
Published: 06 January 2009
The new Porsche Panamera grand tourer will make its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April before going on sale in the Summer of 2009 in a further sign of the West's interest in China as a new market. Porsche has released a number of new photos of the new 2+2 to hail the news.
Porsche, which has recently increased its stake in Volkswagen to over 50 per cent, says the Panamera will be powered by a choice of V6 and V8 engines covering a power range between 300–500bhp, though the GT will debut with a choice of normally-aspirated or turbocharged V8s.
Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels through a choice of six-speed manual box or seven-speed double clutch, which will be available on all models as an option where it is not standard fit.
The range-topper will feature Porsche Traction Management with active all-wheel drive as standard, though again other models will come with the option.
A Sports Chrono Package tweaking engine and gearshift characteristics will also be available and may be required to ensure the Panamera's handling lives up to its Porsche heritage.
The chimaera-like nature of the Panamera – it uses engines sources from VW and a platform that is the basis of VW, Audi and Porsche models - chimes with the news of Porsche's increased stake in VW. Expect more platform- and part-sharing to come from the cosy, dysfunctional VW family in the future.
The Panamera will line up against the likes of the Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CLS and Aston Martin Rapide




The Alfa Romeo 8C Spider will be blasting up the hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, as Alfa prepares for its centenary year. | 02/07/2009

Prices for the new 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport will start at £44,895, while the new Land Rover Discovery 4 will go on sale from £31,995. Both models go on sale in the UK from 1 September. | 02/07/2009

BMW has released official pictures of the X1 small SUV, set to debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with sales commencing the following month with prices expected to start at £22K. | 02/07/2009

Suzuki will extend 0 per cent APR finance offers on Swift, Splash, SX4 and Grand Vitara models until the end of September 2009. | 02/07/2009

Mazda will introduce fuel-saving stop-start technology to its new Mazda3 149bhp 2.0 Sport model, which will go on sale from £18,025 in hatch and saloon guises. | 02/07/2009

The UK Government scrappage incentive should not be extended despite the additional registrations it has brought, says Fiat.

All in all the new Toyota Verso is a sound and safe buy. Well equipped from the bottom model up, the Verso may not be exciting but it is fit-for-purpose and after all it is a Toyota.

Mazda has refreshed the MX-5 roadster and roadster coupe for 2009 - the 20th anniversary of the car hitting the market.

Motorists driving without wearing their seatbelt will be fined £60, while motorists driving without legal plates will also be hit with a stiff fine.

The 225mph Jaguar XFR Prototype - billed as the fastest Jag ever - will appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Around 400 people a day risk damaging their car by misfuelling, and filling up with gas is a mistake that could cost thousands. So what do you do if you´ve filled up your diesel car with unleaded petrol?

Euro Car Parts has acquired Pinco 1555 Ltd, including all 53 of LSUK's 53 branches, together with subsidiaries M I Diesel Products, Protech Automotive (UK) and Yeovil Rewind.

20 of the best 90's TV car adverts showcase an industry wising up to the buying power of women, and putting the battle of the sexes at the forefront of car commercials.

German sports car manufacturer marches on as it post a monster €5.85bn profit.

Fuel protests similar to those that brought the UK to a halt in 2000 are being planned by a breakaway group of disaffected hauliers, according to press reports.
No readers comments
Be the first to write a comment on this article