lets do some poll here we can look back at this thread next year to see how well our predictions are ; D

 

Well probably. The dealer here where I am was saying they ordered a few of them and all of them are already sold. He didn't mention any count on what types came here, but did say that when he tested them in the US on their test track, they were phenomenal. I'm still skeptical though.

But I'd say it'll be a huge hit...probably close to what the Cayenne did. I don't know if it'll be better, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did.

 

I read 20K a year, about 9K come to the US, is that correct?

 

I don't actually know, sorry. I don't even know how many were coming to Canada, I was just told of the few coming to Ottawa.

 

The segment is pretty crowded with lots of good choices. I got to test drive a Pana last week and it felt more sporting than the AMG S63 or Audi S8 and M5. But the styling is unusual (face it, it's a hatch back). They also ended up in the worst car market in a generation. I'd wait for a used one. Cayennes are a dime a dozen now.

 

+1, agree

 

as if Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini weren´t good examples how effective synergies with VW can be. Audi is outselling MB, BMW over here this year, Lamborghini (once almost dead) is a serious contender for Ferrari now, Bentley is posting impressive sales numbers year after year. Also, Porsche CEO Michael Macht sent out a strong message last week:
“Porsche needs to become a strong pillar of VW, as well as having its own production and research and development capabilities. It is important to 
use synergies as well as having independence,” Macht said. “The Panamera platform could be used by other brands for models that are in development and at the concept stage, it is a very important car in our line-up.”
As for engine sharing, Porsche will only use Volkswagen V6 derivates in the base models of Cayenne and Panamera. Other than that Macht said that “engine development is a core value for Porsche” and the company will work to stick to its core values."


As far as the panamera is concerned: the only thing that some people critisize is the big butt, on the other hand there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with the car. it won`t outsell the Cayenne cause it is more expensive, but it surely is an awesome car over all and definitely a winner. more and more people will realize that over the years, same story as the Cayenne.

 

Aside from Maserati, what are the alternative? Here are my two cents:
M5 — not many around, but looks almost identical to the 5, and the street are fill with 5 series. A few bucks cheaper.
S-class — too many around. Nothing NOT to like inside and out, but not much to get excited over.
7 series — this is starting to look like a Lexus... the last generation had a lot more characters
Lexus LS — no sport version of this, even if there is one...
Maserati — the 3 side vent details looks like a Buick, not many dealers around. Reliability?
Panamera — This is a Love it or hate it styling. If they don’t do well, it will be a rare to see one. Maybe more will be on the street when the V6 gets here

 

Who wants a $150,000 plus car that looks to the unwashed masses just like the V6 car at $70,000 or so? That's the problem with the Panamera, no prestige or exclusivity at the high end of the range. I'm not spending that kind of coin to see a V6 park next to me at half my price.

The low end of the Panamera range may make it, but I doubt the Turbo will sell.

 

I see your point, but we face this with 997, right? from base CS to GT2? Or S -class, 7-series...

 

Witness Porsche depreciation, you make my point. Not true with S class or 7 series, Mas QP or Bentley, they only have one high end car, not a cheaper entry level version for the masses.

Besides, I don't like the same principle for the rest of the line.

The only real value with Porsche is in the cheaper entry level lines, then you get a lot of car for the money, not so with the highest end cars.

Depreciation on the highest priced Pan's will be brutal.

 

all big horsepower luxury sedans always have a huge depreciation rate, not only the panamera is facing that problem. if u want to have a low depreciation rate, u have to take something fuel efficent like the upcoming Pana hybrid or V6. but then.. where is the fun?
cars should be great fun, so burning money is okay for me.

by the way, The Pana Turbo in contrast to its high end competitors mainly will sell not because of its exclusivity but because of its amazing performance.

 

Don't agree. People who really care about performance will buy the real deal, ie a sports car.

 

The difference is, Cayennes could be leased for little more than a Ford Explorer. I don't think you're going to see Panamera leases below $1200, so that kind of limits the potential customer base.

 

Just for fun I asked lease 1 yr, 56% at end, on 4s