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03-22-2010, 10:54 AM
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The strategy of building halo models to attract attention from both the media and potential customers is nothing new. Generally sane automakers stuff large engines, big wheels and stiffer suspensions into otherwise normal cars and sell them for huge bucks. But ultimately a vehicle's success is determined by whether it is the bread-and-butter models that are excellent, rather than the fraction of high-performance models that are sold.
Porsche's excellent Panamera sedan has answered most of the criticisms leveled at it with supercar-esque performance and limo-beating luxury. As expected, the focus has fallen almost completely on the headline-generating Turbo model and its 500-hp V8. However, the majority of sales will be the newly-introduced V6 models as well as the more reasonably sporty, normally aspirated V8-powered S and 4S. That being said, models like the Panamera 4S are worth a little more attention to see how they stack up to the car's competition.
More: 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S Review (http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/porsche/2010-porsche-panamera-4s-review-1318.html) on AutoGuide.com
The strategy of building halo models to attract attention from both the media and potential customers is nothing new. Generally sane automakers stuff large engines, big wheels and stiffer suspensions into otherwise normal cars and sell them for huge bucks. But ultimately a vehicle's success is determined by whether it is the bread-and-butter models that are excellent, rather than the fraction of high-performance models that are sold.
Porsche's excellent Panamera sedan has answered most of the criticisms leveled at it with supercar-esque performance and limo-beating luxury. As expected, the focus has fallen almost completely on the headline-generating Turbo model and its 500-hp V8. However, the majority of sales will be the newly-introduced V6 models as well as the more reasonably sporty, normally aspirated V8-powered S and 4S. That being said, models like the Panamera 4S are worth a little more attention to see how they stack up to the car's competition.
More: 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S Review (http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/porsche/2010-porsche-panamera-4s-review-1318.html) on AutoGuide.com