At last I have seen the Panamera Tank in the flesh, at a small Motor Show. Nobody around the car, nobody stopped to look at it, is this a Porsche or just a downsized 4 x 4. What can I say, I thought it was ugly before but now I can confirm it is very ugly indeed and from all angles. It is huge, massive wheels, the back is just ..... I have no words for it. I wonder who actually designed this car, no imagination at all, a Korean hatchback (with respect to the Koreans). The car on show had extras for 11,000 euros to make the car shall we say more interesting, is Porsche having a laugh. The finish was good then again I believe that Volkwagen are making it, the Porsche badge on the bonnet is becoming more expensive by the day, today there are many alternatives.
Will it sell in sufficent numbers, time will tell, some how I feel not, crisis or not
As a side comment, I have just received my French car magazine. One non Porsche dealer in Paris has 24 new Porsches on stock. 5 Panameras from 108,000 to 140,000 euros, also quite a few 997's Turbos.
The massive increase in production in the last few years, the arrival of the Cayenne and Panamera somehow dilute the sport cars values, the brand? the resale value? the badge on your drive will cost more and not forgetting the extras at ridiculous prices.
Salvador
911 3.2 the last real Porsche