirts and a rear bumper. Several other items are available as well including 22-inch forged wheels; an upholstered steering wheel; various trim pieces in aluminum, wood, or carbon fiber; and color-matched stitching. Hit the jump for speedArt's official press release, and be sure to browse through the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: speedArt PS9-650 Panamera

[Source: speedArt]

Continue reading Essen Preview: speedArt to debut PS9-650 Panamera

Essen Preview: speedArt to debut PS9-650 Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mansory previews aggressive aftermarket program for Porsche Panamera

Drew Phillips — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Porsche, Design/Style

Mansory Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mansory isn't one to shy away from the controversial. The creative minds at the Swiss tuning company have come up with with everything from a pink Bentley Continental GT to a gold-clad Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR. So perhaps it's no surprise that they have turned their attention to Porsche's not-so-traditional Panamera. Mansory is planning to release an aerodynamic kit for the four-door grand tourer that the company says gives the car a more "masculine" appearance. Other available components will include 21-inch wheels, a sport exhaust system, and a variety of wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum interior accessories. Full details can be found in Mansory's press release after the jump, or you can check out the renderings in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mansory Porsche Panamera

[Source: Mansory]

Continue reading Mansory previews aggressive aftermarket program for Porsche Panamera

Mansory previews aggressive aftermarket program for Porsche Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche Panamera will evade gas guzzler tax

Chris Shunk — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

As far as high-end sports cars go, the Porsche lineup is pretty fuel efficient. Light weight and six-cylinder engines usually do the trick, but those attributes don't exactly describe the new Panamera. The large, four-door Porsche comes standard with a bare minimum of 400 horsepower, and while it isn't a Biggest Loser candidate, it won't balance the scales of justice with a GT3 on the opposing dish, either.

Inside Line is reporting that the impressive size and power of the Panamera won't lead to a gas guzzler tax, citing an email from Porsche Cars North America spokesman Gary Fong that reportedly tabs fuel economy for the 4.8-liter, 400-horsepower Panamera S and 4S models at an impressive 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The 500 pony Panamera Turbo will reportedly still have a respectable 15/23 rating. For comparison's sake, Maserati's rival Quattroporte GT S achieves just 12 mpg/18 highway, and it is down 66 horses on the Porsche.

Fuel economy numbers for the Panamera are surprisingly handsome, beating even some sport coupes in the $100,000+ range. Reasons for the car's remarkable fuel economy numbers include its dual clutch transmission and the inclusion of start/stop technology. The Environmental Protection Agency hasn't yet published the official fuel economy numbers for the range, so we'll just have to sit tight for now with these preliminary figures.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Porsche Panamera will evade gas guzzler tax originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: VW to axe Porsche Cayenne and Panamera after merger

Chris Shunk — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, SUV, Porsche, Rumormill, Luxury

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

The past couple years have been a whirlwind for Porsche. The German luxury sportscar maker tried in vein to buy out the much larger Volkswagen only to come within a $700 million VW loan of bankruptcy. During that time, Porsche managed to hatch the all-new four door Panamera while refining much of the rest of its product lineup.

Nobody really knows what's going to happen to Porsche product lineup once VW takes over the mighty little sports car manufacturer, but CAR Magazine in the U.K. seems to think that the change will be dramatic. Namely, the British site says the cash-printing Cayenne SUV and the fresh on the market Panamera will be on the outs when the vehicles' product cycles end in seven years. CAR says VW chairman Ferdinand Piech is planning to take a more brand-specific approach to Porsche by focusing on the two seat sportscars that make the Stuttgart, Germany-based sports car maker great. One vehicle often rumored is a roadster that could slot below the Boxster in the Porsche lineup. The entry Porsche could be based on VW's Modular Sportscar Structure (MSS), giving Porsche an entry level mid-engine sports car for the rest of us (who have at least $35-40k).

While it makes sense for Porsche to focus on core products like the 911 and Boxster, it also makes abundant sense to keep profits coming. The Cayenne sells in relatively high numbers here in the U.S., and the Panamera could well end up being a success story in spite of its controversial aesthetics. Seven years is a long time, and we could easily see one or both vehicles surviving beyond 2016.

