Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Porsche invited GulfWeekly to enjoy life in the fast lane for one weekend and put to the test its fabulous new four-door four-seat hatchback, the Panamera.
The Panamera Turbo, Panamera 4S and Panamera S are set to steal the show from here on in if my experience behind the wheel of these beautiful beasts is anything to go by.
I knew I was in for an amazing trip from the moment I stepped out of Dubai International Airport and spotted a bronze 2009 Panamera awaiting me.
All eyes focused in my direction as I slipped into the front seat. I was impressed by the classy beige leather interior, immaculate details and comfort. For a four-door family-sized machine the makers have not forgone any of the sporting factors associated with the brand. In fact, it simply felt as though I had left business class and moved up to first.
The interior had a jet-like feel. It was like stepping into your very own cabin-style apartment.
Back seat passengers have their very own array of controls and buttons galore too. My friend in the back was over six foot tall and our entire luggage fitted neatly inside the boot with room to spare. The luggage compartment has a total volume of 445 litres and is sufficient for four suitcases of varying sizes.
I arrived at the Emirates Tower which quite frankly boasts the sort of five-star hotel parking bay a Porsche Panamera feels very much at home in. My first day at the Towers was a relaxing one but then again I was saving my energy for the growling 4.8-litre V8 engine which I was about to purr along to Fujairah the next day.
In the morning the Press party met with designer Michael Mauer who explained the Porsche principle to us and the inspiration behind the Panamera's sleek look.
He explained that the concept was to create a 'spacious interior with the athletic lines of a sports car'. The Porsche, we were told, always features performance and driving dynamics along with comfort for long distance driving. The Panamera fits the bill and more.
The model is considered to be the long-awaited fruit of Porsche's 989 concept from the late 1980s and its name is derived, like the Porsche Carrera line, from the Carrera Panamericana race.
Porsche representatives then assigned over our cars and handed us our road guides which led us to Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort Fujairah. It wasn't until we peeled out of the hotel that we truly understood the uniqueness of the Panamera. I drove the Panamera Turbo which from the outset was my favourite!
Driving through winding roads, with long stretches of picturesque scenery zooming by, I realised that the car's steering was beautifully weighted, the brakes were extremely powerful and the transmission and engine worked in invigorating harmony.
It was simply a phenomenal drive and very deceiving when it comes to how fast you are really going. However, it was my colleague from another Bahrain publication that 'got clicked' while driving at 200km down the highway. I am sure there is a picture out there with him screaming 'no' and me pointing at him in laughter.
I felt such an adrenaline rush driving the turbo as it was such a smooth ride. I barely felt any bumps on the road and with 80s music blasting out of the 14 speakers I was well in my element.
We switched vehicles after having lunch and it was time to test out the Panamera S which was another luxury car with only a few variations in its interior.
In my opinion the Panamera is a car you could enjoy every day and, from now on, road trips for this driver will never be the same.
The refined elegance and superior design of the all-new 2009 Porsche Panamera was unveiled yesterday at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa's Al Noor Ballroom.
The prices for the different models start from $120,000 (BD45,250) for the Panamera S, $125,000 (BD47,134) for the Panamera 4S and $169,000 (BD63,706) for the Panamera Turbo.
For further details contact Behbehani Brothers in Sitra on 17459955.
FACT FILE
Drive
Features direct fuel inject (DFI), variocam plus and variable intake manifold. The engine delivers 294kw (400hp) at 6,500rpm.
Panamera S: Rear-wheel drive can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds. Top speed 285km/h.
Panamera 4S: Accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds. Top speed 282km/h. Features Porsche Dopplekupplung (PD) and all-wheel drive porshce traction management (PTM).
Panamera Turbo: Features twin- turbo engine with direct fuel injection (DFI), variocam plus and charge air cooling. It delivers 368KW (500hp) at 6,000rpm. Top speed is 303km/h and it sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.
Porsche dynamic chassis control (PDCC) is available in all models and is an active anti-roll system that anticipates and reduces lateral body movement during cornering.
Adaptive cruise control is optional in all models allowing vehicles to maintain a safe distance. Offers adaptive air suspension and PASM in the turbo. The Panamera S and 4S offers it as an option.
Audio and communication
Panamera S and 4S: Features a CDR-31 audio system with 7-inch colour touch screen, an integrated CD radio with FM dual tuner with RD3, 30 station presets, dynamic autostore and speed-dependent volume control. The package also includes 10 speakers with a total of 100 watts.
Panamera Turbo: Features a Bose with surround system with a total output of 585 watts and 14 loudspeakers including subwoofers. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) including navigation module with high-speed hard disk drive, 7-inch high resolution touch screen and optional voice control. Other features are an Aux-in and USB port and iPod port in centre console.
All models can be equipped with high-end surround sound system from Burmester.
Sport features
There are two buttons that will change the drive of your car: the sport and the sport chrono package otherwise known as sport plus. All Panameras have a sport button. The turbo also comes with an 'overboost' function.
