The Panamera is an incredible performance machine and the execs running the show over at Volkswagen intend to exploit all that the 4-door Porsche has to offer. According to a new report by Autozeitung, VW is planning three new models based on the Panamera: one for each of its high-end brands. In other words, look for a Panamera-based Lamborghini, Bentley and Audi in the years to come.

The cars are designed to compete in an increasingly busy segment, alongside the Mercedes CLS, BMW Gran Coupe, Aston Martin Rapide and Maserati Quattroporte.

News of a Lamborghini sedan has been around since the Estoque was first shown at the Paris Auto Show several years ago, and would probably already be in production were it not for the recession. Recent rumors have indicated Bentley is planning a 4-door coupe model, although it was earlier believed to be based on the Audi A7 Sportback platform, while using a turbocharged V8 to deliver 450-hp. As for the Audi version, it’s touted to get 500-hp and wear the A9 badge.

[Source: Autozeitung via GTSpirit]

A report in trade publication Automotive News suggests that Porsche is planning a hybrid variant of every model in its lineup. Porsche’s Cayenne Hybrid is the first Cayenne sold to the public, while the 911 GT3.R has successfully campaigned in high level sports car racing in Europe.

Next up is a Panamera Hybrid, as well as the 918 Spyder supercar, a low volume halo model for the brand. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, head of engine development for Porsche, didn’t specify a time frame for hybrid variants of the Boxster, Cayman or 911. Porsche is hoping that hybrids will help them meet C02 targets set by the European Union for 2015.

Porsche is also looking into weight reduction and smaller engines, including four-cylinder powerplants, as a means of creating more efficient vehicles.

[Source: Automotive News]

We can’t even imagine what you’re thinking of this if you’re not a fan of the stock Porsche Panamera to begin with. ASMA has taken a car that already had controversial styling and made it into a solidly ugly machine.

Here are our major complaints: ASMA took the Panamera and made it slightly more aggressive with a widebody setup, yet seems to retain a wheel and tire fitment made for a standard Panamera body. And then there’s the front bumper that is so open, loud and obnoxious that we’re not even sure if it belongs on any car. And we don’t even want to mention the rear of the car, which looks like some radically designed spaceship.

It’s a little disappointing because certain aspects of the kit seem promising if at a certain point they just decided to stop adding more lines and vents. The wheels aren’t half bad, we’re guessing they would pair up nicely with a stock body Panamera. But for now we’ll have to give them a big thumbs down for their effort and hopefully one day we’ll stop seeing creations like this from ASMA. Wait, nevermind… we can always use the laugh.

GALLERY: ASMA Porsche Panamera

[Source: GT Spirit]

N.Technology’s Porsche Panamera race car has already had great success in the Italian Supercars series with its limited race time, but it looks like those efforts aren’t enough to satisfy the team at N.Technology. And just like that, they’ve completed and tested their second Porsche Panamera race car that will be competing this weekend at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

With the success of their first car, it’s no surprise they’ve expanded their major sponsorship with Zegg & Cerlati, a manufacturer of fine watches and jewelry. The Panamera race car also gets its new official livery of black and chrome.

We’ll keep our eyes glued to see how it does this weekend and whether or not N.Technology will experience growing pains with an all new race car… or just go blow the doors off of its competition right from the start – again.

GALLERY: N. Technology Porsche Panamera S

Official press release available after the break.

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With Porsche and Aston Martin making headway with their Panamera and Rapide four-door coupes, Lamborghini is apparently open to the idea of a four door sedan coupe similar to their Estoque concept car.

CEO Stephan Winkelmann is reported as saying to journalists that “a third model would fit Lamborghini very well”, and “a four-door car would be a very feasible approach.” But with the Estoque originally shelved in 2009 and sales down 18 percent versus last year.

The Estoque would need to give Lamborghini “a real leap” in sales for the company to justify the investment. While the four door coupe segment is currently on fire, there’s no telling whether the sector will continue to be hot, and a poorly timed introduction could spell doom for Lamborghini.

[Source: Autocar]

Autocar is reporting that Porsche is set to launch 8 new vehicles by 2014, including new versions of the 911, Boxster and Cayman as well as a 928 luxury car and the 918 Spyder.

Due in 2011 are hybrid and diesel versions of the Panamera sedan, followed by a Cayman Clubsport, featuring less weight and a highly tuned chassis, but with less emphasis on raw power. A re-worked 911, also with more fuel efficient powerplants and less weight, should bow in early 2011, perhaps at the Geneva Auto Show, while a new Boxster and Cayman range are due in 2012.

2013 marks the debut of an all new range of product, with the oft-rumored “baby Porsche” based on the VW BlueSport concept is expected to bow, as is the Panamera based 928 – which has yet to be green-lit but is proving popular with some management types.  In 2014, expect to see a refreshed Cayenne and the long awaited 918 Spyder. Insiders say that Porsche really does need until 2014 to iron out the kinks in their mega-buck supercar flagship.