[Source: Auto Observer]

Rumormill: VW to axe Porsche Cayenne and Panamera after merger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2009: Porsche Panamera makes North American debut

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Porsche, Luxury

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

You might have guessed that Porsche was one of the official sponsors of Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival at the Monterey Jet Center this year by all of the Panameras (Panamerae?) on hand. Although we've already sampled Stuttgart's Quattroporte-competitor in Germany, we got a chance to see and sit in some U.S. versions on American soil for the first time here in Monterey. About a half dozen of them were scattered around the Jet Center, turbos and non-turbos alike. While not the most beautiful cars at the show by a long shot, they certainly attracted a a lot of attention.

To be honest, we were surprised by how many people seemed to love the styling. It was mostly the women, believe it or not, who could be overheard saying how stylish the car was, and more than a few mentioned the Mercedes CLS and Quattroporte when they discussed its looks. Admirers mentioned the clever hatchback and all of the space it provided for luggage. It was the interior, though that seemed to generate the most favorable responses. Roomy and luxurious, with quality details all around, the only negatives we heard were about the number of switches on the center console.

We'll have some driving impressions to add later in the week, but for now, enjoy our gallery from Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival at The Monterey Jet Center.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera North American Debut

Monterey 2009: Porsche Panamera makes North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera a 4-door sedan 78 years in the making

Michael Harley — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Porsche, First Drive

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche invited us to Germany to be one of the first to drive its all-new Panamera, the company's first four-door sedan. We spent three days assailing the Bavarian Alps, streaking across the German Autobahn, and meandering through picturesque Alpine towns. We touched 170 mph at one point and sat stagnant in city traffic during another. What were Porsche's objectives with this new sedan? How does it drive? Who's going to buy it? And, most importantly, does the Panamera deserve to wear the coveted Porsche crest? Find out after the jump...

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera a 4-door sedan 78 years in the making

First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera a 4-door sedan 78 years in the making originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai 2009: How do you get a Porsche Panamera onto the 94th floor?

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Porsche, Shanghai Motor Show

Click above for a high-res image gallery

The day before the public unveiling of the Porsche Panamera at the Shanghai Motor Show, journalists were invited to the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center in China to catch a glimpse of Stuttgart's first four-door sedan. Providing further proof that both the Germans and Chinese are a persistent bunch, a team of workers proceeded to strap the Panamera onto a special pallet, tipped it on its tail and wedged the dark silver metallic sedan into the freight elevator to make the 1,394-foot trek up the world's third-largest building. The pictures tell the tale better than we can, so check them out in the gallery below, along with more live shots of the Panamera straight from Shanghai.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera at Shanghai World Financial Center

Gallery: 2009 Shanghai: Porsche Panamera

Shanghai 2009: How do you get a Porsche Panamera onto the 94th floor? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Panamera image and details leak out

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Porsche

According to AutoTelegraaf, the image above is the first official picture of the Porsche Panamera, showing the new four-door "coupe" in all its oddly proportioned glory. The Dutch pub released the image and details on the sedan after Auto Motor und Sport supposedly broke the Monday embargo. More details will be released late Sunday night, but in the meantime, let's look at the reported specs.

The Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo is 16.3 feet long, 6.3 feet wide and 4.66 feet tall, with a wheelbase of 9.6 feet. Weight hasn't been disclosed, but its roughly two tons. The most striking detail on the profile shot is the indentations leading from the front fenders, aft of the wheels, into the doors, but the jury is still out on the Panamera's bulbous back end. The slippery shape and low profile gives the sedan a drag coefficient of 0.29, while an electronically actuated rear spoiler will keep things planted at speed.

An electronic air suspension is part of the package, along with an LSD, and power can be sent to either the rear wheels, or all four, depending on the trim level. Motivation will be provided by a range of engines, beginning with 3.6-liter V6 putting out 300 hp, and continuing upwards with the 400 hp, 4.8-liter V8 Panamera S and the Panamera Turbo, packing a twin-turbocharged version of the same bent eight putting out an estimated 500 hp. Power will be sent to Porsche's new PDK dual-clutch gearbox and although a diesel model has been ruled out, a V6-hybrid variant with 350 hp will come along at a later date.

Porsche aims to sell approximately 20,000 units of the Panamera each year, with the automaker estimating that 20% will be the range-topping Turbo model. The Panamera will only be available in S and Turbo guises at launch, with the V6 model following shortly thereafter. Once established, Porsche hopes demand will increase to 50,000 units annually, with sales beginning in the U.S., Europe and Asia next year. Thanks for the tip, Jelle!

UPDATE: More photos have surfaced.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo

[Source: AutoTelegraaf]

Porsche Panamera image and details leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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