Local Panamera spec announced

Porsche Australia has used the occasion of the international launch of the Panamera to confirm specifications for the three-model local range. Though it announced local pricing for the new four-seater, four-door gran turismo in February (more here), to date it has kept the standard equipment lists for the range under wraps. Although there are still options and accessory details still to be formalised -- closer to the Panamera's local launch in October -- the main ins and outs have been nailed down.

Locally the Panamera range will comprise three variants starting with the $270,200 rear-wheel-drive Panamera S. The mid-range all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S raises the ante to $282,400 and the range will be topped by the Panamera Turbo (also all-wheel drive) priced from $364,900.

All models feature Porsche's seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission as standard, however, Porsche has now confirmed it will offer a six-speed manual gearbox to Aussie Panamera S buyers as a no-cost option.

All PDK cars feature auto-start/stop as standard and every Panamera is equipped with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) as standard. The standard airbag count is eight -- including driver and front passenger knee bags -- and the car also uses an active bonnet to address pedestrian safety.

Australian delivery S and 4S models will roll on 8 and 9 x 18-inch alloys, while the Turbo moves up an inch in diameter and width to 9 and 10 x 19. All three get Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) three-way adjustable damping, but only the Turbo features adaptive air springing as a standard fitment. The system will be optional on the otherwise steel-sprung atmo V8s.

The range-topping Turbo alone also gets Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) as standard. This system includes a rear locking differential and active sway bars, and again is an option on the S/4S.

All three models feature Porsche's active rear spoilers. Along with underbody aero aids, this innovative new feature and most of the mechanical specs of the Panamera range are unchanged from the  details we offered as part of our coverage of the Shanghai reveal of the car (more here).

Thus, it's the detail of what you'll get for your Aussie dollars in the cabin of the Panamera that will have most buyers interested at this point.

The good news is you'll have plenty of choice -- of colours, materials and extra entertainment, convenience and comfort goodies. The bad news is most will cost you extra over and above the already steep sticker prices being asked for the new Porsches. This is especially the case if the items relate to the Panamera's main party trick, its rear seats.

Multifunction navigation, high-end BOSE six-disc stereo, Bluetooth prep, iPod connectivity, sunroof, auto open/close tailgate and park assist (but no camera) are all standard across the range, as are bi-xenon adaptive auto-ranging headlamps, LED running lights and a comprehensive interior lighting package.

Dual-zone (driver and front passenger) climate control air is standard but you'll have to pay extra for a four-zone system. Multi-adjustable heated front power seats are standard on all models but rear seat heating and/or cooling is an option on the atmo Panameras. You'll need to spring to the Turbo's near-$370K pricetag before Porsche includes them.

Short of the splitfold functionality (which boosts luggage space from 445 litres on the S/4S to 1263), there's no rear seat adjustability offered on any standard Aussie delivery Panamera either -- even the Turbo. Given the focus on the rear compartment on this car, we reckon that's a bit cheeky.

Add in the fact any rear DVD/entertainment facility is optional and that there's no provision for any rear control of the standard audio system (even as an option) and the "four first-class seats" sentiment espoused at the international launch is just a touch overdone. 

Optional, however, will be a rear power seat package and/or the choice of more aggressively bolstered sports seats front and rear. Regular rear seat occupants might also wish to opt for remote operation of the front passenger seat. And perhaps tick the box for side and rear privacy blinds.

In terms of cabin finishes both the S/4S get "partial leather' seats and detailing. The Turbo ups the ante to full leather including a decadent leather-trimmed dashpad and alcantara headlining. High gloss black interior finishes are standard on the atmo Panameras with the Turbo adding Walnut to the standard specification.

There will also be myriad interior décor combinations offered via Porsche's normal optional and Exclusive colour palette programs.

Porsche's worldwide head of sales and marketing, Exec Vice President Klaus Berning played down our concerns of a lack of focus on the rear compartment.

"[In the Panamera] I'm clearly selling a Porsche to somebody who knows [how] and likes to drive and has the necessity to have the capacity for four people," Berning told the Carsales Network.

"Whether the car is beautiful or not is a matter of taste. I really think the car is beautiful... Unique... And it's what people in that segment want -- finally something exciting... Finally something different. Because whatever you did after your third 7 Series or S-Class you tend to get a little bored... But I'm sure if you're a guy who uses a driver a lot, you will not buy the Panamera." 

Porsche Australia's Paul Ellis confirmed Berning's sentiments suggesting the mix of standard and optional equipment across the Panamera range was consistent to those on the high-end 911 models -- cars to drive rather than be driven. He also resisted suggestions that Panamera buyers would be more likely to heavily option their cars.

"It's probably too early to tell... You've got to understand the brand. Part of out appeal is the level of individuality you can put on to the car [whether it be a 911 or a Panamera]. Whether it's off an options list or whether it's off 'Exclusive' [Porsche's ex-factory customisation program] that's part of the make up of the brand," Ellis stated.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi