We've seen countless spy pics and even an official teaser shot that revealed its snout (more here), but now Porsche has finally come clean and exposed the long-awaited Panamera in all its glory.
When it launches internationally in mid-2009, the four-door grand tourer will be the fourth model range in Porsche's line-up -- joining the 911, Boxster/Cayman and Cayenne.
Porsche says the Panamera's USPs are "sporting driving dynamics, a generous and variable interior, and the supreme driving comfort of a Gran Turismo".
However, the German sports car specialist is still being cagey about technical specs. All it's saying for now is that it has "developed superior and up-to-date power units for the Panamera again reflecting all the qualities typical of the brand -- the V-engines within the engine compartment come with six and eight cylinders and range in power from 300 to 500bhp (224kW to 373kW)".
Some of the engines use turbocharger technology and direct-injection to maximise power and fuel efficiency, says Porsche.
Drive is relayed to the wheels via either a conventional six-speed gearbox or Porsche's new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox, the so-called Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), which we've already sampled in the recently updated 911.
While the entry-level models are rear-drive, the range-topping Panamera comes with all-wheel-drive (which is also available for the other versions as an option).
Porsche says it will reveal further details on the engines, transmissions, performance, prices and equipment next April/May, including some specifics on the hybrid version.
Measuring 4970mm long and 1931mm wide, the Panamera is about 74mm longer than a Holden Commodore and 32mm wider, but it sits 58mm lower, contributing to its squat stance.
The styling has some familiar Porsche design cues, but the nose, headlights and bonnet are distinctly Corvette-esque, while the derriere is seemingly a mélange of Cayman and Cayenne.
BMW has recently announced its intention to shelve development of the production version of the stunning Concept CS, but the Panamera will still have to fend off the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide and recently refreshed Maserati Quattroporte.
Porsche says it has designed the interior to offer a "pilot feeling" in all four seats.
"All four occupants enjoy supreme ergonomic comfort on both the front seats and the two firmly contoured single seats at the rear," says Porsche, adding: "The luggage compartment easily takes up all the passengers' luggage".
The Panamera will be built at Porsche's Leipzig Plant, where a production hall measuring some 22,000sq m and a logistics centre are currently under construction.
While the Panamera's engines are built at Porsche's Main Plant in Zuffenhausen, the painted bodyshells will be supplied by the Volkswagen Plant in Hanover.
The Leipzig Plant will then assemble the Panamera for final delivery, with an annual sales target of about 20,000 units. The Panamera will make its world debut next March and Porsche says the first models will be at dealers worldwide in mid-2009.
» Watch the Carsales Network's video on the Porsche Panamera here
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