It seems like Porsche’s new four-door Panamera is off to a good start in the United States. According to Porsche Cars North America COO Michael Bartsch, the automaker has sold 983 units of the Panamera sedan, which went on sale in the U.S. on Oct. 17.

“We now have a new level of floor traffic and inquiry, and there is a multiplier effect,” Bartsch said in an interview with Automotive News. “This is bringing a level of business back to the dealerships and is allowing them to start the process of recovering.”

Bartsch would not provide a forecast as to how many Panamera units Porsche hopes to sell in the U.S. in 2010 due to uncertain market conditions. However, he did say that he expects to receive about 1,200 orders for the Panamera in the U.S. in 2009. In 2010, Porsche has plans to produce 20,000 Panamera units, with 4,000 to 6,000 for the U.S. market.

Porsche’s overall U.S. sales were down 32 percent to 14,310 units through the first nine months of 2009. In all of 2008, sales were down 25 percent to 26,035 units.

Click here for more news on the Porsche Panamera.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Stephen Calogera

UK publication AutoCar is outlining Porsche product plans for the next four years. If they are to believed, we have a couple of exciting things coming from Porsche’s garage.

First up, Porsche has a V6 and a diesel version planned for the new 2010 Panamera sedan. Both models will be a little more affordable than their more powerful V8 siblings.

Following that, a new redesigned Porsche Cayenne is due out sometime in 2010.  The Porsche SUV will receive some modifications to the headlights and taillights along with a reworked direct-injected V8 as seen in the Panamera. A hybrid version of the Cayenne will arrive in 2011 with fuel-economy improvements of up to 30 percent.

The already confirmed Panamera Hybrid is also due out in 2011.

Porsche will give the 911 sports coupe a facelift in the summer of 2012 with some engineering enhancements including a modification to the steel floorpan and an extended wheelbase by 50mm to 2400mm and an upgraded suspension.

Also in the works is the much-rumored compact SUV known as the Rockster, which will fit below the Cayenne. It will use some of the body engineering from the Audi Q5.

Last but not least, it is reported that a Coupe and Convertible version of the Panamera are also in the works. The model will compete against the likes of the Maserati GranTurismo and the GranTurismo Convertible. Look out for the drop-top Panamera in 2013.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Earlier this week, Volkswagen released a statement saying that it plans to complete its merger with Porsche during the course of 2011.

According to Michael Macht of Porsche, the sports car maker is prepared to share the Panamera and 911 platforms with other Volkswagen Group brands.

“Porsche needs to become a strong pillar of VW, as well as having its own production and research and development capabilities. It is important to 
use synergies as well as having independence,” Macht said. “The Panamera platform could be used by other brands for models that are in development and at the concept stage.”

When asked if Porsche’s 911 platform was also set to be shared with other brands in Volkswagen, Macht said that it could be made available on other vehicles under Volkswagen’s umbrella.

As for engine sharing, Porsche will only use Volkswagen V6 in its Cayenne SUV. Other than that Macht said that “engine development is a core value for Porsche” and the company will work to stick to its core values.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Jeremy Clarkson has a tendency to be very straightforward and honest; and we respect that. Speaking on the 2010 Porsche Panamera, Clarkson says that the sedan seems to have no purpose at all.

“I understand, of course, why Porsche chose to build a four-door saloon, Clarkson wrote over at TimesOnline. “It’s the same reason Lamborghini started work on such a thing, and Aston Martin too. These are small companies and it makes economic sense to squeeze as many models as possible from every component.”

While Clarkson complements the design of the Lamborghini Estoque and the Aston Martin Rapide, he says that Porsche gave the job of designing the Panamera “to a janitor.”

“The Panamera, though, is worse. People have tried to be kind, saying that it’s challenging and that it’s unusual. But the simple fact of the matter is this: it’s as ugly as an inside-out monkey. It’s dreadful.”

Click here for more news on the Porsche Panamera.

