When Porsche first released the images of its
new Panamera, enthusiasts, along with members of the media, paused with skepticism about whether Porsche could really pull off a four-door sports car. Although the Maserati Quattraporte reigns king as a four door, performance-based nameplate, the Panamera’s questionably styled rear end quickly became the banter of the industry.
Fast forward to the official media introduction in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This would be the test. Will the performance of the Panamera be the topic of discussion or will the industry single out the rear end design as a gauge for the success of this vehicle?
For the record, we not only love the rear end design that is modeled after the 911, but the performance of this car is 100% Porsche. The distinct exhaust notes and the pure adrenaline of 500 horses not only makes this ride uniquely Porsche, but at a price tag starting just under $90,000, the Panamera is a steal.
After spending a full day both on the road and on the track, the NADAguides.com team, without question, has named the 2010 Porsche Panamera its “Car of the Month” for January. Selecting the Porsche Panamera was not a difficult decision as Porsche’s unique four-door grand touring sports car combines exceptional driving dynamics, a spacious and variable interior, and the supreme driving comfort one expects from generations of Porsche design philosophy. The result is a complete package for drivers who have truly arrived - a car that feels comfortable and composed whether rousting along the highway or cruising along favorite back roads.
“The Panamera is simply awe inspiring. Porsche has done an incredible job in designing a car that is so unique while retaining the look and performance of a pedigreed sports car,” said Michael Caudill, NADAguides.com Auto Expert. “The unmistakable, muscular shoulders that flow over the rear wheels, married to the sweep of the coupe-like roofline, and the visible tailpipes with their throaty exhaust notes echo the definable characteristics of a true Porsche.”
Like all Porsche models, the Panamera is accustomed to the needs of the driver. But now, thanks to the four-doors and sporty layout of the interior, the Panamera's occupants are also able to experience this special "pilot feeling" in all four seats. All four occupants enjoy supreme ergonomic comfort in the front and each of the uniquely contoured rear seats. The luggage compartment easily handles all the passengers' luggage, and the folding rear seat backs enable the space to be adjusted to a comfortable configuration for any adventure.
Porsche has even developed cutting-edge engine configurations for the Panamera. The Panamera S, 4S and Turbo are all powered by a 4.8-liter, V-8, but it’s the Twin-Turbo that gets all the attention, boasting 500 horsepower and Porsche’s renowned twin turbocharger technology, coupled with direct fuel Injection you get a fuel-efficient and exhilarating ride. All that power is transferred to the ground through a manual six-speed gearbox or the new seven-speed Double-Clutch Gearbox, also named the Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK). In addition to the customary rear-wheel drive, the top version of the Panamera comes with all-wheel drive, which is also available for the other versions as an option.
The NADAguides.com “Car of the Month” program is unique from any other review program in the automobile industry and provides consumers with expert commentary and practical information on the cars, trucks and SUVs they are shopping for. Selecting one vehicle per month, NADAguides.com will announce the “Car of the Month” through a multi-media platform including an online video review, press release and a comprehensive blog post where consumers can provide additional commentary.