Unveiled at the April 2009 Shanghai Auto Show, the Porsche Panamera is a sports sedan that lives up to the Porsche legacy. The car has created some controversy with its style, as it has only four seats and a hatchback that some say create a bulky appearance, particularly in photographs. Compliments go to Porsche for creating a sedan with sport car like dynamics.

Appearance

The Panamera is large, measuring 195.7 inches long and 55.standing tall at 8 inches which gives the appearance of bulkiness than other Porsches. The rear with its hatchback design seems a bit heavyset compared to other high-performance vehicles, and this is accentuated in photographs. A tricky design for the Porsche boys. With a wide, low and road huggin built the rear is left to appear bloated. Photos often do injustice to a reasonable design and this is the case.

Specs and Performance

The Panamera comes in three models, the 394-bhp V-8 Panamera S, the all-wheel-drive 4S, and the 493-bhp Panamera Turbo. Transmission duties are handed over to the 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission which has a very fast response time. In the Turbo, the seventh gear is so powerful that you can get up to 125 mph at 2800 rpm. car sale figures

The engine sounds powerful with a nice growl. Being a sports sedan Porsche would rather have the sound a little modest compared to the all out sports models. You have an option of the sport exhaust and pressing a button will give a new sound.

The Panamera comes with a stop/start system standard that some drivers will struggle to get used to. The engine is not used when you stop and then kicks back to like the moment to press the accelerator. As we are in the age green, this is one of the features that save fuel. Another small plus is that it can be turned off. Overall, the car grips the road well and offers superior performance. As will all Porsches this one is a dream drive.

Braking and Interior

The standard brake system has four-piston calipers in the rear and six-piston calipers on the front. They hold up well under the power of the car, even when the Turbo is taken above 100 mph. There are quick to respond at any given speed. VW Golf 6 prices

The interior of the car is designed with comfort in mind. Extra headroom and legroom in the rear make it comfortable for an adult to sit. It features the touch-screen infotainment center in the center console that Porsche debuted with the 911. The interior is sleek, luxurious and well put together. flat to rent joburg

Technical specs:

Top Speed: 188 mph

Acceleration: 0 – 60 in 4.2 seconds

Engine Size: S – 4.8 L V8; Turbo – Twin-Turbocharged

Power: S – 400 bhp at 6500 rpm; Turbo – 500 bhp at 600 rpm

Torque: S – 369 lb.-ft. at 3500 rpm; Turbo – 516 lb.-ft. at 2250 rpm

Fuel Economy: S – 36.3 mpg; Turbo – 37 mpg

Base Price at Time of Writing: S – $89,800; Turbo – $132,600