Porsche Reportedly Considering Long-wheelbase Panamera for the U.S. and China

Porsche purists have never been too fond of the Cayenne and Panamera, but customers less interested in heritage and pedigree have bought plenty of them. In fact, both models have significantly boosted the automaker’s 2010 sales, so not only are the Germans going keep them in their lineup, but will also continue to pump out new versions, at least according to the latest rumors. Citing inside sources, Autoweek reported today that Porsche is now considering a...long-wheelbase version of the Panamera, which could go on sale in the United States and China as early as 2012.

The same sources stated that the four-door coupe’s wheelbase could be extended by as much as 5 inches (12.7 cm) for a total of 120 inches (3.05 meters), enabling the Panamera to go after the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Lang that boasts a 124-inch (3.15 m) wheelbase.

The additional length is said to result in longer rear doors, which will also improve access, one of the current Panamera’s flaws.

In other news, Porsche has allegedly postponed its plans for new Panamera body styles (convertible and shooting brake) until 2015.

“We've decided to wait until the second-generation model before adding alternative body styles,” a high-ranking Porsche official told the news site. “We're already flat-out meeting demand for a single body style as it is,” he added.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autoweek

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Porsche to Unveil New Full Hybrid Model at Geneva Show, Can You Guess What it is?

Porsche is continuing its foray into the eco-friendly segment with a new full parallel hybrid vehicle that’s headed for the Geneva show, according to a statement released today. However, the Germans are keeping specific details hush-hush, only stating that the new model is set to build on the success of the Cayenne S Hybrid and “signals a new chapter” in the brand’s “Porsche Intelligent Performance” philosophy.

While we can’t confirm anything, signs point to a hybrid version of the Panamera four-door coupe, which was last mentioned (but long ago teased) at the end of January. Porsche then said that it’s considering a diesel-powered Cayenne for the States, which could be followed by diesel and gasoline-electric hybrid Panamera variants as well.

Given the Cayenne S Hybrid reference, it’s possible that the Panamera hybrid will use a similar powertrain setup with the SUV model, which features a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine and a 47HP (34 kW) electric motor for a combined output of 380HP (279 kW) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Porsche will also display in Geneva the 918 RSR hybrid racing car concept and hardcore Cayman R, plus the recently introduced 911 Black Edition and Boxster S Black Edition.

By Csaba Daradics

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Porsche Tuning Specialist TECHART Opens U.S. Subsidiary in California [Mega Gallery Alert]

Good news for Porsche owners in America who'd like to have their sports cars and SUV models tuned by Techart as the German company has finally opened a US headquarters in Irvine California. "The new subsidiary ensures a faster product supply to all its customers and sales partners," Techart said in a statement.

The company said that it its US subsidiary has been staffed with specially trained sales and engineering employees, some of which have been sourced from the company's central headquarters in Leonberg, Germany. Techart will offer American clients its full range of products from light alloy wheels and sport exhaust systems to full blown performance and styling kits as well as individual interior treatments.

"The North American automobile market is one of our most important sales markets in the world," said Techart CEO Thomas Behringer. "The foundation of TECHART USA, our own US-subsidiary, underlines the central significance of this market," he added/

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