Porsche dealerships around the country have been getting excited for the new Panamera for some time now. This exquisitely controversial (or controversially exquisite, depending on who you ask) four-door Porsche unveiled for sale to the public on October 15th, and I was fortunate enough to attend an unveiling held at a local Cincinnati, Ohio dealership, Porsche of the Village.
I went down to the dealership a day early to grab some pictures of the one Panamera they had on hand (it was delivered early and not visible to the public) so I could get pictures without dozens of people in the shot. Upon arriving, I discovered another surprise in store for guests: a 90P Porsche Indy racer from the early ‘90s!
Participating in three Indy 500 races, this Porsche is a rare sight.
A spectacular blue Panamera Turbo prepares for its public entrance.
The event itself was wonderfully organized. There were some local artists with their work on display throughout the dealership. A local caterer, Fleur de Lys, served cheeses and other assorted hors d’oeuvres, as well as champagne, throughout the evening. Scott Reising Jewelers had a display of men and women’s jewelry on display, and there was a Burmeister home audio display showing off the quality sound system you could have indoors OR inside your new Panamera (for a paltry $3,990 bucks, it is one of the Panamera’s less expensive options!). There was a great looking ice sculpture made for the event, too!
Sculptor Felix Eboigbe, one of the featured artists at this event, was kind enough to pose with one of his works, titled “The Intellectual Abstract Head.”
Partygoers take in the decadent sights, sounds and tastes that could only be topped by seeing the Panamera in person for the very first time.
When the time came to unveil the Panamera, guests crowded into the main showroom to watch an exciting video clip before they revealed not one, not two, but three brand-new Porsche Panameras!
The lights are low, and guests eagerly wait for the car cover to be removed from this new and unique automobile.
Test drives were not allowed, but that didn’t seem to bother anyone – for now.
The Panamera is a hit! Everyone wants to take a seat in this car…
..Until they realized the Turbo was on the other side of the room!
This car was very popular – it was sold within 48 hours of the event!
As you can see from the pictures, these cars were well received! I spoke to a few sales professionals from the dealership and they were all very excited about these cars, stating the Panamera crushed its competition with superior performance. They even went so far as to say the Panamera felt as good on the road as a (gasp!) 911!
This shot of the rear console shows the optional 4-way climate control system. Each seat can have a completely different temperature! It’s stuff like this that can lead one to doubt the sporty nature of the Panamera…
… But the beefy 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 underneath the hood can pull its weight around…. And then some!
On their way out, guests received a wonderful parting gift from Porsche of the Village. As you can see from the pictures below, I picked up….
A bag! And inside the bag…
… A box! And inside that box…
… A replica Panamera key fob that is actually a 1GB USB jump drive filled with Panamera paraphernalia, as well as a small booklet about the new exotic sport sedan!
Overall, it was a great way to spend the evening! I will leave you all with a quote I found in one of the books Porsche released about the Panamera: “The purpose of traveling is to get to a destination; the purpose of driving is being on the road.” I have to wonder what kind of car consumers will identify the Panamera as – a traveler’s car, or a driver’s. Anyone who has driven the car, please feel free to offer your opinions!
Today’s post is compliments of frequent contributor Andrew Granieri. Andrew is a graduate from Miami University with a degree in Technical & Scientific Communications and a minor in Entrepreneurship. He has a strong passion for cars and is working hard as a private contractor and freelance writer so he can continue to support his (pseudo) extravagant enthusiast lifestyle. He currently drives a worn but strong 1986 Porsche 944 that his future wife has come to appreciate and adore.
For months now rumors have circulated the web about possible new models and platform sharing between Porsche and VW. I have done my best to avoid the rumor mongering and wait for something concrete before weighing in on the subject. However, a couple of recent articles I read forced my hand.
The two post are titled as “7 New Porsche Revealed” and “New entry-level Porsche revealed“. Is it me? Did I miss an announcement from Porsche? They introduced a new entry-level model? Come on! This isn’t a dig on Autocar, I’m simply using it as an example. The fact is, Autocar has some pretty amazing sources and gets things right a good bit of the time and sooner than most. In fact, I agree with some of the their theories (relaunch of the 928 specifically). I guess I’m just a bit fed up with all the speculation being printed as fact.
What about Platform Sharing?
The fact is, platform sharing between Porsche and Volkswagen is bound to happen. Is it good or bad? That remains to be seen. In my opinion, if Porsche shares the Panamera platform (or any other for that matter) with any of the VW brands, it’s no big deal. If anything, it should simply add to the cache of Porsche as the superior brand.
If, however, Porsche starts badging cars built on a VW platform (and yes, I know it’s been done in the past) then they might need to rethink their current tagline as it would mean their IS a substitution. Hopefully it won’t come to that, but we still need to wait and see.
Where do you stand? Is a new entry level Porsche built on a VW or Audi platform the right way to go? What about a smaller SUV or four cylinder 356 remake? Is anyone else tired of the speculation presented as fact?
