Panamera opens up

These are the first official images of the Panamera's interior. And there's a lot to look at.

Most obvious interior eye candy includes the straight-through centre console, that creamy leather upholstery, Cayenne-style dash, communications and entertainment gear ... well, there's a lot of impressive stuff in there. And, by the look of things, there's also plenty of room.

What's also obvious is that, typically Porsche, there is switchgear galore. But now, rather than across the bottom of the dashboard, it's been, er, switched to either side of the PDK shifter. We'll have to wait until we try the arrangement before passing judgement. But, boy, it looks busy.

There are more details, including impressive performance figures for the three engine specs - the bi-turbo version's said to knock off 0-100km/h in a handy 4.2sec - in Porsche's press release, below. And, importantly, you'll find Australian recommended retail prices.

Porsche Australia says its long awaited four-door GT will be in dealerships in October, this year. And the pricetags? We can't wait for you to get to them in the press release, so here you go...

Panamera S $270,200
Panamera 4S $282,400
Panamera Turbo $364,900

Official press release:
Porsche reveals first Panamera interior images

The "cockpit for four" concept

Australia. Porsche AG has released its first official images of the all new Panamera gran turismo's stunning interior, showing a design that offers equal comfort and luxury for all four occupants.

With a continuous center console that extends from the dashboard to the rear seating area, the Panamera offers a new spatial experience for the driver and passengers featuring optimal ergonomic seating with an individual cockpit-like environment for all.

Deep seating positions and a sports steering wheel ensure the driver and passengers are connected closely to the road. At the same time the cabin provides a generous and spacious environment with exceptional leg and head room, unique qualities in a sporting machine yet essential for grand touring.

Porsche will provide a myriad of individual interior options with 13 color and material combinations, including four two-tone leather interiors and a further seven trims from carbon fibre to Natural Olive wood.

Three exclusive 4.8-litre V8-engined models featuring Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) will be offered initially by Porsche: rear-drive Panamera S and all-wheel drive Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo.

Porsche's acclaimed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission will be standard on all models sold in Australia.

The 294 kW Panamera S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 283 km/h. Combined fuel consumption in the EU5 standard is 10.8 litres per 100 kms with CO2 emissions of 253 grams per kilometer.

The all-wheel drive Panamera 4S receives the same 294 kW 4.8-litre engine and completes the 0-100 sprint in 5.0 seconds and has a top speed of 282 km/h.
Combined fuel consumption in the EU5 standard is 11.1L/100 kms with CO2 emissions of 260g/km.

Ranking at the top is the biturbo 4.8-litre Panamera Turbo with 368 kW (500 hp). The flagship model has remarkable performance figures of 4.2 seconds for the 0-100 sprint and will reach a top speed of 303 km/h. Combined fuel consumption in the EU5 standard is 12.2L/100 kms with CO2 emissions of 286g/km.

All Panameras have low-friction drive systems and lightweight body shells. A new engine efficiency feature includes Porsche's new Auto Start Stop function automatically switching off the engine when at a standstill when the driver presses the brake pedal - for example when at traffic lights or in traffic congestion.

Panamera models sold in Australia will feature 14-way power seats in front with a driver memory package including memory not only for seats but steering wheel as well. Further seating customisation is available through options such as 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats or fully adjustable eight-way power seats in the rear.

Also featured as standard are the latest personal electronic connectivity features, including Bluetooth for mobile telephones and a Universal Audio Interface for items such as iPods.

For the first time Porsche will offer from Burmester® - the renowned Berlin audio manufacturer - a new ultra high-end surround sound system delivering concert
quality audio. In all, 16 loudspeakers masterminded by 16 amplifier channel with more than 1,000 W output provide a unique sound finished off by an active
subwoofer together with a 300 W Class D amplifier. The sound membranes total no less than 2.4 metres.

Luxury comfort and practicality is borne out by the luggage compartment and loading concept: after opening the rear lid, occupants are able to stow four suitcases behind the rear seats in an upright position courtesy of the height available.

Rear luggage space equates to 445 litres (432 litres in the Turbo), expanding to 1,250 litres with rear seat backrests folded down.

The trio of Panamera models go on sale in Australia in October 2009.

Model - Price
Panamera S - $270,200
Panamera 4S - $282,400
Panamera Turbo - $364,900