[Source: Autocar]

Ah the luxury of having a Panamera Turbo. How about having the ability to increase horsepower output by close to 80 at the push of a button? TechArt, famed Porsche tuner, has done just that for the new luxury sedan with their Power Kit.

The Power Kit is labeled as TA 070/T1 and empowers the 4.8-liter Twin Turbo V8 to push out 572-hp with 612 ft-lbs of torque, an increase of 79-hp and 96 ft-lbs from the factory spec. We guess we shouldn’t be surprised one bit that TechArt would be developing a product to increase horsepower from the Panamera Turbo, but the ability and ease of use truly redefines luxury performance. Want the extra power? Just simply push the sport button on the center console. Want to save gas and just cruise? Turn it off.

No pricing is available yet, but TechArt promises that it’ll be available in August.

Official press release available after the break.

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Designed not only to deliver 911-like driving dynamics in a 4-door package, but also to make Porsche execs rich richer, the new Panamera is doing just that. The German sports car maker has just announced that after just 10 months it has already build 25,000 Panamera models at its factory in Leipzig.

The 25,000th vehicle features ruby-red paint and is a standard Panamera model featuring a 300-hp V6 engine. Just recently released, the V6 Panamera and Panamera 4 will easily add a significant increase to the already impressive Panamera sales numbers.

Read AutoGuide‘s Panamera reviews at the links below

2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo First Drive

2010 Porsche Panamera S First Drive

2010 Porsche Panamera 4S Review

2011 Porsche Panamera, Panamera 4 First Drive

Official release after the jump:

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Porsche AG says it wants no part in the ever escalating horsepower race, and will instead focus on engineering the vehicle as one unit, taking into account the power, handling and fuel economy aspects to develop world beating vehicles.

“Our engineers are holding back on power – they are looking elsewhere now” for optimum performance, Alexander Schildt, manager-product planning for Porsche Cars North America, told Ward’s Auto. “We want our customers to be able to pull up in front of their children’s schools and not feel like they are causing climate change all by themselves.”

Schildt suggested that Porsche was deliberately holding back power on some engines. He invited journalists to compare the high horsepower being obtained by Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division, and noted that Porsche could easily attain that level, but capped the Panamera Turbo’s output in the low 500-horsepower range.

Reducing weight will become Porsche’s number one priority. With a federally mandated fuel economy target of 35 mpg for their entire fleet, and the need to stay on the edge of the performance envelope, lighter cars will allow Porsche to satisfy both requirements. “Take weight out of a car and it does magic for the handling,” said Schildt. “That’s how we will continue to satisfy our customers.” Schildt also said that hybrids will be a necessary part of Porsche’s future.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

China is set to overtake Germany as Porsche’s #2 market, as the company’s Chinese division gears up to sell 16,000 units by 2012.

Porsche moved 8,629 units last year, with 83% of them being the Cayenne SUV. The launch of an all new Cayenne is expected to boost sales ever further, but Porsche still expects the United States to remain their #1 market.

Porsche will also be expanding their dealer network, and hopes to have 30 stores in place by 2012.

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

Porsche enthusiasts were up in arms when the brand launched their Cayenne SUV, but 8 years on, the car truck saved the brand from oblivion, and helped fund new, exciting models like the Panamera and the Boxster Spyder. For 2011, a more capable, more streamlined and less belligerent Cayenne is on its way and pricing has just been announced.

Porsche hasn’t issues a press release yet, but the pricing information has leaked on to its website. Starting at $46,700 for the 3.6L V6 version, the sticker rises to $63,700 for the V8 powered “S’ model, while the new hybrid, combining a supercharged 3.0 V6 and a hybrid motor and battery will run you $67,700. We predict that the hybrid will be massively popular with faux-eco types all over the world.

[Source: Porsche]

Porsche‘s decision to sell a four-door sedan, over the loud objections of “diluting the brand,” appears to have been vindicated, as the Panamera climbed to the top spot in the Porsche sales race, moving an impressive 678 units in April. The fact that the Panamera is a pretty expensive car, and not an entry level model like a Boxster or Cayenne, shows that the market for pricey performance sedans is still there, and the Porsche brand is strong enough to challenge both the Mercedes and BMW’s of the world as well as more niche players like Maserati and Jaguar.

Porsche’s total sales were down about 6% in April, but the company remains optimistic – as they should, when a six-figure sedan is selling like hot cakes.

[Source: TopSpeed]

Porsche launched a “precautionary” recall of all 2010 Panamera sedans amid concerns that the seatbelt could malfunction. Porsche recalled all 11, 324 Panameras due to concerns that the seatbelts could malfunction when the seats are all the way forward in what a company spokesman called “an extreme position..

Porsche said that no injuries or fatalities have been reported. The Panamera was launched in the fall of 2009 and has been highly acclaimed as a serious challenge to other luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz, Maserati and BMW.

[Source: The Local]

Wheel manufacturer BBS turned to the European market to appeal to the Japanese consumers at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon. The company’s RN wheel was the feature item on a pristine white Porsche Panamera 4S. And in true sensible BBS style, the fitment was conservative, as is the design. That design looks to be the perfect style for the Porsche Panamera: a luxurious one-piece that isn’t too busy or too sporty.

