Geneva seems to be the motorshow for every manufacturer and tuner to showcase their latest, greatest or in some cases weirdest models. Porsche tuner Techart has decided to preview their Panamera Concept One which according to them is the second stage in their 'individualization' level for the Porker.

The exterior is 'individualized' with a new front bumper with intakes, hood, fenders, side skirts, a stainless-steel sport exhaust with dual black tailpipes, a height-adjustable rear spoiler and a rear bumper with diffuser. The track is widened by 0.8 inch in the front and 1.65 inches in the rear, making room for huge 22-inch TechArt Formula III forged alloy wheel. A multifunctional daytime driving light system with automatic dimming and brightness adjustment is also incorporated. Everyone is jumping on the LED driving light bandwagon, even tuners.

Techart, being a performance tuner has also upgraded the engine. It seems that there will be a 150bhp increase over the stock Panamera turbo which I suspect is down to an intake and the above mentioned exhaust system coupled to a retuned ECU that most probably increases the turbo boost pressure.

So the main question is whether the body upgrades have made the Panamera better looking or not. Actually I still don't think that Techart had succeeded in making the hunchbacked hatchback Panamera into a looker. It still looks like the Hunchback of Notre Dame but now it has the more slits, slats, gills all over its wings and bonnet as well as having a fixed boomerang like rear spoiler thrown in for good measure replacing the active aero spoiler in the original. It does look aggressive and looks the most successful if you look at it from the rear three-quarter view, but I like the subtlety of the standard model as it has that slightly retro sportiness like its an overgrown Porsche 356, especially when its in that grey silver paintwork when it is viewed from the side. The original looks very Teutonic, tool like, clean and Bauhaus-art-like compared to the Techart version. It's a love-hate thingy with the stock Panamera, especially when you've seen it in real life.

Maybe Panamera owners don't like the subtlety of a stock Panamera. Maybe its just ugly but not 'in your face' enough for most. The fact is, I may be right. People who buy 4 door Porsche SUVs or Porsche sedans like their cars to be ugly. There is grace and beauty in being ugly according to them. Ugly is the new beautiful. This fact makes me wanna rush out and hug a Cayenne. Not.

- I believe this is the prettiest viewing angle of the Techart Panamera


- compare this 'individualized' version ....

- to the original

Porsche, Panamera, Techart and 3 more...

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