The German company Porsche plans to release its new 4-door sport sedan Panamera thus move the boundaries of the prestigious class F.

Encouraged by the success of the luxury crossover Cayenne, the company is getting ready to hang its logo on a splendid sports sedan which by its size and filling can easily compete with Mercedes S-Class.

According to the unofficial information which comes from reliable German sources almost every week, we will be able to tell you a few facts about the “beast” by Porsche.

The car has got almost 5 meters in length and 2 meters in width, and the “weakest” version will weigh over 1800 kg – the figures are quite serious for a Porsche. The laden mass of the flagman of the Panamera line, equipped with a 4.8-liter V8 Turbo will make 2 tons.

The customers will be offered 3 power units to choose from: 3.6-liter 300-hp V6; 4.8-liter 405-hp V8 and the above mentioned 4.8-liter V8 Turbo with 520 hp. Even the weakest engine of the line will be able to accelerate the car to 250 km/h, while the top variant will be able to reach 300 km/h.

It looks like Porsche is not giving up the idea of becoming a green company: the Germans are working on a hybrid power unit to their utmost. The new engine is going to consist of a petrol 3.6-liter 110-hp V6 and an electric engine. According to the company’s info, the green Panamera will offer its owners a few modes of combined engine’s work – just like Toyota Prius.

It is likely that the brand-new sedan by Porsche will get a 7-grade transmission with double clutch (which are not installed on VW and Audi). As a option will come a transmission with adjustable clearance.

They say that the interior of the car got spacious and luxurious and on the rear seats two adults with long legs will feel absolutely comfortable. And despite al this, the interior wont lose its individuality which is typical of all Porsche models.

The prices for the novelty in Germany start at 80 000 euro for the basic 3.6-liter rear-driven. At the same time the flagman variant with 4.8-liter V8 Turbo one will have to derive himself of 125 000 euro. The company plans to sell 30 000 cars annually.

The sales of the long-awaited novelty are to start at the beginning of 2009, but initially only 8-cylinder versions will be available. If you want to buy a Panamera with V6 you’ll have to wait until 2010. The fans of green cars will have to wait even further – a Panamera with a hybrid engine will be available only from 2011.

As the sales of Panamera will take place, Porsche will consider equipping the car with other VW’s power units: V8, V10 and even probably the brand-new V12 TDI. All this will depend on the demand on the novelty. It is probable that Porsche will equip Panamera with the powerful V10 from its supercar GT.

VW Jetta TSI Sport by Superchips, Milltel Sport and Turbo Dynamics; 2008 Mercedes CLS-Class