Refresher: The $89,800 Porsche Panamera S is powered by a 400-hp V8 allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 175 mph. $93,800 Panamera 4S is powered by the same 400-hp V8. The $132,600 Porsche Panamera Turbo is powered by a turbocharged V8 making 500-hp allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: TimesOnline

Porsche has released its first 2010 Porsche Panamera TV commercial.

The Stuttgart automaker says that the new Panamera is “ 60 years of uncompromising beliefs” – so watch as Porsche family gathers to welcome its newest four-door sibling.

Click here for more news on the Porsche Panamera.

Refresher: The $89,800 Porsche Panamera S is powered by a 400-hp V8 allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 175 mph. $93,800 Panamera 4S is powered by the same 400-hp V8. The $132,600 Porsche Panamera Turbo is powered by a turbocharged V8 making 500-hp allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Follow the jump for the video.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Omar Rana

Mansory has released the first images of their modification package for the new 2010 Porsche Panamera. Mansory says it turned the “four-door Gran Turismo into a power pack which is even more dynamic and exclusive and most of all has a significantly more distinct appearance.”

While no details on technical upgrades were released, Mansory said that their version of the Panamera is fitted with new “aerodynamics components in high-strength polyurethane and Prepreg-Autoclav-Carbon.” Mansory lowered the Panamera 35 mm and added 21-inch wheels and a new sport exhaust system.

We’ll provide more details as we get them. For now enjoy these high-res photos.

Click here for more news on the Porsche Panamera.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Mansory Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo:

Press Release:

Masculine appearance for the Porsche Gran Turismo

MANSORY Switzerland enhances the Porsche Panamera. The specialist for exclusive refinement of premium automobiles turns the four-door Gran Turismo into a power pack which is even more dynamic and exclusive and most of all has a significantly more distinct appearance.

Originally, the company owner Kourosh Mansory solely focused on British luxury cars, but meanwhile he has also proven his talent for Italian brands such as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and automobiles like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. After the Chopster Cayenne, the Panamera is already the second Porsche which is given the honour to become entirely modified by MANSORY.

Also, the new Porsche will receive an individual design language according to the MANSORY tradition. Its engineers produce the new aerodynamics components in high-strength polyurethane (PU-RIM) and Prepreg-Autoclav-Carbon, the characteristic material for MANSORY. As the car is lowered by 35 millimetres and equipped with new wheels measuring 9,5×21 and 11,5×21 inches as well as a sport exhaust system, the new personality of the Panamera becomes significantly more visual and audible.

In order to provide the driver directly with the experience of an automobile refined by MANSORY, the engineers included extensive refinements. A widespread leather interior can be individually matched with the most precious woods, finest varnish or dynamic carbon. The pedals made of brushed aluminium perfect the interior equipment. With the newly designed sports steering wheel, the driver can feel the elegance of the refined Porsche straight in his hands.

MANSORY Switzerland bestows an individual appearance to the Porsche Panamera. The complex refinement turns a sports car for journeys into a characteristic personality – after all a real MANSORY.

- By: Kap Shah

We’ve heard it before and today we’re hearing it again. Sources have told Automotive News that Porsche is considering a convertible version of the new four-door Panamera. Insiders say that the Panamera cabriolet will have two doors and will likely cost 11,000 euros ($16,000) more than the Panamera sedan.

Porsche has yet to officially confirm a Panamera convertible but a top executive hinted that more variants of the car are very possible.

It was reported earlier this year that Porsche will offer a V6 and Hybrid version of the Panamera before offering the convertible. With that in mind, we’re guessing you should expect to see the drop-top Panamera sometime in late 2011.

Click here for more Porsche Panamera news.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Omar Rana

The first batch of Lumma Design’s Porsche Panamera-based CLR 700GT images were leaked on the Internet today. From the three images, you can see that Lumma added a very aggressive body kit consisting of a new front fascia, a carbon fiber hood, side skirts, a four-tailpipe exhaust system, 22-inch Racing Edition Wheels and a new carbon fiber spoiler.

While details on performance upgrades are limited, we do know that the car will produce in the excess of 700-hp and will feature a high-performance braking system.

