Lo and Behold, a Porsche Sedan...?

Image courtesy of Porsche.com

With most of the automotive world occupied with news about the fledgling American auto makers, it has been easy to ignore what would otherwise be a very strange sight in a Porsche dealership--the Panamera sedan. The 2010 Porsche Panamera recently hit dealerships in the U.S., marking the release of the first sedan produced in the history of the company.

This, of course, begs the question: A Porsche sedan? Really? Increasingly, Porsche has found itself in a peculiar position in the automotive world. It has long been a specialty auto maker--a boutique auto company, if you will--producing a very limited model line dominated, principally, by the 911, and supported over the years by an array of short-lived models, like the 914 and the 968, to name just a few. As other luxury brands, like Mercedes and BMW, have broadened their model lines over the years, releasing progressively more competitive sports cars in addition to their other ever-present wide offerings, Porsche has slowly succumb to the changing market demands, offering models aimed at different segments of the market--witness the Boxster and the Cayenne--not merely at the competition in the upper echelon of the sports car market.

The new Panamera seems to follow this trend. Though in a time when public image is ever so crucial for auto makers, this is a bold move by Porsche. There is, it seems, the risk of dividing its customer base--for the Porsche purist, the thought of a Porsche sedan is as disturbing as was Porsche's release of a SUV, the Cayenne; but for the discerning, (wealthy) comparison shopper, it stands as a very viable alternative to comparable offerings by, say, Mercedes and BMW.

Nevertheless, for some, the Panamera might be nothing short of a religious awakening. After all, it is a performance sedan made by the company that has brought you the 911, the most enduring sports car in history. Surely it must be a remarkable car... right?

While the Panamera is not on my Christmas wish-list, I certainly would not refuse a test drive.