Porsche shows off the Panamera interior, better than the outside

Written by nitram on February 18, 2009 – 10:05 -

Porsche Panamera InteriorPorsche 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.

Read more »

Subscribe to my RSS feed

All the details on the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3

Written by nitram on February 3, 2009 – 15:35 -

Porsche GT3 (2010)We’ll be getting our first in-person look at Porsche’s newest hard-core 911 version when we arrive at the Geneva Motor Show in just over four weeks time. However, we’ve now got more photos and details on the 911 GT3 to share with you thanks to the staff in Stuttgart. Back when the original 911 Turbo debuted 35 years ago, its 256 horsepower was considered staggering. The new GT3 again leaves old 911s in the dust with an un-boosted 435 hp from its 3.8-liter flat-six. Although Porsche hasn’t yet quoted a specific number, the GT3′s mid-range torque response is claimed to be significantly fattened up, too.

The sprint to 60 miles-per-hour now takes a claimed 4.1 seconds with 100 mph coming in double that time. Handling dynamics are also claimed to be improved and the driver now has more control over the stability management system. The electronic stability control and traction control systems can now be individually deactivated, and high-speed behavior is also aided by improved downforce at both ends of the car.

Adaptive damping systems are pretty old hat in 2009. For the GT3, Porsche has added active engine mounts(!) that recognize hard driving. For example, during track work, the engine mounts will tighten up in an effort to eliminate driveline lash that can unsettle a car in transient maneuvers. The GT3 also gets optional ceramic brakes and center lock wheels. Europeans can pick up a GT3 starting in May. No word yet on when or if the U.S. will get a shot. The GT3 will land at US dealers in October starting at $112,000. The full press release is after the jump.

Read more »

Subscribe to my RSS feed

Porsche Panamera to be Unveiled at China’s Shanghai Auto Show in April

Written by nitram on January 8, 2009 – 20:49 -

panamera_1.jpgChina’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

Subscribe to my RSS feed

Porsche Panamera (2009) – Here it comes

Written by nitram on November 25, 2008 – 11:12 -

panamera_1.jpgToday’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.

Read more »

Subscribe to my RSS feed

Camo-less Panamera has Seoul, caught in Korea

Written by nitram on October 16, 2008 – 09:39 -

Porsche PanameraThe 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!

Subscribe to my RSS feed