First chance saloon
Daddy racers: meet Porsche’s first family car Seven years after Porsche shocked the car world by adding an SUV to its stable of sports cars, the German carmaker’s first saloon arrives this summer. As an act of defiance and confidence it speaks volumes. There are styling cues from the iconic 911 in the nose, but [...]
Daddy racers: meet Porsche’s first family car
Seven years after Porsche shocked the car world by adding an SUV to its stable of sports cars, the German carmaker’s first saloon arrives this summer. As an act of defiance and confidence it speaks volumes.
There are styling cues from the iconic 911 in the nose, but its looks haven’t met with universal acclaim, with Clarkson and co. on Top Gear comparing the Panamera to that 1970s vision of ugliness, the Austin Maxi. Autocar magazine added that it was “far from beautiful”. But how can you fail to love a car that hunkers down on the road – more than rivals such as the Maserati Quattroporte – like a thoroughbred racer, and transports four people and their luggage in business-class, double-stitched leathery comfort?
There are three engine options on launch, including a monstrous twin-turbo 500bhp V8 with 911-mimicking acceleration and a top speed nearing 200mph (only of practical use in Germany, obviously).
Naturally, this comes at a price – predicted to be in the £50,000–£80,000 range. But with 20,000 Panameras due to be assembled at Porsche’s Leipzig factory each year, you’ll be able to make up your own mind – there will be plenty to go around. Stephen Worthy
