Panamera details
The interior and engine range of the Porsche Panamera supersaloon are revealed
Porsche has unveiled more details of its Panamera saloon. It will initially go on sale with V8 engines only, although V6 and hybrid power are touted for the future.
To begin with, the entry level to the range will be the rear-driven Panamera S. It gets a 4.8-litre V8 engine producing 400bhp, sending the car - which will likely weigh around two tons - to 62mph in 5.4sec and onto a 176mph top speed. Economy and emissions are 26.2mpg and 253g/km with the optional seven-speed PDK semi-auto; the S gets a six-speed manual as standard.
The Panamera 4S uses the same engine but adds four-wheel drive and gets PDK as standard. The result is 0-62mph in 5sec and 175mph with the eco numbers suffering a little at 25.4mpg and 260g/km.
Top of the range is the Panamera Turbo. It gets a twin-turbo 4.8-litre V8 with 500bhp. It leads to proper supercar performance - 4.2sec to 62mph and 188mph, with PDK and 4WD standard. Fuel consumption is 23.2mpg with carbon emissions at 286g/km.
The car goes on sale on September 12 2009 although prices are yet to be revealed. The other big news is the interior, which has been revealed for the first time. It looks like an intriguing place to be, with the chunky centre console spreading from the dash to the back of the car, separating out the four seats. Everyone gets a decent helping of head and legroom apparently, while the rear seats fold down providing 1250 litres of load space. That gives the Panamera a carrying capacity close to the Volvo V50 estate’s. Coupled with the hatchback rear (despite Porsche calling it a four door) and you have an oddly practical supersaloon.
The dashboard and console look a bit cluttered with buttons, but Porsche wanted to avoid an all-in-one control system like those offered by rival German manufacturers. The interior is pretty customisable, too, with numerous seat options and colour and material combinations. Carbon fibre or natural olive wood? The choice is yours...
