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.




[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Porsche Panamera

Nearly two dozen more photos of the Porsche Panamera have emerged following the first official pics that arrived late last week. The latest images show a rear-wheel-drive, 400-hp 4.8-liter Panamera S (in graphite), an all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S with optional PCCB ceramic brakes (in blue) and the 500-hp Panamera Turbo (in silver). We'll assume the Panamera Turbo, like the current 911 Turbo, will also be fitted with permanent AWD. The adaptive HID headlights, LED tail lamps and four bucket seats are also clearly visible in the photography. We are also catching glimpses of an optional roof rack, fitted luggage and the Turbo's trick rear spoiler. It appears that the floodgates have apparently opened on the Porsche Panamera -- of course, we'll keep adding images to our gallery as they arrive.

[Source: Carscoop]

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.


[Source: AutoTelegraaf]