CloseIn Autocar this week it is being reported that the Panamera will be shown at Frankfurt with a revised design at the rear. The magazine claimsthat Walter da Silva ordered the redesign shortly after assuming control over design at Porsche. Has anyone heard if this story is true? It seems somewhat premature to be revising the styling on the car considering the recent launch of the hybrid, turbo S and diesel versions 
There will be a facelift and apparently the next generation will get a less massive look to please european customers too.
The more I see the Panamera on the street(s), the more I like it but it is a pretty massive car, way too massive for certain countries for example. My wife loves the Panamera but she wouldn't want one because it looks that huge and because it doesn't have five seats.
Both will be addressed by Porsche but I don't have a clue about the timeframe.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW
This is a very intriguing rumor, which hopefully is true. I will be at the press days in Frankfurt and will of course report and post pics.
I share the need for a design improvement, but will say that many people here in my area of the U.S. love the design. I have heard many comments about how unique and modern it is. My view is that it is almost there, and needs tweaking, not major overhaul. It could benefit by bigger "hips", a smoothing out of the "humpy" line from from the rear roof to the rear glass, and sportier integration of the spoiler into the rear deck lid. I also have neve liked the rather tinny look of the design element behind the front wheel wells.
From a practical standpoint, rear visibility and perhaps trunk space could be improved.
Overall, the Panamera is a fabulous car, well ahead of its competitors in performance and finish.
Jul 7, 2011 10:46:02 AM
Misha011:
No , there is no need for much difference .
Oh, there is: The front lights are hideous and the hunchback-style rear is also questionable.
Facelift should take care of that. 
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW
Misha011:
I just did that in my p-shops - small tweaks , that's it .
I know, I just can't see them.
This is why facelifts are usually more substantial at Porsche. Just compare the 997 and Cayenne facelifts in the past.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW
Misha011:
RC:
Misha011:
No , there is no need for much difference .
Oh, there is: The front lights are hideous and the hunchback-style rear is also questionable.
Facelift should take care of that.
I just did that in my p-shops - small tweaks , that's it .
Well, your tweaks are too small, you don't even notice them! 
The secret of life is to admire without desiring.
Massive is the right description. Seen head on or directly aft the car is distinctive and "interesting", but as soon as the side profile comes into view, thoughts of ocean liners from a previous era come to mind.
"Don't worry about avoiding temptation, as you grow older it will avoid you" Churchill
DaveC:
Massive is the right description. Seen head on or directly aft the car is distinctive and "interesting", but as soon as the side profile comes into view, thoughts of ocean liners from a previous era come to mind.
I like the front and the impression but you're right as soon as the lateral comes into view it's too huge.
Depends of course on context and point of view. On U.S. roads Panamera looks sleek, low and of intermediate size. Certainly compared to a 997 it is larger, but it is after all a comfortable four seater.
But it does appear larger than perhaps it is, because of the rather small side windows and high door sides--especially in white or other light colors. Large diameter rims (20's for example) and side skirts help break up this appearance of expanse.
Jul 8, 2011 7:35:42 PM
Wonderbar:
Depends of course on context and point of view. On U.S. roads Panamera looks sleek, low and of intermediate size. Certainly compared to a 997 it is larger, but it is after all a comfortable four seater.
But it does appear larger than perhaps it is, because of the rather small side windows and high door sides--especially in white or other light colors. Large diameter rims (20's for example) and side skirts help break up this appearance of expanse.
I agree, for the US, the Panamera is actually the perfect luxury sedan. Over here in Europe, with all those small cars on the street, it looks almost hideous, unfortunately.
Like I said before, my wife likes the Panamera a lot and this is usually a hint for me to get the car but when I asked her, she wants me to wait until Porsche makes it "look" smaller and of course until it gets three rear seats. Even our new city car, a Mini Cooper S Countryman All4, has three seats in the rear, Porsche really made a huge mistake in not offering at least a third rear seat option. It will happen with the next generation though.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
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