2010 Porsche Panamera

Following such successful vehicle introductions as the Boxster roadster and the Cayenne SUV, Porsche takes a bold step in a new direction with its first-ever four-door sedan, the Panamera, which debuts in the fall of 2009 as a 2010 vehicle. Porsche refers to the Panamera as No. 4, completing a quartet of vehicles that also includes the legendary 911 sports coupe as well as the Boxster and the Cayenne. The Panamera offers a spacious four-passenger luxury-oriented interior melded with traditional Porsche sports car performance and handling, as well as an aggressive, low-slung exterior design that exudes the Porsche mystique.

The Panamera borrows some of its exterior styling from the 911, particularly in its front end and wheel arches. In place of a grille, it utilizes air scoops low in the front fascia and shows off its low stance and long profile when viewed from the side. From the rear, the Panamera displays its flip-up hatch with integrated spoiler and its impressive width, which ensures plenty of interior space.

The 2010 Panamera will come in three trims initially. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive S trim will feature a 400-hp, 4.8-liter V8, which drives the Panamera from 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds. The 4S trim comes equipped with the same engine and adds all-wheel drive. At the top of the line, the Panamera Turbo will rocket down the road, thanks to a turbocharged version of the V8 producing 500 hp, which drives the luxury sedan from 0 to 60 in about 4 seconds. The engines link to either a manual six-speed transmission or Porsche's new seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.

The V8s will be the first eight-cylinder engines offered in a production Porsche since 1995, and many expect the Carrera GT's V10 and a diesel V12 will eventually be offered in the sedan. Some have also noted rumors of a Panamera Hybrid, which would use the same hybrid technology the automaker has designed for the upcoming Cayenne Hybrid.

Inside, the Panamera will come well equipped with a wide range of luxury-oriented and high-tech features. For starters, the Panamera provides seating for four passengers, with eight-way power adjustment in the front. In the rear, the single seats are divided by a center console with armrest, which extends the length of the vehicle from front to back. Buttons and controls for the sedan's various systems drift down from the dash onto the center console between the front seats, providing fingertip control. The rear seats fold down to provide additional cargo space.

Beyond that, owners can customize the Panamera to their liking, choosing from four colors of leather and seven interior trim options, which include a choice of carbon fiber or olive wood interior trim. Options include DVD entertainment systems positioned on the back of the front seats, 18-way power-adjustable front sport seats, and a 1,000-watt, 16-speaker Burmester audio system.

Reactions to the Panamera's design have been very mixed, and while many expect the car will be a huge hit as soon as it's available, many longtime Porsche fans and critics have said they strongly dislike its looks.

By R. Feeman