911s are often driven moderately. Sunday drive, soak up the experience, don't scare the wife, keep the road noise to a minimum, cardiologist's orders, etc.. There are plenty of explanations for 911s not breaking 85 on open US highways - aside from the illegality of it.

Near as I can figure....none of them applies to driving a Panamera.

I'm in the northeast (CT). Every panny I see is driven in a very limousine-like fashion. I've driven a few permutations of the car and it is very luxurious, particularly the interior feel. I can imagine driving the car like you might an S class. That's great and all, but I also drove a panny GTS at Monticello and man is it impressive in anger.

So it just leaves me wondering why you never see one "in anger' on the roads. At least I don't.

Years ago people (self included) flocked to the idea of a BMW converted into an SUV (X5). Perhaps not because they wanted to drive an SUV like an M3, but because they transposed BMW's brand credit on the category of "SUV". The same process that occurred/s with the Cayenne. And now perhaps, people aren't buying panameras because they're the best handling (excluding -maybe- the Rapide) you can buy, but rather because its simply a sedan from Porsche?

Certainly there's nothing wrong with that if that's the case, but I don't think that was the design objective... Also, if pan buyers aren't concered with the cars capabilities beyond 6/10ths, then perhaps the GTS won't be the #1 selling version - which was the overwhelming impression I had after it blew me away at Monticello...

Just curious to see what other porschephiles have to say on this topic....
Maybe things are different in other parts of the country?

Regards,
DR

 

I see LOTS of Panameras driving around my car crazy city, and I'd bet most of them are "trophy" cars, bought for the nameplate more than their performance. I think it's also not unusual to find a veteran Porsche owner (who has had 911's, Boxsters, etc) for years also owning a Panamera or Cayenne as a second car. I think the Panamera flat out defies physics, but I personally would never have a need for a car that large.

 

The majority of Porsche buyers today, buys the badge and its new electronic doodads - across the model range.

 

There is a local guy who occasionally tracks his Panamera. For a big, heavy GT car, it's not too bad. Slower than my Cayman R though.

 

Seen pleeenty of panny's around the Metro NY area since they were released and have yet to see one get on it... not even for a hot minute if I try to entice them with some sound and fury from my 911.... weak

 

I saw a Panny Turbo at Infineon last year during a NASA HPDE 4 driving event and he had two child seats in back, and yes he was givin' her hell! It was fun to watch!

 

Driving about 400 miles up and down 101 and 880 in the Bay Area last week, I probably saw a total of a half-dozen Panameras, and not a single 911.

Which I thought was kind of weird.