2010 Porsche Panamera on Nurburgring

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=120494

The first time we saw the 2010 Porsche Panamera, it didn't seem much like a super sport sedan. Caught meandering through the German countryside, the prototype could barely outrun the Opels of the locals as the Porsche engineers tested various systems on their new four-door.

This time around, however, the Porsche Panamera was in the midst of a real workout when our spy shooters caught up with it at the Nürburgring. Wearing the same heavy camouflage as the first test mule, this prototype doesn't give us anything new to report in the styling department. It's not too hard to guess what this new front-engine, rear-drive sport sedan is going to look like, however, as its basic shape is obvious despite the plastic cladding. Expect the production version to have a slimmer tail section and a less pronounced rear wing, along with a nose that looks more like its 911 cousin.

Now that the revised Porsche Cayenne's specifications have been officially released, we know a little bit more about the V8 engines that will find their way into the Panamera. The two vehicles are expected to share the same range of power plants, although the Panamera V8s might get a few tweaks to boost their output slightly.

The base engine will be a normally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 with direct fuel injection and Porsche's Variocam Plus variable valve timing. It delivers 385 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in the Cayenne, so don't be surprised if the Panamera shows up with a nice even 400 hp to bolster its credibility against sedans like the Audi S8 and Maserati Quattroporte .

An even higher-spec V8 will come in the top-of-the-line Panamera Turbo. With a pair of turbochargers feeding the 4.8-liter V8, the Turbo should deliver at least 500 hp and 516 lb-ft or torque, if not slightly more. An entry-level V6 model is expected for Europe, but doubtful for the U.S. market. In true Porsche fashion, a manual gearbox will come standard with a dual-clutch sequential manual setup expected as an option.

As good as it all sounds, there's no reason to get too excited yet as production at Porsche's plant in Leipzig isn't scheduled to begin for another two years.

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[yoman2002]

i'm french, so sorry for the error. how many language you speak?

[GeneralHog]

Ok listen up. ITS GOT ITS CAMO ON! Camo is designed to look ugly, that way there is still hype over the car. Nor can anyone steal its cues.

[Tygearianus]

Ok you guys, lets just solve this. YES the Panamera is a pretty ugly car (not that Porsche is known for its great aesthetics). But it is INCREDIBLY fast for its size and yes it does sell very well. It was quite popular in California when I was down there this summer. Porsche will never pull out of the US because without the US buying Panameras and Cayennes, Porsche could never have produced the 918 or the GT3.

[mero40k]

omfg pwnt

[thing503]

lol killer, you're wrong, it was named the panamerica after the panamerican race HERE IN AMERICA. so it obviously does have something to do with is americans.

[puffrooster]

This is my next car!!

[Energonorama]

No it's a perfect example of how America HAS affected Porsche.

They already DO sell more Panameras and Cayennes in America than 911s. In fact that's where they're making their money because the Cayenne's their best seller in the US.

They've just spent a billion euros developing the Panamera, I don't think they're going to shoot themselves in both feet for no reason anytime soon.

Yes it's a purely European company, but one which now exports most of it's products to the USA.

[agsdude123]

Which is a perfect example of how America does not affect Porsche, due to the fact that both the Cayenne and Panamera are being phased out because of the total merger with VW (the Porsche Club magazine will tell you that). Its a perfect example that although they WOULD sell more Panamera's and Cayenne's in the American market, they are a purely European company, and are returning to their pure sports car heritage (thank god).

[Energonorama]

The USA is now Porsches biggest market by a factor of 2x. This car was built to satisfy Americans, that's why it's called Panamera, after the old Pan-American race.

You folks will happily pay for this car (perhaps due to the domestic competition) but most Europeans think it's ugly and a dilution of the brand.

[Lecksell]

kinda looks like an eclipse or 350z if you look at it

[doldei]

i loved your videos of your RSR on your profile ....