As the Panamera continues to grow on us, this set of BBS wheels is certainly helping.

GALLERY: BBS Porsche Panamera

With the introduction of Porsche’s luxury sedan to the market, it’s no surprise that the aftermarket has already jumped on this platform.  Fairy Design based out of Japan has taken their Panamera and designed quite the attractive body kit for it.  Gone is the traditional Porsche front bumper styling in exchange for something much more noticeable, aggressive and fitting to the Panamera’s bodylines.  A set of 21-inch HRE wheels in a matte black finish does a great job flowing the front lip, side skirts and rear diffuser into one attractive package.

GALLERY: Fairy Design Porsche Panamera

The incredible Porsche Panamera platform will, as expected, live on, even if Volkswagen goes through with its plans to cancel the model after its initial production run. The Panamera is currently slated to run until 2016.

According to a report on Inside Line, the platform will be shared with other brands in the VW umbrella. That group could includes Audi, Bentley and Bugatti. The only premium brand that has been ruled out so far is Lamborghini, which could presumably use the Panamera to built a production version of the Estoque concept.

Considering the Panamera’s relatively small size and its sporting nature, it seems unlikely that Bentley could make use of the vehicle. The same goes for Bugatti. Out bets hedge on a high-powered Audi sedan, a possible A7 or even A9 sportback…

[Source: InsideLine]

We still have more than half of 2009 to go and already the list of 2010 North American Car & Truck of the Year nominees have been picked. That’s because the list is essentially a list of every new model for 2010.

Nominated for car of the year are: the Audi S4, BMW Z4, BMW 335d, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fusion, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Mustang, For Mustang GT500, Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus SHO, Honda Insight, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Kia Forte, Kia Soul, Lexus HS250h, Lotus Evora, Mazda3, MazdaSpeed3, Mercedes E-Class, Nissan Cube, Nissan 370Z, Porsche Panamera, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf TDI.

The 2010 North American Truck of the Year list is only slightly shorter and includes: the Acura ZDX, BMw X5 xDrive 35d, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, GMC Terrain, Honda Crosstour, Land Rover LR4, Lincoln MKT, Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner and Volvo XC60.

Many off these vehicles have yet to be officially released and some (like the Honda Crosstour) haven’t even been officially named yet.

Jurors will now begin the lengthy process of making a short list, with the final winners chosen at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Last year’s winners were the Hyundai Genesis and the Ford F-150.

[Source: Edmunds]

Porsche might not have invented the grand-touring luxury sedan segment, but it obviously intends to become the dominant player thanks to several innovative technologies that will be available on the new Panamera.

Among the list of innovations are some that are borrowed from Porsche’s sportscars, as well as some that are being put into production for the first time in a premium production car.

Included in the latter is a new start/stop system, which works with Porsche’s automatic transmission.

The Panamera Turbo will come equipped with a new adaptive air suspension that will allow for an additional volume of air to be added to further increase comfort. This system will be optional on all other models.

One first-in-class innovation is the use of a completely covered underbody. This not only reduces lift and improves aerodynamics for added performance, but it also reduces drag and thereby improves fuel-economy.

A final highlight is one that any Porsche lover will immediately recognize as being borrowed for Porsche’s sports cars – a multi-stage, adjustable rear spoiler. This rear spoiler will come standard on the Panamera Turbo models.

We’ll be sure to bring you full details on the Panamera when it is officially unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April.

GALLERY: Porsche Panamera

More on the Porsche Panamera after the jump:

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Porsche continues to tease us with photos of its new Panamera grand-tourer, the latest of which are of the car’s stunning interior.

The interior design of the sports sedan is made up of four separate spaces, with seating for four in individual “cockpit-like” seats. Porsche will even offer an optional four-zone climate control system so every individual in the car can adjust the temperate to his or her liking.

Both the Panamera S and Panamera 4S will have eight-way power adjustable seats with a driver memory package. Panamera Turbo models will come with a memory function that includes the steering wheel. An 18-way adjustable front Sport Seats and eight-way power rear seas will be offered.

Porsche will offer 13 color and material combinations for the Panamera models, including four two-tone options and seven trim options, ranging from carbon fiber (yum yum) to Natural Olive wood.

For the audiophile, Porsche will offer a 1,000 watt Burmester 17-speaker sound system.

In terms of safety, the Panamera comes equipped with front, side and curtain airbags with standard rear side airbags in the rear. Cargo room is significant with 15.7 cubic feet of space in the trunk and 44.6 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

The Panamera S, featuring a 400hp 4.8-liter V8, a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph will retail for $89,800 ($115,100 CDN). The all-wheel drive Panamera 4S, featuring the same powerplant and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.8 seconds will retail for $93,800 ($120,300). The top-line Panamera Turbo, with a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8, a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 188 mph will retail for $132,600 ($155,000 CDN).

The Panamera will officially go on sale October 17, 2009.

Official release after the jump:

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