Underscoring the increasing importance of the Chinese market to automakers around the world, Porsche has unveiled its newest model at the Shanghai Motor Show. We’ve seen official images of the Panamera for at least six months and even had a chance to ride in it last month in Germany but this is the first time the public has been able to see it in person.

The true four-seat Panamera goes on sale this Fall with normally aspirated and turbocharged versions of the company’s 4.8-liter direct-injected V8 in all markets. Some markets will also get Audi’s new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and a hybrid system will join the lineup in 2011. Check out our in-depth run-down of the technology in the Panamera which will have to hold you over until we get to drive the Panamera this summer. We hope to have more live shots soon.

Porsche today issues the first photographs inside the new Panamera luxury sports saloon. The Panamera will be shown at this spring’s 2009 Shanghai motor show and this is the first – official – glimpse inside the new limo from Stuttgart.

It’s quite a different milieu from the cosy, focused cabins of 911s and Boxsters to which Porschephiles have become accustomed. And the scattergun, button-strewn centre console is a reality, as revealed in our scoop photos last year. Some commentators back then questioned the veracity of those shots, but today’s official photos confirm the busy new look inside. We counted 84 switches when we sat in the Panamera.

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China’s growing importance in the global auto market is the reason behind Porsche’s decision to perform the world debut of the new Panamera at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show from that runs from April 20 – 28. The five-door sports saloon that will enter the market in late summer will initially be available with a range of V6 and V8 direct-injection petrol engines covering a power range from 300 to 500HP. Depending on the model, power is transmitted to the rear or to all wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox or optionally, the Porsche seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) (Double-Clutch Gearbox). For more pictures of the Panamera, click here

Today’s launch of the new Porsche Panamera is a timely reminder that Porsche is no stranger to controversy. It is happiest pursuing mechanical layouts others deem impossible, turning gamekeeper and buying Volkswagen outright, and laughing in the face of cynics who deplore Porsche-badged off-roaders. The new Panamera sports saloon is going to reignite plenty more controversy, trust us.

Porsche today issues seven photographs and the full official story of the new Panamera, ahead of its motor show launch in spring 2009. The first cars will hit dealers’ floors in late summer 2009, when they’ll vie for the attention of buyers considering an upper-class Mercedes S-class, BMW 7-series or Maserati Quattroporte. It’s a lofty ambition from Porsche.

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The Panamera is doing development time in Seoul, South Korea. In a city where it seems everyone has a cell phone camera, it’s no wonder that someone caught it on film. This time it appears to be wearing nothing more than a blue paint job and some pre-production panel gaps while filling up at a gas station. We know our opinion has swung on this car – first we didn’t like it, and then we kinda did – but for now we’re holding steady. It still looks better from the front than the rear, but this car is going to sell. Follow the jump to watch the video, and to our South Korean readers, there is a blue intruder among you, so please get him on video again and report to us… Thanks for the tip, Gabriel!