10-28-2009, 03:46 PM
I got the opportunity to test drive the Panamera (as well as a Cayenne GTS) on a track this week.
The Panamera (I drove the Turbo) is absolutely stunning. I drove it like I might drive a 911 Turbo or C4S on the track (I get to drive lots of interesting cars as a PCA Instructor).
Acceleration - incredible - without pushing too hard, got it to 130mph on a relatively short straight - you're at 100mph before you know what happened.
Handling - turn in and overall handling is truly incredible. You do forget you're driving a sedan.
Braking - look at the size of the calipers on the Turbo, and that'll tell you everything you need to know.
Overall Impression - the interior is amazing. Seats all the way around are true sports car seats. Driving it on the track, you forget you're in a sedan.
The Cayenne GTS is not nearly as impressive, but when you think about the fact that you're in a 5000lb plus SUV, it is impressive.
This was the way to experience both vehicles, and I highly recommend it to anyone who gets the opportunity. If I had the money to spend on it, I'd be buying the Panamera Turbo tomorrow. It would be great and highly practical on the street, and a blast to take out to the occasional track day. It was great after having seen the Panamera testing in the mountains of Colorado for the last year and a half or so.
The Panamera (I drove the Turbo) is absolutely stunning. I drove it like I might drive a 911 Turbo or C4S on the track (I get to drive lots of interesting cars as a PCA Instructor).
Acceleration - incredible - without pushing too hard, got it to 130mph on a relatively short straight - you're at 100mph before you know what happened.
Handling - turn in and overall handling is truly incredible. You do forget you're driving a sedan.
Braking - look at the size of the calipers on the Turbo, and that'll tell you everything you need to know.
Overall Impression - the interior is amazing. Seats all the way around are true sports car seats. Driving it on the track, you forget you're in a sedan.
The Cayenne GTS is not nearly as impressive, but when you think about the fact that you're in a 5000lb plus SUV, it is impressive.
This was the way to experience both vehicles, and I highly recommend it to anyone who gets the opportunity. If I had the money to spend on it, I'd be buying the Panamera Turbo tomorrow. It would be great and highly practical on the street, and a blast to take out to the occasional track day. It was great after having seen the Panamera testing in the mountains of Colorado for the last year and a half or so.
