The Porsche Panamera is a mid- to full-sized luxury car (E-segment or F-segment for LWB in Europe) manufactured and marketed by German automobile manufacturer Porsche.[1][2][3] It currently spans across three generations, using a front-engine and rear- or all-wheel drive configuration.
The Panamera debuted at the 13th Auto Shanghai International Automobile Show in April 2009,[4] later launching hybrid and diesel versions in 2011. In April 2013, the company introduced a facelifted model, again at the Shanghai Auto Show,[5] followed by the US introduction of a plug-in hybrid version, the Panamera S E-Hybrid, in November 2013. Porsche launched the second-generation Panamera in 2016, and in November 2023, the third generation was introduced.
The Panamera name, as with the Carrera name, is derived from the Carrera Panamericana race.
Concept
As a front-engine, full-sized, four-passenger, four-door luxury hatchback weighing nearly 4000 lb, the Panamera runs contrary to the company's historically lightweight two-door, rear-engine sports cars, notably the 911. Though the Panamera's shape and profile resemble the 911,[6] where the 911 has a tight, performance-focused interior, the Panamera features commodious dimensions with technological, luxury-oriented amenities.[7][8]
Production
Engines are first assembled in Stuttgart, and the car's body is built, painted, and assembled in Leipzig, Germany, alongside the Cayenne (until 2017) and Macan.[9] From 2009 to 2016, the bodies were built at the Volkswagen Group facility in Hannover.[10]
Production began in April 2009, one month after its debut in the Shanghai motor show in China.[11]
First generation (970 Chassis G1; 2009)
The V8-powered Panamera S, 4S, and Turbo models were the first versions that debuted in 2009. In addition to the 4.8L Twin Turbo 500 PS V8 powered models, Porsche launched two further models in 2010: the Panamera and Panamera 4 which are both powered by 3.6-litre V6 engines producing 300 PS.
Being derived from the V8 engine of the Panamera S and Panamera 4S, the V6 retains the V8's technologies like Direct Fuel Injection, infinitely variable intake camshaft adjustment with variable valve lift (VarioCam Plus), an on-demand oil pump, water cooling with thermal management, a variable intake manifold, as well as integrated dry sump lubrication with two-stage extraction of oil, and an Auto Start-Stop function (only with the PDK transmission).[17] Turbo version uses active aerodynamics with a multi-stage, adjustable rear spoiler.[18] Optional Sports Chrono Packages include a Sport Plus button, which has tighter damping and air springs, and lowers the car's body by 25 mm.[19]
In 2011, the Panamera S Hybrid,[20]
Second generation (971 Chassis G2; 2016)
The second generation Panamera was revealed on 28 June 2016 at a special event in Berlin, Germany. Codenamed 971,[53] it is 35 mm longer, 5 mm wider and 5 mm taller than the first generation Panamera, with a 30 mm longer wheelbase. The interior features a redesigned dashboard layout, with touch-sensitive surfaces replacing the previous generation's array of buttons. A centrally mounted tachometer also harks back to the 1955 Porsche 356 A.
The second generation includes two seven-inch displays in place of the dials, as well as a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring online sat-nav, Apple CarPlay integration and an updated voice control system. Under the bonnet is a new engine range, with only the Panamera 4S, 4S Diesel and flagship Turbo[54] available from launch.[55]
In March 2017, Porsche unveiled the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid for the 2018 model year. The Turbo S E-Hybrid received the 4.0 L V8 engine from the Panamera Turbo, but is also be paired with an electric motor. Total system power is 680 PS, which makes it the third most powerful Porsche ever, after the 918 Spyder
Third generation (976 Chassis G3; 2024)
The third generation of the Panamera was officially presented on 24 November 2023,[64][65] with Porsche providing details for the mid-range Panamera 4 and Turbo E-Hybrid models; details on the Turbo S E-Hybrid and GTS models are expected to be available later. Eventually, Porsche will offer four different E-Hybrid powertrain options.[66]
Exterior design
Compared to the second generation, the third generation has a small frontal air inlet above the license plate bracket; other styling changes were characterized as "incremental". The Sport Turismo shooting brake body has been dropped.[67]
Engines
Reception
Despite the differences in dimensions and design, a reviewer noted that the Panamera's driving dynamics were close to that of the 911, and it "seems to occupy the no-man's-land between really good sports sedans and proper sports cars", and so far the Panamera has won some comparison tests against other four-door performance cars on the market such as the Maserati Quattroporte and Aston Martin Rapide.[74][75] Function was also praised, with the 15.7 cuft hatchback trunk, and the four-corner adaptive air suspension that retained superior handling while also providing a comfortable ride for public roads.
Unlike most V8-engined contemporaries, all models of the Panamera avoid the US Gas Guzzler Tax. The V6-powered Panamera was also praised, as its smaller engine still retained respectable acceleration,[76] and as it had improved handling over its V8 siblings, due to the engine being lighter by 100 lb which gave the car better weight distribution.[77]
Sales
As of 2011, the largest national market was the United States with 6188 sold.[80] Sales by cities: Los Angeles (890), New York (760), Hong Kong (300), Dubai (285), Tokyo (223), Munich (206), Moscow (203), Shanghai (188), Hamburg (117) and Berlin (108).[81] Sales internationally by model variant: Panamera 4S (9394), Turbo (6171), S (4563) and V6 (2390—introduced weeks earlier).[80]
In 2012, U.S. sales of the Panamera totaled 7614 and Canadian sales of the Panamera totaled 422.[82] In 2017, most of the Panameras sold in Northern Europe were hybrids.[83]
Publicity
On 20 April 2007, a spy video of the Porsche Panamera became available on the Internet.[87]
In September 2008, Porsche released the first teaser image for the Panamera.[88] In early October 2008, an undisguised Panamera was captured on film in Busan, South Korea.[89]
On 28 November 2008, Porsche sent a mailer containing two photos of the Panamera which were labeled as "the first official images of the Porsche Panamera" with an invitation to have online access to Porsche USA's website.[90]
On 19 April 2009, Porsche finally unveiled the Porsche Panamera sedan to the public at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show.[91] One of the highlights of the Panamera's debut was fitting the car in the freight elevator of the
External links
- Porsche Panamera official microsite
- 2010 Porsche Panamera article at LeftLaneNews.com
- "The most expensive Panamera almost tops 200,000 Euros"—Porsche Panamera article at AutoEvolution.com
References
- Ron Kiino. First Test: 2010 Porsche Panamera S: If Looks Could Ill Motor Trend, Source Interlink Media, October 2009^
- Richard Hammond. Porsche ready new Panamera saloon Mirror Motoring, 2009-03-20^
- First Drives » First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera