Jump to content

Porsche boss admits Panamera's style is offputting

Porsche boss admits Panamera's style is offputting

Deeq

20,264 views

blog-0403171001413163507.jpg

blogentry-114362-0-08494200-1413163432_thumb.jpgThe design of the Porsche Panamera has been divisive, to say the least. Pretty much any Porsche with four doors was going to draw the ire of enthusiasts, but the fast-back-style roofline, prominent curves and seemingly never-ending hood have particularly irked some brand loyalists.

 

Finally, Porsche's headman is admitting to that.

 

CEO Matthias Mueller said the appearance – inside and out – has missed the mark, and changes are coming for the redesign. "There have been some small mistakes and we will do it better," Mueller said. "For example the design could be better."

 

blogentry-114362-0-20888300-1413163433_thumb.jpg

Porsche design chief Michael Mauer told the website that improvements have been made for the new model, and that it will have an even more dramatic roofline. "We have addressed certain things and I think it is more attractive, but if as a designer I was to tell you the successor generation doesn't look as good as the old one, then most likely I should look for another job," Mauer said.

 

The appearance of the Panamera has found some supporters, and the sedan has been generally well-received for its power, poise on the road and luxurious features. Moreover, it's extended the scope of Porsche's lineup, fattened the company's bottom line and added a crucial vehicle for the China market.

 

blogentry-114362-0-86052000-1413163434_thumb.jpg

The Panamera was designed on Mauer's watch, though long before Mueller took over as Porsche CEO in October 2010. It launched in 2009, and the Panamera portfolio has grown to include a long-wheelbase model, a plugin hybrid and other variants that allow it to compete everything from the Tesla Model S to the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.

 

Since then, the Panamera's appearance has grown on some enthusiasts, as our Michael Harley noted immediately in our first drive back in 2009:

 

blogentry-114362-0-23652600-1413163469_thumb.jpg

Meanwhile, Panamera sales have remained strong in the United States, well into its life cycle. Sales dipped slightly in September to 450 units (25 fewer than a year ago), but are still up 447 units to 4,395 sales this year.




11 Comments


Recommended Comments

It even divides the opinion on myself. One minute nice, another minute ugly.

Link to comment

I don't think he needs to worry.

 

Suckers are still buying it and paying a lot of money for it.

 

You can put a Porsche badge on an Audi and people will still buy it.

Link to comment

I don't think he needs to worry.

 

Suckers are still buying it and paying a lot of money for it.

 

You can put a Porsche badge on an Audi and people will still buy it.

 

Porsche realised exactly that after the Cayenne, when they rebadged a mere VW and suckers still lapped it up.

Link to comment

 

Porsche realised exactly that after the Cayenne, when they rebadged a mere VW and suckers still lapped it up.

 

Would give you 5 points but cannot give praise points here.

 

Porsche are experts in Marketing as well as Engineering but what they are really go at is making money from the stock market.

 

They made 8 billion from buying VW shares cheap and selling them high.

 

I just wished they were looking after our money.

Link to comment

Since we are on the topic of Porsche, and you guys say that Panamera and Cayenne are for suckers, whats your opinion on the Cayman and the Macan?

 

Of cos I know that a true blue porsche is a 911, but that's really way of out my league.

Link to comment

Macan is fantastic. Audi price Porsche badge.

 

Everyone's a winner.

Link to comment

The way you guys say about the Macan, I don't even know its good anot xia. You praising it or suan-ing it?

 

What about the Cayman? Most common Porsche on the roads.

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Carpark Review: Junction 8

    Built in the 1980s, Bishan (or Bishan New Town) may not be one of the earliest housing estates in Singapore, but it was the first whose HDB architecture saw a departure from the more brutalist designs of the past and featured more variation in height and design.  Residents are primarily served by Junction 8, which opened in 1993. Now more than 30 years old, it remains the sole mall in the Bishan East area. Driving there? Here’s our quick review of the carpark.  Manoeuvrability: T

    bobthemob

    bobthemob

×
×
  • Create New...