The arrival of a new Porsche is a very special occasion. But the launch of the Panamera, the first 4-door saloon, is indeed a landmark event. Following the success of the Cayenne SUV, this is a new example of Porsche expanding its range beyond its core models such as the 911 and the boxter.
Porsche boldly claims that the Panamera is a cross between a sports coupe, a limousine and an estate. When it comes to appearance, the Panamera divides opinion like few other cars do. Majority of the people felt that the rear design was really bad, and so was the front nose. However, seeing the car in metal, a few people changed their minds after having a look at it in the flesh. It may not be a beautiful car, but its unusual dimensions and shape challenge the design conventions in a very positive way.
However negative the opinions may have been on the exterior, it is a different story on the inside. The Panamera has a very sensational interior. The centre console in particular, is a beacon of outstanding design, with two rows of thin, chrome buttons running vertically alongside a centrally positioned gear lever. The cars tall rear section provides whopping amounts of head room, much more than rivals such as the Aston Martin Rapide.
The Panamera’s cabin is indeed a place to hang out, no matter where you sit. Those in the back have access to the car’s optional rear seat entertaintment package, which consists of two 800×480-pixel, 7-inch TFT displays mounted in the rear of the front headrests, and a pair of wireless infrared headsets. Unlike many rear-seat entertainment set-ups, the system in the Panamera is controlled via touch, rather than an infrared remote control. This is great as it means there’s no need for passengers to share a remote and no chance of losing it under the seat.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo is a remarkable car for many reasons. It’s incredibly fast, offers a stonking audio system, and packs in a comprehensive array of cabin tech. It’s also brilliant to drive. Discard any misgivings about its exterior — this car proves beauty is only skin-deep.
*Reference – Reviews cnet by Charles Kloet – [Online] available from <http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/cars/porsche-panamera-turbo-review-50004124/,>
Auto Express – [Online] available from <http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/237370/porsche_panamera.html>
*Image – [Online] avaiable from <http://www.netcarshow.com/porsche/2010-panamera/1600×1200/wallpaper_1d.htm>
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