vonbeeler

I'm posting this link because there is currently nothing in the market that would make me consider trading my S600. Well except maybe a 65. So I've been following the Panamera development mostly out of curiosity and potentially as an S trade in a couple years. The pictures I have seen so far haven't really motivated me much but I thought these new pictures were interesting. i know its not really an S competitor but no doubt that some will cross shop. http://www.autospies.com/news/Porsch...ey-pics-36846/

trumpet1

The exterior of the car looks very nice but the interior looks too much like the inside of the cockpit of a very techno filled airplane. No elegance at all. Too cluttery.

Not for me at all.

AMGfan

I have to agree with Trumpet1...the adage less is more should be applied here.

vonbeeler

I have to agree with you both on the cockpit theme being little strange but there is something about it that I like. Not sure what exactly but maybe just that it is different from the overall simplification process everyone has been doing with command/idrive etc. Maybe I like the choice of all the buttons at full display?? Anyway I'm sure it will be Porsche priced which In my opinion of late is too much money for not enough power. Sorry Porsche owners. I am a Porsche fan and have owned almost every Porsche built in the late 80's and 90's but as of late and especially after I went Italian a couple times I have been disappointed with Porsche. For some reason though this new 4 door has my interest again? I'm not saying I'm considering trading but I do like it.

vonbeeler

But Most importantly It will need at least 550hp, lots of low end torque, and would need to be 4500lbs or less to get me to consider prying my hands off the S.

AMGfan

The P boys will probably have an S and/or turbo version with the requisite higher price point to match...

Fraser

What about the Aston Martin Rapide?

That is one handsome beast

Untertürkheim

+1

MB Fanatic

Porsche ****ed up bigtime with the Panamera. Aston has it right with the Rapide.

The Panamera looks like a wagon from the rear.

vonbeeler

It is hansome. Does anyone know what the price point wil be for this?
performance?
I've driven the A.M. v8 and wasnt that impressed.

Z356

I actually had a chance to see a Panamera prototype last Aug. 27th when it stopped overnight at Beaver Creek, Colorado as part of a road testing trip that involved more than 10 other Porsches & support vehicles. Test vehicles, especially from Porsche and Mercedes, are often seen in public Colorado roads and they have facilities near Denver that serve as a base for these programs. The most positive & striking thing about the Panamera was its front design. The most negative & uninspired part was its rear profile (see attached link photo of its derrière). The interior was very attractive in a lush creme leather, although the dash, center tunnel and steering wheel were covered in a black mesh for camouflage purposes (while parked in front of the Beaver Lodge Hotel), so I could not see them. The car minders outside the hotel (they were in the process of washing it) would not admit what 'model' it was but allowed me (they had no choice since it was very public space) to walk around it. I am a long standing Porsche fan (my first '68 912 Soft-Rear Targa was in 1973 just after I graduated from Penn. I currently own 3 early long-nose 911s and had a variety of 356s in the recent past) but I doubt this model will pull me to trade in my current '07 CL600 for it. I see it more of a competitor to VW's Bentley Continental GT. Let's see how it's priced when if finally comes out. Saludos, Z356

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-conte...namera-003.jpg

vonbeeler

Yes that rear does not look at all like anything I would want to own. But will have to save final judgment until I see in person. But if it is a real usable hatch it could serve as sport/luxury/sedan/utility. I'm driving my wifes truck usually about twice a week as I can't bring myself to put a roof rack on the S for the surf board. So for me a usable hatch (as long as its attractive) could be an incentive.

Fraser

I think the problem is going to be more about getting hold of one, new at least. I was at an Aston Martin dealer last summer and asked about the Rapide. IIRC there were quite a few names down for it then, at the time it was still two years from production!

Mrkhan347

that aston martin rapide is gawd.

E500C70

I could grate cheese on that centre console.

Red Marko

How is it "gawd"?
(I'm not poking on you, just developing some waves)


On the outside, maybe. Matter of taste (puny grille for one...)
Let's get to the engine bay for example. Fresh, brand spanking new power plant
6.0L V12 front-mid mounted engine producing 510-hp with a maximum torque of 420 lb-ft
Are you kiddding?

Another example of wannabe catch up game.
MB did hit THE absolute bulls-eye with current V12. Call it... old, refreshed, redesigned, proven, tested, whatever.
It delivers....wait.....612 lb-ft (not modded). Holly crap. Don't care if it's NA or TT.

Best for last .
Price $400k. Estimated.
For this under developed, under designed POS???
WSH - where are you, when I need you (i'm dead seroius right now) to back me up?

How many Paris Hiltons, Madonnas, Opras, Beyonces can you screw for the difference??? ALL OF THEM (not necessarily that you would do all of them ).

And to boot... in better, faster, safer, more enjoyable car?
To drive (that is)

PS:
Guppy, you worthless "Aston Martin",
how are you in your new sheep skin

Fraser

But the Rapide isn't designed to be a speed demon like a Benz AMG vehicle might be, it is designed to be a grand tourer.

Personally I'd rather have one than any Mercedes.

vonbeeler

Slow.... underpowered.....Translation.......Grand tourer.

On a side note finally today on a stretch of great road that is my daily drive I pull up behind a brand new S63. No plates yet, brand new. This particular stretch is two lanes that merge to one.The S63 in front. Here is my chance to show my 612ft lbs. OHHH wait. Today I'm in the wifes SUV. ooohhhssshhi!!damn.

Fraser

It's still 480bhp and 0-60mph in 5.5seconds. That's hardly slow.

Satan

No way is that going to be anywhere near 400k. RR phantom starts at 320k, Bentley Arnage 220k

This will probably be in the Continental Flying Spur price point of $175k

NJBoy115

I agree.

Red Marko

Don't kill the messenger,
check this link out
http://www.autospies.com/news/Aston-...400-000-36291/

NJBoy115

Thats "autospies"....IMHO There's no way that an Aston Martin is gonna go for $400k....The V12 Vanquish S stickered below $400k when it was new!! But, who knows...I guess well just find out when it gets released.

vonbeeler

+1.
But it should be priced at $125 to compete with S63/Maser Quattro. Dont think it should be in 65/Spur catagory. Or $150k tops at S600 price. Def anything over 2 large no way. For $2 I'm thinking used 430 spyder now.
Just two years ago they were getting $50k over sticker at $300k.
Its a great time to be a buyer..............If you have any money left.

Fraser

I don't think we'll see it at $125k unless Aston Martin do a Mercedes and price the coupe higher than the saloon. I'd expect to be DB9 money ($164k-$178k) if not a touch more