Porsche Panamera Makes World Debut in Shanghai
20 April 2009
Porsche unveiled the new Panamera at the 13th Auto Shanghai show. (Earlier post.) Joining the 911, the Cayenne, and the Boxster/Cayman, this new four-door Gran Turismo is Porsche’s fourth model series, with three variants entering the market in Germany on 12 September 2009.
| The Panamera S. Click to enlarge. |
The Panamera is making its debut as an eight-cylinder delivering 400 and, respectively, 500 hp (298 and 373 kW) and with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, with a six-cylinder gasoline model and a hybrid version following later.
The Panamera is introducing five technology premiers in the luxury performance class, among them the first Start-Stop system in conjunction with automatic transmission; air suspension with additional air volume available on demand in each spring; as well as active aerodynamics with an adjustable, multi-dimensional, extendable rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo.
All models in the Panamera range come with Porsche Direct Fuel Injection, low-friction drive systems, and weight-optimized lightweight bodies.
The Panamera S with its PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (double clutch gearbox) consumes 10.8 L/100km (22 mpg US) in the New European Driving Cycle.
Interestingly enough, Porsche puts out yet another model that achieves very poor gas mileage and continues to whine to the government that increasing national security by reducing foreign dependence on oil is a laudable goal, but they shouldn't really do anything about it and should just go on pretending that there is not a looming petroleum crisis that will impose dire economic consequences for those companies and countries that choose to ignore the writing on the wall.
Posted by: Will S | 20 April 2009 at 05:06 AM
Um its porsche... complaining about them making a beefy sports car is like complaining that an m1 battle tank is hard to park at the grocery store.
Posted by: wintermane2000 | 21 April 2009 at 11:10 AM
Yet they apply heavy arm-twisting to Germany's political leaders to exempt autos from energy and emissions policy.
I agree, it doesn't take a Porsche to pick up groceries. Indeed, the only things a Porsche is good for are unsustainable driving habits and making people think the owner is somehow 'special'. Rather sad, really...
Posted by: Will S | 22 April 2009 at 05:20 AM
Hey in the time small cars have gone from 30s to 40s mpg the sports cars have gone from 4-6 all the way to 20 plus. Just as with big screen tvs with high power sound systems jetskies with more hp then some suvs and various other things we all do for fun... like the internet itself..
If the sports car is a waste of energy so is most of the internet.
Posted by: wintermane2000 | 22 April 2009 at 02:42 PM