Autoblog

FAB Design makes the Ugliest. Panamera. Ever.

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Luxury

FAB Design Full Broadside Panamera -- Click above for high-res image gallery

It took us a while, but we have finally realized what's going on: tuning companies are overstocked with Butt Ugly. They didn't ration their supply properly, now they've got unused cases of Butt Ugly lying around, stinking up the place. That's why we've been assaulted with all these steaming piles lately -- because 2010 Butt Ugly will be shipping soon, so all this 2009 Butt Ugly has got to go go go!

And that's the best explanation we can come up with for this, the FAB Design Full Broadside Porsche Panamera. The "extrovert Wide Bodykit" is fashioned entirely from carbon fiber, not that it helps any. If we have anything nice to say, it's that we don't mind the wheels or three trapezoidal exhaust tips. Nor do we mind the upgraded engine doing 690 hp. But that wrapping... oh, the humanity...

FAB suggests this is what its customers want, saying that its tweaked Panamera is the first of its new FAB Exclusive line. Praise be it will be limited to 15 units. The press release is after the jump, and to those that can, have a look at the FAB Panamera from every angle in the gallery of high-res photos below. Hat tip to Johannes

Gallery: FAB Design Panamera: A Full Broadside

[Source: FAB Design]

Continue reading FAB Design makes the Ugliest. Panamera. Ever.

FAB Design makes the Ugliest. Panamera. Ever. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche cranks out 10,000th Panamera after just three months on sale

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

The Porsche Panamera has only been on sale in other parts of the world for three months now, but the automaker has already cranked out the 10,000th production example. The Panamera is built on the same production line as the Cayenne SUV at Porsche's Liepzig plant in northeastern Germany.

So far, Porsche has taken some 9,000 orders for the new five-door grand touring hatchback and it has yet to go on sale in the United States. Porsche is currently planning to build about 20,000 Panamera units annually at the Liepzig factory. The 10,000th car? A silver Turbo destined for Singapore.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche cranks out 10,000th Panamera after just three months on sale

Porsche cranks out 10,000th Panamera after just three months on sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Panamera Buyers, Start Packing: Porsche reportedly giving free luggage for late cars

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Porsche

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

The first Porsche Panameras are on their way to dealers as we speak, but the trek from Germany to the US is taking longer than expected due to a reported problem with the key software which is bring fixed at the ports. That leaves 195 expectant Panamera owners without their new German sports sedan for a little while longer, and Porsche thinks it has come up with a nice way to make up for its gaffe.

Autoweek reports that Porsche will give each of the 195 waiting Panamera owners a set of custom luggage for their troubles. And not just any luggage, either. The price tag for this custom Porsche-branded luggage set is reportedly $3,580, or more than many of us paid for our first car. And while we're sure the wait has been painful, it appears the agony will soon subside. A Porsche spokesman reportedly told AW that 72 Panameras have finally reached the dealer and the other 123 will arrive by November 30. Not exactly in time to show off the new Porsche at Thanksgiving, but if you're flying out of town for Christmas the Porsche luggage should come in handy.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: AutoWeek]

Panamera Buyers, Start Packing: Porsche reportedly giving free luggage for late cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seven new Porsche models reportedly due over next four years... could there be more?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Crossover, Porsche, Luxury

It doesn't seem that long ago that Porsche was a two-car company. But since then, the German automaker has come out with the Cayenne and the Panamera, taking it into new territory - for better or worse. Now that it's part of the Volkswagen Group, sources expect Porsche to begin expanding its lineup even more, and British rag Autocar has what they're calling a comprehensive outline for seven new models in the works at Stuttgart that will arrive over the course of the next four years.

Starting with next year, we should see V6 engines on offer in the Panamera, including gasoline and - in certain markets anyway - diesel-burning sixes. The same year should bring the new Cayenne, the third-generation model, with a more curvaceous body to look even more like a 911 on stilts.

Two years from now in 2011, we should be seeing a hybrid version of the Panamera coupling either a V6 or V8 engine to an electric motor for green propulsion. An all-new 911 is due by the summer of 2012, and is expected to be a significant departure from the existing model, both longer and wider with an all-new design - but don't expect the rear-engine set-up to go anywhere.