Stay tuned for more official details from Lumma.

Click here to read more Porsche Panamera news.

Lumma Design CLR 700GT Porsche Panamera:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: WCF

We’re a little late on this – but better late than never. Tuner Techart has announced a new modification program for the new 2010 Porsche Panamera focused mainly around visual upgrades. The new Techart package for the Panamera features exterior modifications for improved aerodynamics, interior upgrades, a multifunctional daylight running system and 21 and 22 inch light metal wheels.

Exterior upgrades include Techart’s Aerokit I package, which adds a three-part front spoiler, side skirts, a new rear spoiler and a new rear diffusor. The package also adds dual oval tailpipes made of stainless steel with the TECHART engraving. Inside, the Techart Panamera gets a two-color leather finishing in teak and black, stitching with matching thread, a roof liner in Alcantara, and a Techart sport steering wheel.

Wheel options include 21-inch TECHART Formula or 22-inch TECHART Formula II light-metal wheels.

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

Techart Porsche Panamera:

Press Release:

Leonberg, September 2009 – TECHART is celebrating the world premiere of its individualization program for the Porsche Panamera models at the IAA 2009. The first phase of the TECHART program includes, among other things, exterior components for improved aerodynamics and a striking appearance that is typical of TECHART, 21 and 22 inch light metal wheels, a multifunctional daylight running light system, as well as extensive options finishing the interior.

“Personality knows no compromise – this is our understanding of high-quality automobile finishing. We implement this one-to-one with the Panamera and in the process combine well-trained aesthetics with discrete elegance,” emphasizes Thomas Behringer, CEO of TECHART Automobil GmbH. The program for the Porsche Panamera Turbo will be shown at the IAA 2009.

The completely newly developed Aerokit I was manufactured from PUR-RIM and it optimizes the driving characteristics specifically at high speeds. The three-part Front Spoiler I has integrated brake air ducting and reduces the lift on the front axle with better cooling of the brakes at the same time. The side skirts steady the airflow under the vehicle and form dynamic contours in the side view. The new Rear Spoiler I and a rear diffusor support driving stability, and together with the dual oval tailpipes made of stainless steel with the TECHART engraving, they emphasize the consistent design at the rear.

Transmission of power to the road is the job of a choice of elegant 21-inch TECHART Formula or sporty 22-inch TECHART Formula II light-metal wheels. For the necessary road holding, TECHART recommends Conti Sport Contact 3 tires or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

TECHART has a multifunctional daytime running lights system ready for the Panamera Turbo. The LED system unit combines daytime running lights, blinkers, sidelights, and parking lights in one housing – in a choice of chrome or black – that slips seamlessly into the front design of the Panamera. The system has automatic dimming of the daytime running lights when blinking as well as when the low-beam is switched on.

Interior manufacturing is one of the key competences of the Leonberg Porsche tuning specialist. For the market launch of the program for the Panamera, TECHART is presenting exclusive two-colour leather finishing in teak and black. Decorative stitching with matching thread, a roof liner in the same coloured Alcantara, details such as interior colour-matched handles and foot mats with leather edging in the colour teak give rise to extensive personalization. A TECHART sport steering wheel as well as dials with the interior colour complete the sporty and elegant line. A new TECHART exotic wood variation is being used for the first time in the Panamera. The prized ash veneer with a tactile grain decorates the doors, the dashboard and center console.

The TECHART program for Porsche Panamera S, 4S and Turbo will be available in December 2009. More individualization options as well as technical features will follow at the beginning of 2010.

- By: Kap Shah

Porsche announced that shortly after going on retail sale, the new 2010 Porsche Panamera is also available as a rental car through Avis starting October 1. The Stuttgart automaker said that the Panamera S and Panamera 4S will be especially offered at major city and airport locations.

“As a longstanding business partner of Porsche, Avis offers the sport saloon as a rental car exclusively in Germany,” Porsche said in a statement.

Avis said that prices will begin at 189 euros ($278 USD) a day. The cost of a weekend rental begins at 567 euro ($836 USD).

