In another one of Top Gear’s awkward challenges this past weekend, James May and Richard Hammond pinned the 2010 Porsche Panamera against her majesty’s postal service.

Hammond and May’s choice of Panamera? The cheapest of all the Porsche’s sedans – the Panamera S – powered by a 4.4L V8 making 394-hp. Top speed comes in at 176 mph.

Check out the two part video after the jump.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

2010 Porsche Panamera vs. Postal Service (Part 1):

2010 Porsche Panamera vs. Postal Service (Part 2):

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Omar Rana

Porsche and Nissan have been going at each other for a while now claiming to have beaten each other at Nurburgring Nordschleife lap times. In the latest development, the Nissan GT-R recently lapped Green Hell in 7:26.7. Nonetheless, that’s still a bit slower than the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s 7:26.4.

General Motors is also the proud holder of the title of having the fastest sedan go around Nordschleife with the Cadillac CTS-V completing the lap in 7:59. However, according to reports coming out of Germany, the new 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo has taken the title from Cadillac.

It is reported that the new four-door Panamera Turbo recently lapped the 12.9 mile circuit in just 7:56. Porsche has yet to make an official confirmation so take this one with a grain of salt.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo carries a 4.8L turbocharged V8 making 500-hp with a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft. That allows the four-door Porsche to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds in Sports Chrono mode with a top speed of 188 mph.

2010 Porsche Panamera

- By: Omar Rana

Source: TopSpeed

Jaguar’s new 2010 XJ will make its U.S. debut along side the Porsche Panamera at the 2009 Pebble Beach Conours d’Elegance, which runs until August 16. Sources told AutoWeek that most of the design features on the XJ are taken from the C-XF concept. Insiders said that the XJ face will feature Jaguar’s square grille and a curvy body with a coupe-like rear window.

Either way, we’ll get to see the XJ during a live event on July 9, which we’ll try to get embedded here live.

The 2010 Porsche Panamera will go on sale in the U.S. in October. The 2010 Jaguar XJ will arrive in early 2010.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoWeek

During the Porsche PDK dual-clutch 7-speed transmission event, we asked Porsche when we’ll get a chance to get behind the wheel of the 2010 Panamera. They  told us that there isn’t even one Panamera in the U.S. and the media event will be held sometime in October. Now that’s a while away – so for now, enjoy a first-drive of the 2010 Porsche Panamera by AutoCar.

They are driving the 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo, which is powered by a 500-hp V8 twin-turbocharged engine with prices starting at a staggering$132,600.

Click through for the video.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoCar

Porsche announced that it has started production of the 2010 Porsche Panamera at its Leipzig plant. After undergoing a 22,000 square meter expansion over two years, Porsche is building the Panamera sedan and the Cayenne SUV on the same product line.

During the past 8 months, plant tours were shut down due to construction. Porsche said that effective immediately, visitors may come in experience the production of the Panamera as it rolls off the line.

The tours are approximately two-hours long and free of charge.

Click through for the press release.

Porsche Panamera Leipzig Production Line:

Press Release:

Sports Car Manufacturer reopens the Leipzig Plant to Visitors

Experience the new Porsche Panamera up close and personal

Stuttgart/Leipzig. In the Leipzig plant of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, the production of the new Panamera has started. On April 19, it was presented to the global public in Shanghai for the first time. The car will be launched in September starting with some European markets. Porsche is manufacturing the four-door Gran Turismo together with the successful sporty Cayenne SUV on one product line. For this, the Leipzig plant has undergone a 22,000 square meter expansion over the course of two years. The state-of the-art production and logistics concept was also refined further during this time.

No plant tours were possible during the past eight months due to the construction. Effective immediately, visitors may again experience production up close and personal and have the chance to see the first Panamera vehicles roll off the assembly line in Saxony. The approximately two-hour tours are free of charge, they can also be booked in connection with pilot and co-pilot offers, where participants have the chance to experience the Porsche driving features with a sporty Cayenne SUV on the racetrack or on the off-road premises.