2013 could see the debut of the so-called Roxster, a baby brother to the Cayenne likely to share its platform with the Audi Q5, as well as the anticipated successor to the 928, based on the Panamera and arriving in both coupe and convertible body-styles. To Autocar's list we'll add the electric sportscar currently under development, the Boxster Spyder that we previewed earlier this morning, and the rumored RS Spyder-based supercar to succeed the departed Carrera GT, giving the Germans a more grandiose expansion plan than we've seen in over 60 years.

[Source: Autocar]

Seven new Porsche models reportedly due over next four years... could there be more? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche releases limited edition "Designed 4 Ambition" calendar

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Porsche, Design/Style

2010 Porsche calendars and diary -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche has released info and images on its three calendars and diary that will be happy to keep you company throughout 2010. Two of them are especially focused on the Panamera, because damn it, you're going to like that car whether you like it or not...

The Driver's Perspective calendar provides images of various models, highlighting the Panamera, and comes with a collector's coin "which shows the motto and the year." The Designed 4 Ambition Calendar was hatched by the designers at the Development Centre in Weissach and is focused on "extraordinary sporting performance and individual exclusivity," taking its subject as -- you guessed it -- the Panamera. It comes with a CD-ROM that also holds a short film and a screensaver, and there will only be 4,000 made.

Finally, the One of a Kind calendar take behind-the-scenes peeks at classic cars, like the Martini Racing car pictured above, of which only one was ever built. You can find out more about the calendars and the diary in the release after the jump, and check out some of the images in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Porsche 2010 Calendars

[Source: Porsche via Car Body Design]

Continue reading Porsche releases limited edition "Designed 4 Ambition" calendar

Porsche releases limited edition "Designed 4 Ambition" calendar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: More Porsche 928 noise

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche

The Brits at AutoExpress (essentially The Sun of car-related sites) have rendered Porsche's supposed 928 successor, and as expected, their report is rife with speculation, innuendo and conjecture.

According to AE, the big sports car would basically be a two-door Panamera positioned above the 911 because it hauls more luggage. Put another way, this reborn 928 would be an actual grand tourer and compete with the likes of other GTs. Think of it as a Ferrari 599 more than a 458 Italia. Naturally -- and with the big turbocharger not so naturally -- all of the Panamera's engine choices will be present. The range topper gets AWD just like the high end Panamera Turbo. And a hybrid powertrain using an Audi supercharged V6 and an electric motor will also be available. Hey -- why not?

One thing AutoExpress can't answer is what Porsche will call the car. 928 might seem nice and logical to us, but remember what Porsche has been doing since the Boxster -- using actual names. Boxster, Cayenne, Carrera GT, Cayman and lastly Panamera. So it goes to figure that only the 911 will be retaining it's numeric naming convention should a new car come to pass. We're going to go ahead and suggest Soldado, especially if they're sticking with the Spanish theme (Cayenne, Panamera). Again, hey, why not?

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: More Porsche 928 noise originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche to share platforms with VW, possibly 911

John Neff — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Porsche, Volkswagen

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Can you image a VW-badged Panamera? What about a 911-based product from Wolfsburg? It could happen according to Porsche CEO Michael Macht. Autocar reports that Macht says, "Porsche needs to become a strong pillar of VW," and part of that means sharing platforms and components. The two companies have been on a rocky collision course towards merging for years, and now that the deal is all but done, the business of identifying synergies between the two companies is on.

Porsche apparently is not worried about diluting its brand image by sharing platforms with VW, even if that includes the iconic 911. What they won't be sharing, however, is engines. Macht made it clear that "Engine development is a core value for Porsche." At the moment, the only Porsche model with an engine that wasn't developed in-house is the V6-powered Cayenne.

Putting aside your feelings about whether or not Porsche sharing its platforms with VW is a good idea, what are some positive results that can be imagined? A Panamera-based Phaeton? A 911-based Audi speedster? A Boxster-based production version of the VW Concept BlueSport?

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Porsche to share platforms with VW, possibly 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Panamera owners rewarded with USB drive shaped like... Panamera

John Neff — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Porsche, Humor, Luxury

Porsche Panamera USB drive - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're a hardcore Porschephile, then you're going to love this post, because it's about Porsche minutiae that no one else really cares about.