If you thought that the closest you were going to get to a Panamera in your driveway was Porsche’s great Picture it web-site, well forget it. They don’t even have the Panamera loaded up as an option yet (my guess is they will add it soon).
However, for as little as fifty bucks, you might win one. Thanks to the Porsche Club of America, for less than the cost of a tank of premium, you could drive away in a 2010 Porsche Panamera S. Limited to only 5500 tickets, the deadline for entry is November 23, 2009 and the winner will be announced on December 14, 2009.
It’s that simple. The only catch? You must be a member of the PCA to play. As if you needed another reason to join!
I would wish you luck, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to win. Here’s another link to the entry form if you feel like trying your luck.
The answer depends on the Porsche in question and who you ask. A few months ago I wrote an article about a 928 GTS that sold for the record price of $92,500. This represented a premium of $7,000 above it’s original selling price. Not huge, but gigantic when compared to its lesser priced contemporaries (the 928S, S2, S4, 928 GT, etc.).
Built in 1995, this newer 928 is a year younger than the first GTS mentioned above, has the same low mileage (6k) and is in the type of condition you would expect for that kind of premium; AS NEW!
While not all Porsches are recession proof, certain models are definitely holding their value better than others (such as the 930 and 993 series). While others, like the two 928s mentioned above, are appreciating at a fantastic rate. As I’ve said before, the market might be soft, but good, clean cars are still hard to come by and people still pay for quality and exclusivity.
What other models do you think will see appreciation over the next few years? Personally, I think a rust free 914 would be a great buy right now.
I just sold one of my all time favorite toys, my 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (a Woodie). While I was sorry to see it go, it does free up some much needed garage space, not to mention some $$$$ to look for something else. As I start looking around, wondering what I can get to replace the Jeep (because it must be replaced), it got me to thinking about the difference, the polarity between two of my favorite toys: an older, bulky SUV with faux wood paneling and an iconic ‘Porsche 1997 993 C4S.
Here’s what I want to know. How many of you have eclectic tastes like me? I know my friend, and author of Hunt for 901, Kevin Gosselin can relate (he just purchased a Jeep to tow his track ready 944). What are your favorite toys (besides your Porsche)? And why?
For those of you who really like the wood panel look, here’s a picture of my 1963 Ford Country Squire. This car gets more looks and compliments than any exotic you can name. Almost everyone can relate to it in one way shape or form.
If you’re not able to keep up with each Porsche Motorsport post here on PorschePurist.com and would prefer a brief synopsis of what’s happening in the world of Porsche Motorsport, there is no better way to stay in touch than by reviewing the monthly Porsche Motorsport Newsletter. Filled with interesting facts and figures about past and upcoming races, along with changes to team and crew, the Porsche Motorsport Newsletter is an easy way to keep up-to-date on this year’s racing activities.
American Le Mans Series: 100th win yields championship title
After their hard-fought victory at the final round of the ALMS in Laguna Seca, Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long are the new GT2 champions. The Porsche works drivers gave a superb performance: Six wins from ten races handed their Flying Lizard Motorsports squad the team title and again earned Porsche manufacturers honours. The success on the Californian circuit marked the 100th Porsche victory in the ALMS. Joerg Bergmeister claimed his fourth GT2 title, for Patrick Long it was his second. Cytosport’s Porsche RS Spyder concluded the race second in the LMP2 class securing the fourth podium result from four races.
Grand-Am: Victory at finale and three titles for Porsche
Another Porsche festival in Florida: Joao Barbosa and Hurley Haywood won the twelfth and final race of the Grand-Am Series on the Homestead Miami Speedway (10/11 Oct), in the Brumos Porsche Riley prototype, whilst Dirk Werner and Leh Keen celebrated a clear championship victory in the GT class. The German-American duo secured four wins at the wheel of their Farnbacher Loles Racing 911 GT3 Cup. Farnbacher won the team classification, Porsche is the new manufacturers’ champion.
FIA GT Championship: Collard and Westbrook keep the race open
Securing second place at rounds six and seven of the FIA GT Championship on the Algarve (20 Sept.) and in Le Castellet (4 Oct.), Emmanuel Collard and Richard Westbrook keep the suspense high in the race for the GT2 drivers’ title with their 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Prospeed Competition. Heading to the final in Zolder (25 Oct.), the Frenchman and the Briton rank a promising second in the points.
International GT Open: Championship decision must wait
Richard Lietz and Gianluca Roda (Autorlando Sport) travelled to the penultimate round of the International GT Open in Monza (3/4 Oct.) as points’ leaders. After Lietz’s spirited final spurt, the team finished the first race in second. Bad luck hit in race two on Sunday: Sitting second, tyre damage dashed all hopes for Lietz/Roda and the duo were relegated down the ranks to second overall. The title decision must now wait until the final in Barcelona (31 Oct./1 Nov.).