Further information, all key dates and the possibility to book online are provided around the clock under the internet address www.porsche-leipzig.com.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Porsche’s development chief Wolfgang Durheimer says that the sports car manufacturer sees a lot of potential with the Panamera platform. Already in the works is a convertible version of Porsche’s latest addition.

The Panamera convertible will not only lose its roof, but will also lose two doors. It will come with a fabric canopy roof. Powertrain lineup is expected to be carried over from the four-door Panamera sedan so you can expect a 400-hp Panamera S Cabriolet and a 500-hp Panamera Turbo Cabriolet. 

In an interview with auto motor und sport, Durheimer confirmed that Porsche will also offer an option for a  300-hp V6 in the Panamera lineup. He said that before the Panamera Cabriolet hits the roads, Porsche will concentrate on getting the Panamera Hybrid and the V6 Panamera to the market.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: auto moto und sport

Our favorite automotive artist, Jon Sibal, has come up with a rendering of a tuning package for the 2010 Porsche Panamera inspired by TechArt, a German tuning firm that focuses on Porsche vehicles.

The front bumper of this Panamera is inspired by the TechArt GT Street R line for the Porsche 911 turbo while the side skirts are Sibal’s own design. Sibal also added chrome trims to the headlight surrounds with blacked out window trims and carbon fiber mirror housings.

Sibal says he contacted TechArt who loved his work and said it was very similar to what they had come up with in house.

Photo Rendering: TechArt inspired Porsche Panamera by Jon Sibal:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Jon Sibal

The 2010 Porsche Panamera will go on sale in the U.S. later this summer so it’s only right for Porsche to launch a configurator, allowing those interested to customize their own four-door Porsche.

The U.S. will get three different trim levels including the $89,8000 Panamera S, which will be available with 400-hp and rear-wheel-drive. If you’re looking for all-wheel-drive, you can move up a level to the $93,800 Panamera 4S.

For those of you looking to go harder and faster can opt for the $132,600 Panamera Turbo, which will feature a twin-turbocharged 500-hp engine mated to an all-wheel-drive system.

Click here to visit the Porsche Panamera configurator.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

The night before its debut at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show, the 2010 Porsche Panamera was sitting on the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center for a media event.

So how did Porsche get the Panamera to the 94th floor? They took the elevator. The 5-meter long Porsche was packed upright into a service elevator using a ramp and some manpower. After flying up 94 floors, the Panamera made it to its special event to what is known as the world’s highest event stage.

You can check out our original Panamera post for all the details on the four-door Porsche.

Click through for more pictures.

Porsche Panamera takes the elevator up 94 floors:

- By: Kap Shah

So you’ve seen many press photos of the 2010 Porsche Panamera. Well, now the Panamera has made its first auto show premiere and we have all the live shots for you to drool (or get disgusted over – depending on how you feel about Porsche’s four-door).

Sales of the 2010 Porsche Panamera will begin Oct 17, 2009. To read more about the powertrain lineup click here. Otherwise head over after the jump to view the high-res images.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Shanghai: 2010 Porsche Panamera:

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

While we spend most of our time with our families on Sunday, we had to take a break for the 2009 Auto Shanghai Show where Porsche has officially unveiled the 2010 Porsche Panamera for the first time at an auto show.

If you’ve been following the Panamera for a while, then you already that the fourth-model in Porsche’s lineup will come to the U.S. in three different versions. The base model, the $89,8000 Panamera S, will be available with 400-hp and rear-wheel-drive. Those who need all-wheel-drive can move up a level with the $93,800 Panamera 4S. Of course, for those of you who need more power can go for the $132,600 Panamera Turbo which will feature a twin-turbocharged 500-hp engine mated to an all-wheel-drive system. All 2010 Porsche Panamera models features Porsche’s auto engine start/stop technology and a 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox.

Sales will begin on Oct. 17, 2009.

Click through for the videos, high-res image gallery and the press release.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

2010 Porsche Panamera Promotional Video:

2010 Porsche Panamera (2009 Auto Shanghai):

Press Release:

Shanghai gets ready for Porsche’s first built-from-the-ground-up sports car for four

ATLANTA – April 8, 2009 —- The anticipation continues to mount as Porsche fast forwards to the future and reveals its 2010 Panamera Gran Turismo to the public at the official world debut in Shanghai less than two weeks from today. The next chapter of the Porsche story will be written at 11:30 am on April 20, 2009 at Porsche’s Auto Shanghai exhibit in China, an important emerging market for the company.

