Comments on: Porsche Panamera – A Mistake?

By: Will

Will — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:46:55 +0000

Porsche lover, it will definitely be harder to change my opinion than to change yours, as your views are biased through the medium of adoration, whereas I’m subjectively judging cars based on style. Don’t get me wrong- I would love for Porsche to make a good looking car. It’s just that, for me, it still hasn’t happened.

By: Demonblade

Demonblade — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:27:39 +0000

Aston Martin's Rapide wins hands-down over this ugly thing. Why would Porsche ever want to do a sedan? That goes against the very definition of the brand.

And Rekobeko, I'm confused: how is "ricer" racist? You say you know what it means but I'm not too sure. It's not even derogatory, it just describes a customized Japanese car.

By: Rekobeko

Rekobeko — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:13:55 +0000

Its not the saloon Porsche that shocks me here but your use of the term “Ricer”. Its derogatory and racist.

I know what it means but why use it? I was enjoying your site and now, not so sure.

Anyway, I also agree – a saloon Porsche is a very bad idea. Aweful. But also happen to dig Porsche’s as much as Lambo’s and Astons, which the Rapide looks incredible to me. They figured out how to do a stunning sedan.

By: Porsche Cars, Produc

Porsche Cars, Produc — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:15:39 +0000

Hey Will,

Guilty as charged (Porsche lover that it is.) Not irritated at all. In fact, as I said in my first comment I agree with your take on the Panamera. You can check out my own post on the subject if you like at http://993c4s.com/cars/porsche-panamera/porsche-p…

Personally, I hope we are both wrong about the ultimate looks of the Panamera, but only time will tell. From the sounds of it, it will be much more difficult to change your opinion than mine.

By: Will

Will — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:40:42 +0000

Whoa, looks like I irritated a Porsche lover with my subjective comments!

My mistake on the Cayenne sales figures. On whether the Cayenne smudged the name or not…I guess it is a matter of opinion. I know many people who absolutely love Porsche and would adore the 911 even if it turned into a box on wheels, and even they have to work at complimenting the Cayenne. No one ever buys one because they like the car, they buy it for the brand name. And then they go through life with a sneaking suspicion that everyone else knows it.

As for the Panamera, I sincerely doubt it will look any better as a result of intensive thought on Porsche's part. Said company has not designed a good looking car since the Carrera GT (my opinion), and it sure doesn't look like they are going to start any time soon.

By: Porsche Cars, Produc

Porsche Cars, Produc — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:26:18 +0000

While I disagree with your overall outlook on Porsche as a brand and especially the 911, I tend to agree with your take on the Panamera. The thing to watch out for is that Porsche doesn't do much without first thinking it through. Most of the images we have seen have all been heavily camouflaged and I expect the finished product may be better looking then we all have been led to believe.

You may want to check a few of your facts however regarding production numbers and sales. You mention "When Porsche introduced the Cayenne SUV, it did very little to improve sales, and it smudged the company name." Not quite true. If you look at the Porsche annual report for their last fiscal year reported (06/07) Cayennes almost matched the 911 in sales volume worldwide with over 34,000 Cayennes deliver vs. 38,000 911s. Together these two models represent 75% of Porsche's overall vehicle deliveries of just over 98,000 units. As for smudging the brand, I think most true Porsche fans now recognize the fact that Porsche as we know it today would not exist were it not for the introduction of the Cayenne and the subsequent profits that continue to allow the production and development of the iconic 911.

By: Tony

Tony — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:43:15 +0000

A huge mistake (if you ask me) … sedans, how uninspiring.