Salman Jassem Al Darwish (second right), Chairman & CEO of Porsche Centre Doha, Al Boraq Automobiles, and other officials at the new Porsche Panamera launch event held at the Porsche Centre Doha. Pic: Qassim Rahmatullah / The Peninsula
The much anticipated new generation Porsche Panamera, a sports car and luxury saloon in one, was unveiled at the Qatar showroom yesterday.
Al Boraq Automobiles marked the introduction of the new generation by launching two all-wheel drive versions - Panamera 4S and Turbo - at a special event held at Porsche Centre Doha. In its second generation, the Panamera has been redeveloped down to every last detail. Modifications to the engine, transmission, chassis and overall design concept, make it a performance icon in the luxury class.
Speaking at the launch event, Salman Jassem Al Darwish, Chairman & CEO of Porsche Centre Doha, Al Boraq Automobiles, said: “In the new Panamera, our customers and enthusiasts will experience a fundamentally redesigned car with new turbo engines, sharper exterior design, intuitive interior features and innovative technologies. All models launched here today (Sunday) are more powerful than previous versions, whilst also significantly improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. As a result, this four-door saloon is a unique offering and an embodiment of comfort, performance, luxury presented in the most beautiful form.”
Two new twin-turbo engines have been introduced, combined with the brand’s first eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. The eight-speed PDK enables an even better gear ratio spread alongside a reduction in fuel consumption, because the seventh and eighth gears are designed as engine speed-reducing overdrive gears, with all models reaching their top speed in sixth gear.
With a range of derivatives set to be launched throughout the year, the new Panamera 4S and Turbo are available now at Porsche Centre Doha. Basic retail price for Panamera 4S is QR481,000 and Panamera Turbo starts from QR676,100.
Recognisable sports car aesthetics which make up the typical Porsche flyline in the new Panamera include pronounced shoulders, athletic flanks and an extremely fast roof line that is 20 mm lower at the rear.
The sharpened exterior includes a completely new front-end design, with a crossbar in the radiator grille emphasising the car’s width and an arrow-shaped bonnet that features a prominently contoured powerdome. Presenting a harmonious balance between sporty performance, comfort and luxury, the new Panamera has been developed for sports car drivers who appreciate four doors and four seats.