“The Panamera will thrill aficionados of exclusive, sporting cars the world over,” said Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche’s president and chief executive officer, adding that through this presentation in Shanghai Porsche is sending a powerful message to the whole world. At the same time, it is demonstrating its strong commitment to and belief in the up-and-coming Asian markets. “This is a clear signal that we count on these markets and have full confidence in their future economic potential,” Wiedeking said.

The Panamera will be Porsche’s fourth model line, joining the 911, Boxster/Cayman and Cayenne model series. It is an all-new front-engine performance car offering both dynamic driving abilities and a very high level of comfort for four. Initially offered in three versions – the 400-horsepower two-wheel drive Panamera S and all-wheel drive Panamera 4S, and the 500-horsepower, twin-turbocharged all-wheel drive Panamera Turbo – the new Panamera will provide Porsche performance and quality, and adding a level of comfort that has been absent among high-performance cars until now. Equally important, fuel efficiency is not sacrificed thanks to innovative technologies like direct fuel injection (DFI), an auto engine start/stop system, and a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox.

The Panamera goes on sale at authorized U.S. Porsche dealers on Oct. 17, 2009. The manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Panamera S is $89,800, while the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo retails for $93,800 and $132,600, respectively.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche sports cars and sport utility vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 202 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 60-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world’s most successful marque in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles and soon the Panamera gran turismo for the United States, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.

- By: Omar Rana

Porsche today announced that it will hold the world premier of the 2010 Panamera at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show on April 19. The Stuttgart sports car manufacturer also revealed a few more technical details of the Panamera.

Porsche said that some of the innovative technologies in the 2010 Panamera feature the “first automatic engine start/stop feature used with an automatically shifting double-clutch transmission, air suspension with additional air volume on demand, and on the Panamera Turbo active aerodynamics with a multi-stage, adjustable rear spoiler that deploys when needed.”

You can check out all the technical details in the press release pasted after the jump.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

Press Release:

Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function Among Several New Technologies to be Featured on Porsche’s Upcoming Four-Seat Gran Turismo

ATLANTA – March 18, 2009 —- As the moment draws near when the Porsche Panamera makes its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 19, 2009, the Stuttgart, Germany based auto manufacturer reveals a few more technical details to whet the appetites of those in search of the emotional and driving character of a sports car coupled with the high luxury and interior comfort of a performance sedan in one unique vehicle that is still instantly recognized as a Porsche.

When it goes on sale in the United States on Oct. 17, 2009, the Panamera will showcase some innovative technologies. These include the first automatic engine start/stop feature used with an automatically shifting double-clutch transmission, air suspension with additional air volume on demand, and on the Panamera Turbo active aerodynamics with a multi-stage, adjustable rear spoiler that deploys when needed.

With the Panamera, Porsche’s fourth model line, customers will see an unprecedented vehicle concept – a four-seat gran turismo offering both dynamic performance and superior elegance all in one. While competing with well-established models in the premium class, the Panamera carves a new niche in terms of performance, driving dynamics and efficiency. This is familiar ground as efficient, high-performance engines, lightweight engineering and optimized aerodynamics have been Porsche core competencies throughout its 60-year history both on and off the race circuits.

Maximum performance and efficiency

The Panamera is the first premium car with an automatically shifting double-clutch transmission to feature an engine start/stop system that saves fuel and reduces emissions by turning the engine off when it is not needed, such as sitting at a stop light, for example. All engines have advanced and fuel-efficient Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), as well. In addition to consistently reducing friction in their engines, Porsche further enhanced the engines with innovations such as map-controlled coolant/temperature management and ancillary units with enhanced efficiency.

The Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox, standard on all U.S. Panamera models and a first in this market segment, also enhances both fuel economy and performance. Being more efficient than a conventional automatic transmission, the PDK gearbox can save even more fuel through its long, overdrive-like top gear. It offers outstanding performance with typical Porsche driving dynamics through ultra-fast gearshifts without the slightest interruption of engine power.