Turns out that if you bought a Panamera, you may have gotten an extra gift from Porsche (besides the car). A tipster sent in pics of a package he received that included a knick knack looking just like his Panamera key fob, which itself is shaped like a Panamera. Lo and behold, the doo-dad was not an extra key fob (that would've been nice) but a USB flash drive. We've got no info on what the drive's capacity is or if the thingamajiggy does anything else, but we suspect it's just a marketing gimmick that cost Porsche little in the grand scheme of things.

It got us thinking, though. Since so many keys today are actually keyless, wouldn't it be a great idea for a keyless key fob to actually be a USB flash drive? Not only could you store tunes on it, but such a device could interface with your car's electronics, carry updated maps for your nav system and keep a record of any warning codes. Sure, any old USB flash drive could potentially do these things, but combining one with the key you carry around at all times just makes good sense. We've seen this done before in concept cars, but for some reason the USB key hasn't crossed over into reality yet. Well, our idea is free of charge for automakers to use, so make it happen. The next one, however, will cost ya. Thanks for the tip, Brad!

Gallery: Porsche Panamera USB drive

Porsche Panamera owners rewarded with USB drive shaped like... Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Porsche ad claims Panamera doesn't fall far from the family tree

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:33:00 EST

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

Click above to view the video after the jump

At least two of us at Autoblog HQ are totally smitten by the Porsche Panamera, despite Stuttgart's decision to jack up the roof and graft a 911-like rump onto an otherwise attractive sedan. Design foibles aside, it goes like stink, comes with copious quantities of interior space and, by most accounts, drives better than nearly any sports sedan on the market. A proper Porsche then?

That's debatable, but Porsche is making the case in its new "Family Tree" TV spot showing all of Ferdinand's offspring scattering across the desert in a beautiful ballet of high-speed, four-wheeled choreography. The first five seconds is far and away the best part, particularly the slow-motion shot of the 718 RSK Spyder leaving a trail of sand and gravel in its wake. Make the jump to check out the 30-second spot and feel free to debate Porsche's "four door sports car" line in the comments below. We know you will...

UPDATE: Added the full, 60-second spot after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Porsche ad claims Panamera doesn't fall far from the family tree

VIDEO: Porsche ad claims Panamera doesn't fall far from the family tree originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:33:00 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 Convertible is coming soon

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

According to a recent report, Porsche will produce a Panamera Convertible. Now, it's not the hoped for four-door convertible. Rather, in the interest of keeping some semblance of chassis rigidity, Porsche is going with a two-door, four-seat convertible. Two doors will also help to keep the weight (ha ha) down. Besides the fact that lots of folks like convertibles, why is Porsche building this car? "We have a broad range of 14 derivatives of the 911 that are very successful," development chief Wolfgang Duerheimer told Automobilwoche. "So it stands to reason we should diversify the lineup for the Panamera as well."

Perhaps a little more interesting is what comes at the end of the article confirming Porsche's newest drop top. Since Volkswagen now owns Porsche, the Panamera platform could be used for other products. Imagine the next Bentley Continental GT being built off a Porsche chassis, instead of the one used for the Phaeton/A8. Or, potentially even better, the Lamborghini Estoque. Neat stuff. Says an unnamed VW board member, "The new Porsche (Panamera) offers the potential for synergies." We're 67% convinced that's good. But uh, as long as they're going two door, might we make a suggestion? 928! 928! 928!

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Porsche Panamera Convertible is coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lumma Design takes on the Porsche Panamera with the CLR 700GT

Noah Joseph — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Porsche

Lumma Design porsche Panamera CLR 700GT - Click above for image gallery

Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. And with the whole world beholding the new Porsche Panamera, the myriad tuning firms specializing in Zuffenhausen's finest have been lining up in an effort to give the new four-door a makeover. Following earlier mods released by Gemballa and 9ff, German tuning house Lumma Design has released its take on the Panamera.

Codified as the CLR 700GT, Lumma's Panamera packs a widebody kit with a new front end, engorged wheel arches housing 22-inch rims and upgraded brakes riding on a suspension dropped by 1.38 inches, and joined by sills that look like they could hold a small reference library. Around back there's a big ol' carbon fiber rear wing and a revised rear bumper with aerodynamic diffuser and quad tailpipes. Underneath the slatted carbon fiber hood Lumma is said to have cranked out an eponymous 700 metric horsepower. Together with the trio of renderings in the gallery below, that's all the details available for the time being. Whether Lumma's latest is an improvement on the original or comes closer to slapping Maybelline on a hog is, of course, entirely a matter of opinion, and we invite you to express yours in our comments section below.

