Think the Panamera is the first four-door Porsche? Guess again.
Porsche's first run at a four-door was actually this hideous 911-- a one-off vehicle literally put together from two crashed 1967 911s. To add to its look, suicide doors were obviously a must. California coachbuilder Troutman-Barnes built the car with the go-ahead from Porsche, and it has since disappeared - we would bet it was involved in a mysterious accident, sparing the German automaker from any more embarrassment.
Next came the custom 1986 Porsche 928 S4 (suicide doors again?), another saloon test-run that was built for American Sunroof Corporation CEO Heinz Prechter. The interior was pimped-out with burgundy leather to match the exterior, and supposedly the car is still around with just a bit over 5,000 miles on the odo. It was offered at no reserve at the RM Monterey auction in 2002, and someone actually paid $44,000 for it.
Last and possibly least was the Porsche 989, the project now Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez was put in charge of in the late '80s. It had a water-cooled V8 with 300 horses and might have made it to production had 928 sales not severely started to slump. Porsche officials initially claimed that the only prototype was destroyed, but now the German automaker says it remains in storage.
Now, take a look at the 2010 Porsche Panamera. It makes Porsche's previous attempts at a sedan look elementary and ludicrous. Smooth lines, a whopping 500 horses for the Turbo model and a luxurious interior. Pretty typical for a Porsche, but this time it's got four doors. With over 40 years in the making, it better be good.
First Drive and Video: 2010 Porsche Panamera
DCuerpoJr says:
02:31 PM, 06/25/09
I have to admit, I wasn't too fond of the idea of a 4dr Porsche. But their latest attempt with the Panamera seems remarkable.
estreka says:
04:05 PM, 06/25/09
Personally, I think all of those renditions were handsome. I guess I'm just different.
greenpony says:
05:07 PM, 06/25/09
I politely disagree with estreka. None are pleasant to look at.
hondacura4 says:
06:55 AM, 06/27/09
I like the concepts, I just think Porsche didnt get it "right" until the Panamera.