In conjunction with other specific improvements enhancing overall efficiency, including tires with minimal rolling resistance and disc brakes with residual brake forces reduced to a minimum, the Panamera S consumes just 10.8 liters/100 kilometers (equal to 26.2 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available).

Chassis and suspension: driving dynamics and comfort all in one

The Panamera chassis and suspension is not a compromise between sporting performance and superior comfort, but rather a combination of the two. In its basic setting it offers a very high level of driving comfort, yet at a touch of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) button, it turns into a thoroughbred sports suspension.

Another highlight is the adaptive air suspension that can provide extra air volume on demand. An absolute innovation in automotive technology, it offers an even greater variation of sporting and comfort features and is standard on the Panamera Turbo and optional on the other models.

Driving dynamics and comfort may be further enhanced on all models through the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system available in combination with a fully controlled rear axle differential.

Through the Sport Plus button, the optional Sports Chrono Packages enable the driver to choose at the touch of a button the high-performance configurations for the drivetrain and suspension systems, including Porsche Traction Management (PTM ) with its fully-controlled all-wheel drive. PTM is standard on both the Panamera 4S and the Panamera Turbo.

Body: light and functional

The body is the synthesis of lightweight technology typical of a sports car, superior comfort, generous spaciousness, and efficient aerodynamics.

The most advanced production methods and materials are used on the Panamera body. These include all kinds of steel grades, light alloys such as aluminum and magnesium, as well as plastics. The lightweight doors feature a load-bearing structure made of laser-treated pressure-cast aluminum, an aluminum outer skin and door window frames made of thin-walled pressure-cast magnesium. Thanks to this intelligent lightweight structure, the Panamera S, for example, weighs just 1,800 kg, or a just over 3,990 lbs.

The rear seats set new standards in the luxury performance class in terms of both comfort and variability. Perfectly contoured as single seats, they offer maximum comfort also at the rear through their wide range of electrical adjustment and seat climate functions and the headrests integrated into the seats.

The Panamera also comes with a highly functional, variable luggage compartment. The rear seat backrests tilt forward individually, providing up to 44.6 cubic feet or 1,263 liters of luggage capacity.

The visible highlight of the overall aerodynamic package is the active four-way rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo. Through its efficient management of control angles and surface geometry geared to driving conditions, the rear spoiler optimizes both the car’s aerodynamics and performance.

Acoustics: sporting sound and superior touring comfort

Porsche’s development engineers have successfully achieved a perfect balance of sound of the exhaust system, the air intake, the engine, and the car’s aerodynamic acoustics. The result gives the Panamera a harmonious, characteristic sound pattern, bringing together seemingly contradictory requirements.

At a very early point in the development process, for example, Porsche engineers analyzed aerodynamic acoustics on a clay model right from the start, achieving further optimization by way of numerous technical improvements with specific, individual effects. The result is a truly low level of noise within the interior and most appropriate for the luxury performance segment. But at the same time the typical powerful Porsche sound comes out clearly when accelerating, giving the Panamera a wide range of sound, from discreet modesty while cruising all the way to powerful emotion whenever the driver wishes to experience a sporting style of motoring.

Using both new and proven technologies, Porsche’s engineers in Weissach while developing the Panamera have succeeded in intelligently solving all conflicts of interest. The result is a car with a wide range of features most appropriate for such an outstanding gran turismo: the engines are powerful and dynamic, efficient and clean. The Panamera combines comfortable touring characteristics with sports motoring so typical of Porsche. And despite the car’s dynamic proportions and coupe-like silhouette, the interior, apart from lots of space and superior comfort, also offers outstanding function and variability.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche sports cars and sport utility vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 201 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 60-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world’s most successful marque in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles and soon the Panamera gran turismo for the United States, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Usually when German automakers release pricing information on a new model they released it for the European market first followed by the U.S. market. However, in the case of the 2010 Porsche Panamera, the Stuttgart based sports car maker decided to release U.S. pricing for the Panamera first.

