Porsche Drops the Panamera Shoe

[Ronzi]

Porsche announced today that it will produce the rumored 4-door sedan/sports coupe, starting in 2009. Few details were offered, other than to say that it will be all Porsche, no involvement from VW unlike the Cayenne. Probable production site to be Leipzig, where the Cayenne and GT are made.
Speculations by other parties peg the price at $125-175,000.

[limoncello]

I noticed the announcement carefully avoided the "sedan" word; it's a "sports coupe". If Porsche goes thru with it, it should be a good car.
Wasn't the 4 door sports coupe seen first in the RX-8? I test drove an RX-8, chose a used Box. Having said that, the 4 door concept with a usable rear seats is not a bad idea - 2 seaters undoubtedly lose a lot of other buyers.
And, 2009 is a long ways off, will be curious to see what they do with it.

As for me, I'll stick with 2 seats, open air

[Rail26]

I just hope Porsche doesn't lose it's identity with this new concept. I know people rolled over in the grave when the Cayenne debuted, but it didn't seem to affect the mystique of Porsche. I wouldn't imagine the four door would harm the image, but who knows. The 911 will always be known as the greatest sports car in my book. I would definitely be interested in the "4 door", sharing the Porsche experience with a couple friends would be great! However, the 125k would put it out of my price range!

[deliriousga]

Originally Posted by Rail26

I just hope Porsche doesn't lose it's identity with this new concept.

I wouldn't worry about that too much.

The "will Porsche lose its' identity" was discussed w/ the 914 (flat, no curves like the other Porsches?), 944 (water cooled, front engine, poor man's Porsche with flip up lights?), 928 (big honkin' watercooled, front engine, way too expensive Porsche with flip up lights?), Boxster (watered down 911 cabrio?)

A different story for them all now, eh? I get more attention in the older P-car than the newer and one day the Boxster will be that classic too. After all, it's a P-O-R-S-C-H-E and that's all that counts.

[Rail26]

Good points! A porsche is a porsche...I really don't feel any love for the 914 though. Expanding a product line to ensure survivability is a good business idea in the long run. I love the Panamera...I just wish it would be a little more affordable!