Gallery: Lumma Design Porsche Panamera CLR 700GT

[Source: Lumma Design via WCF]

Lumma Design takes on the Porsche Panamera with the CLR 700GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Panamera already going to fleets, rent one from Avis in Germany

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Porsche

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

Aside from four primary entry portals and four wheels, Porsche's new Panamera certainly doesn't have much in common with the Ford Taurus of earlier this decade. However, like the former queen of U.S. rental fleets, Porsche's latest will soon be available for visitors to Germany to sample. Avis locations throughout the fatherland will be offering the Panamera for hire starting October 1st. Both of the normally aspirated versions, the S and 4S, will be on hand at major airports and inner city outlets.

The rental rates will start at a surprisingly reasonable €189 per day from Monday to Thursday. If, on the other hand, you plan to hit the autobahn for a weekend getaway, the tariff goes up to a more Porsche typical €567. No word on whether the rental agreement explicitly prohibits visits to a certain race track in the Eiffel mountains...

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche Panamera already going to fleets, rent one from Avis in Germany

Porsche Panamera already going to fleets, rent one from Avis in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:58:00 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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REPORT: Share and share alike, Panamera platform may get used elsewhere in VW group

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:13:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Volkswagen

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

With the addition of Porsche, the Volkswagen Group now has ten brands in its stable. Over the last decade, VW has become pretty adept at sharing platforms and hardware. Porsche and the rest of the group already share an SUV platform between the Cayenne, Touareg and Q7, and the factory-fresh Panamera four-door could be next. VW executives have already indicated that the Panamera is unlikely to live past the first-generation model as a Porsche. That said, like the previous generation Audi A4 that lives on as the Seat Exeo, the Panamera could see new life in the Bentley, Audi, Bugatti or (however unlikely) Lamborghini ranges.

If Bugatti is to survive beyond the Veyron, it needs new product and a sedan based on the Panamera would likely make more sense than the Porsche. Bentley reportedly favors an aluminum Audi platform to replace the steel Phaeton underpinnings of the Continental range, so the winged B may be out of the picture. An Audi is also unlikely for the same reason, since the two-ton Panamera is made of steel. With so many possibilies, it'll be interesting to see how Porsche evolves over the next decade.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Share and share alike, Panamera platform may get used elsewhere in VW group originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If the Porsche Panamera were a wagon, would it be any sweeter?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Porsche, Design/Style

Last week, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn reportedly mooted three new Porsches to fill out the line: something beneath the Boxster, a "baby Cayenne," and a Panamera variant. When it comes to that last model, the consensus among Autoblog commenters seems to be "Give us a new 928 or 944!"

But what if instead of a coupe, we were to get a Panamera wagon? A forum member over at Teamspeed has Photoshopped what such at thing would look like, and the results are... well, have a look and decide for yourself. It would be roomy and it would most likely sell (overseas, at least), yet even though it's not the worst looker, we'd still prefer a new 928 GTS.

[Source: Theophilus Chin]

If the Porsche Panamera were a wagon, would it be any sweeter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panamera Pandemonium: Gemballa releases more details on Mistrale

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Porsche

Gemballa Mistrale - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hot on the heels of the 9ff-tuned Porsche Panamera comes more news from arch-rival tuning house Gemballa on its own four-door custom creation. Called the Mistrale, Gemballa dropped some hints and photos just a week ago, but has now confirmed some of the juicy details that will set its version of Ferdinand's family sedan apart.

While Gemballa hasn't revealed the specifics of how it gets power up (aside from mentioning a new exhaust), it has announced that output is up to 750 horsepower, thereby trumping the top-spec 9ff by a good hundred equines.

The extra power is kept in check by 420mm discs up front, gripped by six-pot calipers, and 380mm with four-pot pistons in the back, poking out from behind Gemballa's own 22-inch forged alloys, and riding on a custom air suspension lowered by 40mm. And as we already know, the Mistrale comes with a bespoke aero kit with bits of carbon fiber all over and extra cooling for the engine and brakes. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Gemballa Mistrale

[Source: Gemballa]

Continue reading Panamera Pandemonium: Gemballa releases more details on Mistrale

Panamera Pandemonium: Gemballa releases more details on Mistrale originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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