Porsche has just release pricing details for the European market. The 2010 Porsche Panamera will start at £72,266 for the Panamera S, £77,269 for the Panamera 4S and £95,298 for the Panamera Turbo. Porsche’s hard to pronounce 7-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission is available for £2,289.

Visit the Porsche Panamera’s Buzz Garage page to learn more about the 4-door Porsche.

Click through for the full Euro-spec pricing details and the press release.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

Press Release:

Porsche confirms pricing for new Panamera Gran Turismo

Porsche has confirmed UK prices for its forthcoming four seat Panamera gran turismo, which goes on sale on 12 September 2009. The four door performance car will be priced from £72,266 for the Panamera S, £77,269 for the Panamera 4S and £95,298 for the top of the range Panamera Turbo.

The Porsche Panamera will be available with powerful and efficient V8 power units, the choice of rear or four-wheel drive, and an interior design with a uniquely luxurious and high technology ambience.

The rear-wheel drive Porsche Panamera S is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission is available as an option for £2,289. The Panamera 4S and Turbo have four-wheel drive and feature the PDK gearbox as standard. The active all-wheel drive system is controlled by Porsche Traction Management (PTM) via a multi-plate clutch that adjusts the engine power distribution between the front and rear axles for increased grip and agility.

The Porsche Panamera offers a unique symbiosis of sporting performance and sheer luxury. Every model offers a full leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, and a Bluetooth telephone module – complete with cordless handset for use by rear seat passengers.

The heated front seats fitted as standard in the Panamera S and 4S are of a sporting style, and can be adjusted electrically in eight different directions for optimum comfort. Adaptive sports seats with higher side bolsters are available as an option across the range.

Standard on all Panamera models is the ‘Sport’ button, which increases throttle pedal responsiveness, selects the ‘Sport’ suspension setting on the PASM, and the shift patterns of the PDK transmission, where fitted. Offered in combination with PDK is the new Porsche Auto Start/Stop function. This automatically switches off and restarts the engine when stationary to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions – for example, at traffic lights or in congestion.

The Panamera S and 4S have 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with a choice of 19-inch and 20-inch alternatives available. The Panamera Turbo rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. As is typical of a Porsche, the braking system of the Panamera is designed to deliver a high level of stopping power. However, similar to all other Porsche models, the race-proven and highly efficient Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) option is also offered for the Panamera.

Additional features on the Panamera Turbo include PASM with an adaptive air suspension function that actively adjusts the ride height, BOSE® Surround Sound audio system with 14 speakers, metallic paint, multi-function steering wheel, heated rear seats and rear side airbags. Also, the 14-way electric front seat adjustment has a Comfort Memory Package for the various seat positions and the electrically adjustable steering column.

The Panamera offers comprehensive levels of active and passive safety across the range. In addition to Porsche Stability Management (PSM), there are driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbags as well as – on the front seats – side and knee airbags, each ensuring maximum protection as standard features in the event of an accident. Rear seat side airbags are available as an option on the Panamera S and 4S.

A luxurious journey is guaranteed in any of the four seats in the Panamera but, for passengers in the rear, the option of electrically adjustable backrests, cushion length and lumbar support raises the standard further still. It is also possible to specify rear seat ventilation, and a comprehensive rear interior illumination package with high power reading lights.

For customers seeking the ultimate in-car audio experience, the Panamera is the first Porsche to offer the option of a High-End Surround Sound System from Burmester®, the renowned Berlin audio specialist. A total of 16 loudspeakers masterminded by 16 amplifier channels with an overall output of more than 1,000 watts provide a unique sound, complemented by an active subwoofer together with a 300 W Class D amplifier.

The superior, yet practical, driving qualities of the Panamera are borne out clearly by the luggage compartment. Opening the rear lid reveals a load capacity of 445 litres (15.6 cu ft) in the Panamera S and 4S. Maximum stowage in the Panamera Turbo is 432 litres or (15.1 cu ft). With the rear seat back rests folded, luggage capacity in all models increases to an ample 1,250 litres or 43.8 cu ft.

Every Panamera has the assurance of a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the new Porsche Driving Experience Centre, Silverstone.