Italian GT Championship: Suspense mounts in lead-up to final
Drama in the Campionato Italiano GT: In Mugello (26/27 Sept.) Richard Lietz shared driving duties with Francisco Cruz-Martins to claim third at the eleventh round in Autorlando Sports’ 911 GT3 RSR. At round twelve, Sascha Maassen supported the Portuguese racer: Cruz- Martins leads the drivers’ standings ahead of Maassen and a Ferrari armada. The title will be decided at the final round in Monza on 17/18 October.
Spanish GT Championship: Miguel Angel de Castro on title track
With four championship rounds still to go in the Spanish GT Championship, Spain’s Miguel Angel de Castro ranks second in the race for the title at the wheel of the 911 GT3 RSR run by the Drivex team. Previously in Albacete (12 Sept), De Castro finished race one in fourth and race two in second.
Speed World Challenge GT: Porsche wins manufacturers’ championship
After the tenth and final round of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed World Challenge GT, Porsche was crowned champion of the manufacturers classification for the eighth time in the history of the popular US series. James Sofronas (911 GT3 Cup) won the final in Laguna Seca and is the new drivers’ runner-up behind a Mustang pilot who won the championship.
BF Goodrich Long Distance: Second win of season for Mamerow Racing
At round eight of the BF Goodrich Long Distance Championship Nürburgring (3 Oct.), Christian Mamerow and Dirk Werner (Mamerow Racing, 911 GT3 Cup S) beat Romain Dumas, Arno Klasen and Marcel Tiemann in the 911 GT3 RSR of Manthey Racing by 55.5 seconds and claimed their second win of the season.
Carrera Cup Great Britain: Tim Bridgman claims championship at finale
Only at the last race weekend of the year in Brands Hatch (2./4.10) could the title of the Carrera Cup Great Britain be decided. In a record field of 27 Porsche cars, Tim Bridgman (Team Parker Racing) won races 19 and 20 to secure the championship ahead of James Sutton (Red Line Racing) and Tim Harvey.
Carrera Cup Italia: Alessandro Balzan is the new champion
The 29-year-old GT stalwart, Alessandro Balzan (Ebimotors Centro Porsche Varese) from Venice, secured the championship with his third win of the season in Mugello (26 Sept.). Race two of the weekend (27 Sept.) went to the youngest driver of the field, Alex Frassinetti (22).
Carrera Cup Japan: Shimizu is champion with victory at final
A season final made to measure for Shimizu: After securing second at the ninth and penultimate round, the points’ leader followed up with a flag-to-flag victory at the final of the Carrera Cup Japan as support to the Formula 1 weekend in Suzuka (2/4 Oct.) to claim the title.
Carrera Cup Scandinavia: Jocke Mangs defends his title
A fourth and an eighth place at the final round of the Carrera Cup Scandinavia in Mantorp (25/26 Sept) was enough for Jocke Mangs (Xlander Racing) to defend his championship title. The 27-year-old professional won four rounds in 2009. Second in the championship went to Tony Rickardsson after two victories in Mantorp.
Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama: Hat-trick for Bob Faieta
Bob Faieta from California gave his arch rival Martin Snow no chance at the final race weekend of the Patrón GT3 Challenge in Laguna Seca (10/11 Oct.). After two victories at the wheel of his Competition Motors 911 GT3 Cup, Faieta claimed his third consecutive overall victory in the brand trophy series. The Gold Cup for 911 GT3 Cup cars from the model years 2005 to 2007 went to Melanie Snow.
Race notes: Victories in Barcelona (20 Sept) and Dijon (11 Oct.) put Jeroen Bleekemolen within striking distance of points’ leader Thomas Jäger heading to the final of the Carrera Cup Deutschland on the Hockenheimring (25 Oct). Jan Seyffarth takes a break after sustaining a hip injury when he became entangled in an accident in Barcelona. +++ Christian Menzel (StarChase team) is the new front-runner of the Carrera Cup Asia after winning the “SC Global Singapore 2009” (26 Sept). +++ In the fight for championship honours, points’ leader Renaud Derlot (Sofrev ASP) comes under pressure from his teammate Anthony Beltoise heading to the final race of the Porsche Matmut Carrera Cup France in Lédenon. +++ Swen Dolenc is the champion of the GT3 Cup Challenge Deutschland. After three wins this season, second place at the finale in Hockenheim (10/11 Oct.) behind Lars Kern was enough for him to secure the title.
As if you can’t guess. Find out for sure, tomorrow the 17th at 7:30pm ET on Speed Test Drive as host and 4 time Trans Am champion, Tommy Kendall, heads from California to Georgia, to Oregon, to unleash the power and excitement of the brand new Porsche Panamera (oh no, did I just give it away?).
If you can’t catch the show tomorrow night, record it on your DVR. If you don’t know what a DVR is then go back to your cave and be sure you don’t let the fire go out. Otherwise, you can catch repeat episodes as follows:
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