It’s official: the Panamera is avoids the gas guzzler tax by getting an EPA rating of 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway in the Panamera S and 4S models, and a 15/23 mpg rating for the Panamera Turbo.

The mileage ratings are pretty surprising considering the size and power of the Panamera. (It’s closest rival ,the Maserati Quattroporte GT S only gets 12/18 mpg, and it has 66 hp less than the Panamera Turbo.) Reasons that the Panamera mileage is so impressive include the DFI, PDK transmission, and start/stop technology.

[source: Autoblog]

The rumors swirling around VW’s plans for Porsche are flying around fast and furious. One day they are saying they will be adding more Panamera variants to the lineup, and the next they are saying they are going to kill the Panamera. Now, there is another rumor involving the Panamera: platform sharing.

This latest rumor says VW is considering sharing the 2010 Panamera platforms with some of its other brands. Apparently, Lamborghini has been ruled out as a recipient, but that leaves brands like Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, and VW itself.

Speculation on what cars would use it would be the new Bentley Continental GT, or a new Audi sedan (to replace the A8 or slot in above it?) or maybe a new super-sedan from Bugatti.

At this point, it’s anyone’s guess what is going to happen… might as well add this rumor to the pile.

[source: Motor Authority]

This report caught me off guard: according to an article in Britain’s Car magazine, the VW group is planning to kill off the Cayenne and Panamera after their product life cycles end in about seven years.

Despite the fact that the Cayenne has been a huge sales success, and millions of dollars have been invested in the Panamera, the board feels that the VW Group has plenty of SUVs and sedans without Porsche.

On one hand, lots of Porsche fans would love to see Porsche focus only on sports cars again. But on the other hand, how will VW CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn meet his goal of doubling current Porsche sales without their best-selling model? And don’t discount his recent remarks that two of the three future models discussed recently include a mini-SUV and another variation of the Panamera.

In any event, one thing is clear: change will be coming to Porsche under VW’s regime.

[source: Car Magazine via Edmunds Auto Observer]

So what have we here? Let’s look at some facts first. As we noted earlier, VW CEO (and new Porsche head honcho) has said he wants to add three new models to the Porsche lineup, one of which may be an additional version of the Panamera. We also know that a lot of people don’t like the rear end of the current Panamera.

So, a guy named Theophilus Chin decided to Photoshop together what a Panamera wagon might look like. And you know want? I like it! In fact, I like it much better than the current Panamera.

While it is HIGHLY unlikely that Porsche would ever produce such a car, we can hope can’t we?

Another picture after the jump.

[source: Theophilus Chin]

To continue the Panamera theme, here is a video of Jay Leno driving the Panamera Turbo at Pebble Beach. While having positive comments about the car, Jay doesn’t see to be overly excited. And I don’t think he got the launch control quite right….

[source: YouTube]

Not to be outdone by 9ff, Gemballa has announced their new Panamera-based offering: the Mistrale.

Gemballa says the Mistrale will pump out a ridiculous 750 hp, and will feature new brakes (420 mm front discs with six-pot calipers and 380 mm rear discs with four-pot calipers), 22-inch forged allows, and an air suspension that lowers the car 40 mm.

Of course, an aerokit will also be part of the package. While I typically think tuner aerokits are over-the-top, I actually link the Carrera GT-esque rear end treatment of the Mistrale. Also, I think Gemballa’s wheels are much cooler than the 9ff wheels.

Check out more pictures and the full press release after the jump.

[source: Gemballa via Autoblog]

GEMBALLA MISTRALE – the new, fascinating GEMBALLA luxury limousine based on Porsche Panamera models

GEMBALLA, the specialist for high-end Porsche refinement and innovative engineer design plans further modifications, such as powerful performance enhancements up to 750 hp for different serial engines. And also in the interior, owner Uwe Gemballa leaves his distinctive mark with an innovative design and unsurpassable quality as usual. For more information about the GEMBALLA MISTRALE and the extensive GEMBALLA refining programme, please visit the web site www.gemballa.com

Porsche tuner 9ff has unveiled more details for its upcoming models based on the Panamera. The new offerings are all based on the Panamera Turbo and there are three models to choose from.

The PT-55 boosts power from 500 to 550 hp via an ECU upgrade and new air filters. The PT-60 adds a new exhaust system to boost power to 600 hp. And finally, the PT-65 swaps out the turbos to take power to 650 hp, and also adds a full aero kit. In addition, 22-inch three-piece wheels and various interior upgrades will be available across all models.

No word yet on price or availability. Check out another rendering after the jump.

[source: 4wheelsnews.com via Autoblog]

Anyone who has ever ordered a new Porsche has encountered the seemingly infinite options list. But the new Panamera may take that to a new level.

Porsche showed off some of the new Panamera customization options, and while some of them are typical for Porsche (bike racks, custom luggage, wood trim) some are unexpected, like the cooler/fridge between the rear seats.

Some options Porsche showed included the Yachting Mahogany wood trim panels; body-colored interior elements; Porsche crest seats; a rear entertainment system with individual CD/DVD players, infrared cordless headsets, AV inputs and game console and iPod interfaces; body color exterior air intake and outlet grids; custom lower rear panel and diffuser; luggage racks; roof transport system; bicycle rack; and custom fitted luggage.

Check out your Porsche dealer for the complete option list, and check out a few more pics after the jump.

[source: Porsche via Motor Authority]

About a year ago, Cadillac laid claim to the fastest four-door car around when a CTS-V lapped the famed Nürburgring in 7 minutes 59 seconds.

Porsche’s test driver (no word if it was Walter Röhrl or not) lapped the ring in 7:56 in a Panamera Turbo, taking the title (at least momentarily) from Cadillac.

Although I was skeptical at first of the Panamera, I have a feeling it is going to win me over just like the Cayenne did… damn you Porsche!

[source: Autoblog]

Fans of Top Gear know all about their famous races… they’ve raced cars against planes, trains, boats, bicycles, and more. But this time they may have outdone themselves. In last Sunday’s episode, James May and Richard Hammond race a new Panamera S against the British Royal Mail service.

Starting in the most southwestern part of Britain, the Scilly Isles, they race 900 miles over land and sea to the Orkney Islands in north Britain. So if you want to deliver a letter overnight, are you better off driving a Panamera or buying a stamp? And what did Captain Slow and the Hamster think of the Panamera?

Watch the vids to find out!

[source: Top Gear via YouTube]