Porsche Panamera to be launched in India

Porsche AG will launch its luxury four-door super sedan, the Porsche Panamera, in India on October 6, 2009.

Photo: Porsche Panamera

The Porsche Panamera is expected to be priced around Rs 2 crore, in India, owing to high import duties.

Porsche plans to sell 50 Panameras in fiscal 2009. Precision Cars India, Porsche’s sole importer, has already received 13 bookings for the sedan.

Porsche hopes that the Porsche Panamera will consolidate its presence in the Indian market. The company expects the Panamera to do well in the Indian market considering the increasing demand for sporty car in the country.

The Porsche Panamera was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2009.

Photo: Porsche Panamera front view

The sedan is available in three models, the rear-wheel-drive Porsche Panamera S, the four-wheel-drive 4S, and the Turbo.

The Porsche Panamera S is said to develop 400hp@6500 rpm. The sedan can go from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 175 mph.

The Porsche Panamera 4S develops 400hp@6500 rpm and can go from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 175 mph.

The Turbo model develops 500hp@6000 rpm; and can go from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, delivering a maximum speed of 188 mph.

Photo: Porsche Panamera rear view photo

The Panamera S and 4S models are powered by a 4.8-litre V8 engine delivering 294kW (394hp) at 6500prm and 500Nm (369lb-ft) at 3500rpm. This is the engine you can already find in the Porsche Cayenne SUV which offers direct fuel injection, one-sided variable camshaft management system with adjustable valve lift.

We do not know which trim levels or options will be available in the Panamera in India when it is launched here. Some details will be left for the launch day, I suppose.

Initially when the Panamera was announced, Porsche purists were outraged just the same way they were offended when the Cayenne hit them in the face. Well, that does not matter – the Ceyenne was a hit, and it is likely the Panamera will be a hit too.

The Porsche Panamera full option kit would include adaptive air suspension, Sports Chrono package, Dynamic Chassis control, ceramic brakes and whatnot. The car is designed as a luxurious sports tourer – so that means four passengers should get to sit comfortably with all their luggage in the boot, and still, when called for, should exhibit typical Porsche driving characteristics. So far, consensus seems to be that the Panamera gets it all right.

Not that on our Indian highways, you are going to enjoy the Panamera. Absolutely no way. Our roads just do not permit you to exceed speeds beyond a point. Sure, you could hit even 200 kmph on some small stretch, but you will be so psyched about potholes, carts, cows, cars and people doing their normal speeds and things on the road that you will not enjoy it. Steady 200 kmph for 5 minutes? Absolutely no chance. Not to mention that it is illegal and irresponsble to do it in India. But you know you are dirving a Panamera and that will keep you happy. Somewhat.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo model also uses the same engine, but forced induction makes it deliver 368kW (493hp) at 6000rpm and 699Nm (516lb-ft) from 2250rpm.

Mileage figures for the Porsche Panamera are as follows:

The Porsche Panamera S, with manual transmission, gives 12.5 litres/100km (22.6mpg)

The Porsche Panamera 4S, equipped with seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and stop-start technology, gives 11.1 litres/100km (25.5mpg.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo, fitted with seven-speed PDK box and stop-start technology, gives a mileage of 12.2 litres/100km (23.2mpg).