Porsche sedan decision imminent

PORSCHE will announce whether it will produce a fourth model – almost certain to be a V8 sedan – at this September’s Frankfurt motor show, or earlier.

For the first time, the Stuttgart marque has officially confirmed it is considering adding an all-new model to its range, which currently comprises the flagship 911 coupe, Cayenne 4WD, Boxster convertible and, from early 2006 in Australia, the Boxster-based Cayman S coupe.

Although Porsche will not comment on the Panamera name – or other potential new model names it has registered – it said the success of Cayenne demonstrated the famed sportscar manufacturer’s ability to enter uncharted waters.

"We are considering a fourth model line beyond our current products," said Porsche’s global press relations boss Michael Baumann at last week’s 911 Carrera 4 launch in Monaco.

"(Cayenne) shows the company has the ability and potential to move into other segments.

"By Frankfurt we will be able to comment on the fourth model line. It might be a sports car or a new segment, but please look forward to it as a surprise," he said.

It is believed Porsche will announce its intention to offer a range-topping four-door grand tourer prior to the Frankfurt show, an event that will also host the public debuts of both the 997-series Carrera 4 and the all-new Cayman S coupe.

Porsche will also use the Frankfurt event to outline a plan to build a petrol-electric hybrid version of the Cayenne – a model that has outperformed Porsche’s own expectations by notching up 100,000 sales since its 2003 launch.

Porsche’s total annual sales have grown from around just 20,000 in 1996, when 911 was Porsche’s only model, to an expected 80,000 in the 2005 financial year ending July 31.

Along with Porsche’s other success story, the Boxster, which first appeared in 1997 and went on sale here in second-generation 987-series guise in February, Cayenne’s market success has given Porsche the capital to fund the development of models such as Panamera.

"Cayenne’s success really is a milestone in our history. For the first time in 50 years, it has opened up a world beyond sports cars for Porsche," said Mr Baumann.

Expected to feature design cues from the limited-edition Carrera GT supercar – along with a version of its stonking 5.7-litre V10 – the new front-engined model is also likely to offer more powerful versions of the Cayenne’s 4.5-litre V8, delivering around 270kW in naturally aspirated form and up to 375kW in turbocharged trim.

With more than 450kW expected to come from a possible V10-powered Panamera flagship, the E2-codenamed sedan will rival four-door expresses like the Mercedes-Benz E55, BMW M5, Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

If confirmed for production, Panamera is unlikely to appear in Porsche showrooms before 2008.