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Omar Rana

When you’re shopping for a car in the $90,000 to a $100,000 range, what kind of fuel-economy the car gets is probably the last thing on your mind to help you make your decision on whether to purchase the car or not. However, it may be nice to know that your car rates at the top of its class when it comes to EPA fuel-economy ratings.

Porsche has just announced that the EPA ratings for its new Panamera put the car at the top of its class. The 400-hp V8 and the PDK transmission in the Panamera S and Panamera 4S help the four-door average an EPA fuel-economy rating of 16/24 mpg (city/highway) – that’s 19 mpg combined.

Go for the more powerful 500-hp Panamera Turbo and the EPA rating drops by one to 15/23 mpg, or 18 combined.

While the starting price tag of $89,800 may be a little steep, at least you’ll be avoiding the gas-guzzler tax.

Click here for complete pricing details on the 2010 Porsche Panamera.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Omar Rana

I had the pleasure of driving with Hurley Haywood about two months ago during a Porsche event about the automaker’s new PDK 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. For those of you that don’t know Haywood, he is an American race-car driver who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1977, 1983 and 1994. He is also the most winning driver at the 24 Hours of Daytona with a total of 5 wins.

Check out this new video of Haywood giving the camera folks at this year’s 2009 Pebble Beach a hot lap in the 2010 Porsche Panamera 4s.

Refresher: The Porsche Panamera 4S is powered by a 4.8L V8 making 400-hp. 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 175 mph. Pricing starts at $93,800.

Click here for complete pricing details on the 2010 Porsche Panamera.

Click through for the video.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Omar Rana

According to recent reports coming out of the UK, Volkswagen will force Porsche to kill the Cayenne along with its new Panamera four-door sedan, which has yet to hit dealerships. However, company sources told Inside Line that the Panamera platform will live on and will be shard with another Volkswagen Group brand.

You’re probably ready to jump out of your seat and celebrate for a production version of the four door Lamborghini Estoque – don’t. Sit back down because sources say that the platform will not be shared with any Lamborghni product. That leaves us with Bentley, Bugatti and Audi.

Inside Line points out many different applications for the Panamera platform under Bugatti, Bentley and Audi; however, we’d like to point out our on little possibility – the next-generation Volkswagen Phaeton.

Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

Now that Volkswagen AG is set to buy 49 percent of Porsche AG, we’re going to see some major changes in Porsche’s product lineup.

According to report by UK’s CAR Magazine, Volkswagen will end up killing the Porsche Cayenne SUV – and even more surprisingly – the recently introduced Panamera four-door sedan. The report says that Porsche will eventually be forced to discontinue the Cayenne and the Panamera after their product cycles are complete seven years from now.

“VW Group has plenty of SUVs and saloons [sedans] — it doesn’t need Porsche to build them,” says the report.

While that may be music to the ears of true Porsche lovers, under Ferdinand Piech Porsche will be sharing at least one platform with a future Volkswagen. Think along the lines of the production BlueSport Concept.

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoObserver

Earlier last week, Gemballa released images of its modifications for the 2010 Porsche Panamera. However, they were quiet on the what modifications they have made under the hood… until now.

Most of the Gemballa press release focuses on the visual enhancements made on the Panamera. As for the performance upgrades, Gemballa said that plans include to increase output up to 750-hp for several different engine options. 0 to 62 mph figures and top speed figures have yet to be released.

Other performance enhancing features will include a newly air suspension module that lowers the Panamera up to 40 millimeters, height-adjustable coilover suspension and a high-performance Gemballa brake system.

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

Gemballa Mistrale (Porsche Panamera):

Press Release:

GEMBALLA MISTRALE – the new, fascinating GEMBALLA luxury limousine based on Porsche Panamera models

Right at the market introduction of the Porsche Panamera, GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG for the first time publishes images of the GEMBALLA MISTRALE and presents fascinating features. The design of the GEMBALLA luxury limousine is even more dynamic, more striking and significantly more exclusive than its serial counterpart. For perfect surface quality and custom-fit processing of the newly designed aerodynamics components, GEMBALLA mainly uses the ultra-light and high-strength material carbon.

