why so little Panamera discussion?

[navin in KC]

too new of a car? So expensive that no one works on it themselves?

I'm considering purchasing one and would like to hear people discussing them and their concerns / problems. Maybe there arent any problems (just kidding).

[logray]

I think it's a great concept and the reviews on 5th gear were positive (except for looks). Personally having seen and sat in one I would wait for version 2.0. Not a fan of the lines myself.

[wvicary]

I think they are just too new and no real fan base has been built up yet. As more of them come into the used vehicle market place it will lead to more activity on the forums. I personally am a fan of the interior and the view out of the drivers seat BUT the back end of the car makes me ill to look at.

[phillipj]

I have driven the base model, the S, and the Turbo. I actually have grown to like the way they look. The right wheels are crucial. Any fan of the 911 will be right at home driving a Panamera. The car is incredibly nimble and the S has plenty of power... The Turbo is incredible. See if your local Porsche dealer is having a "ride and drive" near you. That way you can drive one on a course and also be taken for a lap with a pro driver. That will show you what that car is reallly capable of. The only problems I have heard of is with the "keyless entry" system. Apparently the early models stranded people. They couldn't get in their car. According to my tech buddies at the dealership this was a software issue that has since been resolved..

There are a lot of them on the road where I live. I see at least 3 or 4 a day..

Edited January 6, 2012 by phillipj

[wolverine]

I've been researching the Panamera for some time. I race a Porsche and am a Porsche Instructor and have been driving an E60 M5 for 5 years and 130,000 miles. I've driven the Panamera on the track and street, and it is a much better handling car than the E60 M5. I'm first on the list at my dealer for the new F10 M5, but I decided to order a Panamera GTS instead. Here are my reasons:

1. I don't need a 560 HP car on the street. I've driven my modded 530 HP E60 for a long time.

2. I want the best handling, most 'connected' luxury sedan I can buy.

3. I'm hearing that although the M5 is an incredible car, it feels 'bigger' than the E60, doesn't have anywhere near the sound. In fact, they pipe in artificial sound via the car speakers - unbelievable. I really like the 'sound symposer' and the sports exhaust on the GTS

4. I like the 'road presence' of the Panny. It's definitely different. I especially like the exterior treatment of the GTS.

5. One of the big problems I had with the Panny was no ventilation in the sports seats. The alcantara seats look fantastic, and I'm OK with the cloth and no ventilation.

6. The GTS has just about everything I wanted at a big discount. I priced a 4S with the same options and it came out almost $10K more, and that's without the bigger brakes, lower stiffer suspension, alcantara seats, sound symposer, and of course, the 430 HP engine.

7. I got a very good deal on an ordered car - 6% off MSRP and a lifetime guarantee on the drivetrain and engine (extra benny from this dealer).

My only negatives so far are the cost, the overall size (width) is pretty huge, and the fact there is no multifunction wheel with paddles. It's evidently pretty easy to change the stations with the stalk on the sport wheel though.

[phillipj]

Wolverine,

Great write up.. I have not seen a GTS in my town..Is that new model for 2012 for the Panamera? Please post pictures when you get it!!! :notworthy:

Lifetime warranty on the drivetrain and engine is a sweet perk indeed!!!!

Edited January 10, 2012 by phillipj

[SA321]

I am surprised Porsche didnt get sued over this car. Panamera is a spitting image of AMC Pacer :)

Edited January 13, 2012 by SA321

[phillipj]

I am surprised Porsche didnt get sued over this car. Panamera is a spitting image of AMC Pacer :)

Ouch! And what a classic that turned out to be! :thumbup:

[wolverine]

Here's the best looking one I've seen. Like the black with the silver.

[logray]

Front end: cool.

Back end: identity crisis.