Porsche has decided to debut its long-awaited four-door this April, in China, at the Shanghai motor show.

It says a lot for the company’s marketing strategy that the Panamera’s debut will be in the Far East and not, as one would normally expect, a ‘traditional’ European show such as Geneva, held just eight weeks earlier. As previewed elsewhere on Classic Driver, the new four-door will be front-engined (by direct-injection, normally aspirated V6 or V8, as well as a twin-turbo V8) and carry bodywork similar to the 4wd Cayenne.

The jury’s still out on the looks of the car, but its dynamics will, no doubt, impress and the car will be a highly desirable alternative to a top-level Mercedes saloon or the Maserati Quattroporte. Transmissions are either a regular six-speed manual or Porsche’s seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox. All-wheel drive is available as standard on the turbocharged car and is an option on other models.

Looking at the top model, Porsche will offer PTM (Porsche Traction Management) as standard and those specifying the brand-new, adaptive air suspension will see the car lowering itself at speed, thus reducing the centre of gravity and improving fuel efficiency.

Another option available is PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control), an active suspension feature which limits body roll in bends and improves the car’s responsiveness and smoothness on straight - but bumpy - roads.

The Porsche Panamera will be revealed to the public at Auto Shanghai 2009 in China from 20 - 28 April.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Porsche