Part of the dynamic front look is a far more sporty front skirt. Larger air inlets guarantee the optimal supply with fresh air for future performance increases. An integrated carbon lip and an elegantly formed bonnet with slotted ventilation ducts complete the lifting-force reducing front. A striking eye-catcher of the GEMBALLA MISTRALE and visual allusion to the classic 911-design are the extended front and rear fenders. A newly designed rear apron with integrated diffuser provides enough space for four end pipes of the sport exhaust system and seamlessly fits into the overall package.

But not only design and aerodynamics are refined by GEMALLA. Also the performance of the four-door automobile is significantly improved. A newly programmed air suspension module with extended setting range lowers the centre of gravity up to 40 millimetres. For especially ambitious customers, GEMBALLA offers a height-adjustable coilover suspension. In connection with the ultra-light 22-inch forged rims both versions render best vehicle control and also optimal road contact. For excellent deceleration values and perfect pedal control, GEMBALLA adds a high-performance brake system. 6-piston brake callipers with 420 millimetre brake discs at the front axle and 4-piston brake callipers with 380 millimetre brake discs at the back axle replace the serial components.

GEMBALLA, the specialist for high-end Porsche refinement and innovative engineer design plans further modifications, such as powerful performance enhancements up to 750 hp for different serial engines. And also in the interior, owner Uwe Gemballa leaves his distinctive mark with an innovative design and unsurpassable quality as usual. For more information about the GEMBALLA MISTRALE and the extensive GEMBALLA refining programme, please visit the web site www.gemballa.com

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

As if you couldn’t customize the new 2010 Porsche Panamera more than any other car we’ve ever seen, Porsche has announced that it will continue to add more to the range of options for the new Panamera sedan.

Today, Porsche said that it is offering 20-inch forged wheels that come in the same design as the wheels on the new 911 Turbo. The new sporty wheels stand out through five striking, highly polished double spokes, titanium-colored, painted spoke flanks and the rim center star to give these light-alloy wheels a twin-tone look.

The new 20-inch 911 Turbo II wheels are available for all models in the Panamera range with prices starting at 2,600 euros for the Panamera S and Panamera 4S, and 1,400 Euros for the Panamera Turbo.

2010 Porsche Panamera (20-inch 911 Turbo II Wheels):

2010 Porsche Panamera:

- By: Omar Rana

Just before the end of 2008, tuner 9ff dropped some dark sketches of their Porsche Panamera modifications. Almost 8 months later, 9ff has now released some details along with the first images of their take on the four-door, four-seater Porsche.

9ff will offer 3-levels of modifications including the PT-55, PT-60 and PT-65. The PT-55 gives the Porsche Panamera Turbo 550-hp with a maximum torque of 560 lb-ft through an upgraded ECU and air filters. The PT-60 adds an exhaust system and boosts output up to 600-hp with a peak torque of 590 lb-ft. The top of the line 9ff PT-65 gets a total of 650-hp and 627 lb-ft of torque through upgraded air-filters, turbocharger, a vented hood and an exhaust system.

The images you see here are actually computer rendered image; however, they give you an idea of what you can expect the 9ff Panamera to look like when it’s completed. Expect a new front bumper, front lip spoiler, side skirts, a rear bumper, quad exhaust pipes and oddly shaped 22-inch wheels.

We’ll get more information and some pricing details as work on the 9ff Panamera continues – stay tuned.

9ff PT-65 Panamera:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: 9ff (via WOT)

Known as the world’s premier celebration of automobiles, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance hosts only the world’s most beautiful and rare automobiles on its famed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Check out this video of a walk around to see some of the world’s most exclusive automobiles seen at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The video wraps up with a Jerry Seinfeld’s Porsche 917 that was once owned by Steve McQueen from the movie Le Mans.

Look out for the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin One-77, Infiniti Essence and the recently unveiled Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Sang Bleu.

Follow the jump for the video.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor