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| 2009 Porsche Panamera - Preview |
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By Charlie Romero
Publisher
(August 2, 2005)
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After the raging success that is the Cayenne--nearly half of Porsche sales now go to the SUV--we can't blame Porsche for moving to expand its lineup even further. Now, after the more conventional Cayman coupe, the official word is finally out that the boys in Stuttgart are planning a fourth distinct model line--the four-door Panamera. After the outcry raised over the brand's decision to market a truck back in 2003, public reaction to this model seems much more accepting--perhaps as a result of the beautiful lines exhibited in the preliminary design sketch released by the renowned sports-car manufacturer. Looking much like a stretched 911, we expect the actual car to be unveiled at Frankfurt's International Auto Show in September; spy photos have been released but do not reveal much beyond the initial sketch.
Described as the spiritual successor to the much-loved 928, the Panamera will likely use V8 power exclusively. We expect the engine options to mirror those of the Cayenne, including normally-aspirated and turbocharged motors making at least 340 and 450 horses respectively.
Much like Mercedes' new CLS "four-door coupe," the Panamera has the silhouette of a sleek two-door, but promises four full doors and space for as many adult passengers. The Panamera will be built by Porsche in a more in-house production process than is used with the Cayenne (sister to VW's Touareg). Expected to be in production by 2009, the sedan should provide another healthy boost to Porsche sales--they expect to sell as many as 20,000 annually. Porsche has hinted at pricing in the $125,000 to $175,000 range.
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