Yesterday, Porsche released interior images of the 2010 Panamera. In its U.S. spec press release, Porsche also revealed U.S. pricing details of the new Panamera which will go on sale with three model variants on Oct. 17, 2009.

Pricing will start at $89,800 for the Panamera S which carries a 4.8L V8 that produces 400-hp. 0 to 60 mph on the Panamera S comes in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 175 mph. Moving up a notch, buyers can go for the all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S which starts at $93,800 and carries the same 4.8L V8. 0 to 60 for the all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S comes in 4.8 seconds.

The range-topping model in the U.S. will be the $132,600 Porsche Panamera Turbo with a 4.8L twin-turbocharged V8. With 500-hp under the hood, the Panamera Turbo can go from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds flat with a top speed of 188 mph.

Standard and optional features will be announced closer to launch date.

Click through for the high-res gallery and the press release.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

Press Release:

Photos Highlight the All-New Gran Turismo’s ‘Cockpit for Four’ Concept

ATLANTA – February 12, 2009 —- Today, Porsche AG for the first time presents its Panamera four-door gran turismo interior concept. The much-anticipated addition to Porsche’s performance lineup will make its U.S. market debut on Oct. 17, 2009.

With a continuous center console that extends from the dashboard to the rear seating area, the Panamera offers a new spatial concept for the driver and passengers featuring optimal ergonomic seating with individual cockpit-like spaces for all. Its deep seating position and a sport steering wheel help give the driver and passengers direct contact with the road. At the same time it provides a generous, roomy environment with exceptional leg and head room, unique qualities in a sporting machine yet essential for grand touring. This individual seating allows for optimum passive safety.

Porsche will provide countless opportunities for individual interior customization with 13 color and material combinations including four two-tone leather interiors and seven interior trim options including carbon fiber to Natural Olive wood.

An available four-zone climate control system gives each seating area individual control of functions such as temperature, air distribution and venting direction. In the unfortunate event of an accident, front, side and curtain airbags help protect the front occupants, while standard rear side airbags help protect those in back. The Panamera S and Panamera 4S feature eight-way power seats in front with a driver memory package. In the rear are two individual seats with a folding rear console and plenty of room. The Panamera Turbo has power seats with a memory package for not only the seat functions but also the electronically adjustable steering wheel. Further seating customization is available through optional alternatives such as 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats or fully adjustable eight-way power seats in the rear.

Porsche for the first time will offer from Burmester® — the renown Berlin audio manufacturer — a new ultra high-end surround sound system. With 16 loudspeakers plus a subwoofer (a total of over 2.5 square feet of speaker surface area) and a total output of more than 1000 watts, this new system gives listeners a grand acoustical experience. And like the 2009 Porsche sports cars and SUVs, Panameras will be available with the latest personal electronic connectivity features, including Bluetooth for cellular telephones, Universal Audio Interface for connecting personal audio devices, and satellite radio.

The rear luggage area provides up to 15.7 cubic feet of space, enough room for four large suitcases. The tall space enables luggage to be loaded in an upright position, and with the rear seat folded down the luggage space generously increases up to 44.6 cubic feet.

Initially, all Panameras will be available with two V8 engine options, standard seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmissions and rear- or all-wheel drive. All engines feature Porsche Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) for highest efficiency. For additional fuel savings, all Panameras include an engine stop-start function that can turn off and restart the engine at certain times, like when stopped at an intersection or in traffic.

The rear-wheel drive Panamera S has a 400-horsepower, 4.8-liter V8 engine that can propel it from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds on its way to a top test track speed of 175 mph. The manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) is $89,800. The all-wheel drive Panamera 4S receives the same 4.8-liter powerplant. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, achieves a top test track speed of 175 mph, and has an MSRP of $93,800.

At the top of the Panamera lineup is the Panamera Turbo with its 500-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8. Also featuring the new PDK transmission, the all-wheel drive Panamera Turbo sets a breathtaking 0-to-60 time of 4 seconds flat and a top test-track speed of 188 mph. The Panamera Turbo has an MSRP of $132,600, and all three Panamera models will go on sale in the United States this October.

Rarely do you see a car that gets its exterior revealed first followed by the interior – well, the Porsche Panamera seems to be that special. Porsche today revealed the first batch of official images of the Panamera’s inside and it seems like the center console will probably make you ask yourself the first couple of times you get in your Panamera – “I wonder what this button does.”

As you can see from the images, when Porsche said there doing a four-door-coupe for four passengers, they mean exactly that. The center console leads all the way from the dashboard to the rear seats which Porsche says helps provide personal privacy of each passenger. Honestly, if you want to be private, don’t get in a car with three other people – simple.

Follow the jump for more details and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Porsche Panamera Interior:

Other interior features include: four-zone automatic climate control with a individual adjustment of temperature, blower intensity and air distribution on each seat; electrical seat adjustment with Comfort Memory Package; sports seats or comfort seats with rear power seats available as an option; a Burmester surround sound system; and a luggage compartment with a capacity of 445L or 15.6 cu ft on the Panamera S and 4S and 432L or 15.1 cu ft on the Panamera Turbo. With the rear seat backrests folded the Panamera luggage capacity increases to 1,250L or 43.8 cu ft

Porsche say that the Panamera customers will be able to choose from total of 13 color and material combinations including 4 bi-color options with a trim finished in Carbon and Olive Nature open-pore wood.

2010 Porsche Panamera Interior:

Confirming previous reports, Porsche said today that it will hold the world debut for its new four-door Panamera at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show on April 19th with sales to begin in late summer.

Porsche has yet to provide concrete technical details but said it will be offer the Panamera with “V-engines with either six or eight cylinders covering a power range from 300 – 500 bhp and featuring Direct Fuel Injection.” Buyers will be able to choose from a normal-aspirated V8 or a V8 with bi-turbocharger technology. V6 and V8 normal-aspiration versions of the Panamera come standard with rear-wheel drive – the turocharged V8 will feature all-wheel-drive. Depending on the model, the Panamera will be mated to a 6-speed manual or Porsche’s new 7 seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual-clutch automatic.

The 2010 Porsche Panamera will be available with Porsche’s Sports Chrono Package giving the car even more sporting and dynamic engine and gearshift characteristics.

Pricing and specific market launch details will be announced at a later date.

Follow the jump for the updated high-res image gallery.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

We’ve already seen the first official images of the new 2010 Porsche Panamera which some of you think is hot and some of you think its not. So we suppose we should leave it up to the imagination of the tuning industry to come up with something that will boost the sex appeal of the four-door Porsche.

Before the 2010 Panamera made its official debut, tuner 9ff released sketches of a modified version of the car that it was putting together. According to cardesign.ru, 9ff has now teamed up with Russian tuning companies Top Car and Cardi to build the Panamera.

There are supposedly two body kit packages in the works. The first one replaces all the body panels and forgoes door handles – apparently everything will be controlled by the key fob. The second package (which can be used with the first package) adds a new front bumper, rear bumper, side skirts, a carbon fiber bonnet and a large lip spoiler in the back. All three companies have yet to give any information on the power output increases but Porsche says that the Panamera will top out at 500-hp so we’re guessing 700-hp to 800-hp should be a good guesstimate.

Click through for more sketches.

9ff Porsche Panamera Sketches:

Source: cardesign (via GlobalMotors)

Like it or not the 2010 Porsche Panamera is here to stay and Porsche doesn’t care whether you love it or hate it – the car is going into production next year at the company’s Leipzig plant with deliveries to begin late summer of 2009.

The four-door car is the fourth model in Porsche lineup and will be available in three different variants including the Panamera Turbo, Panamera 4S and the Panamera Hybrid. Porsche says that the Panamera will available with a variety of 6 and 8 cylinder engines with output ranging from 300 to 500-hp. All models will be mated to a 6-speed manual or the new 7-speed automatic double clutch PDK as an option.

Okay enough about the technical specs – honestly we’re not big fans of how the Panamera looks. We’re sure those who want a bigger Porsche will flock after it as they did with the Cayenne, but something about the design just isn’t right.

Let us know your thoughts by casting your vote in the poll below. If you feel like you need to say something more, feel free to drop a comment after the jump.

2010 Porsche Panamera: