Porsche Brings Style and Power to the Wagon with Panamera Sport Turismo

NASHUA, N.H. (10/10/2012)(readMedia)-- Traditionally, wagons have not exactly been the epitome of style and performance, but leave it to Porsche to create one that can get the auto industry buzzing. Recently unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept wagon made a positive first impression, donning sleek design lines to resemble a stretched-out sports car more than a practical family hauler.

Based on the Porsche Panamera sedan, the Sport Turismo concept shares a similar front half, but differentiates itself with a straight roofline that leads to a carbon fiber spoiler above the sharply angled rear windshield. The German automaker's latest creation also features the next generation of the gas-electric drivetrain found in the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid, using a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine and a powerful electric motor to produce a combined 416 horsepower. That hybrid system, thanks in part to a new lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged in less than three hours, allows the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept to not only go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds, but travel for about 19 miles on electricity alone at speeds of up to 81 mph.

"When and if it goes on sale, the Panamera Sport Turismo would make a lot of luxury buyers that have never considered a wagon before rethink their priorities," said Larry Bedell, general manager of Porsche of Nashua, a New Hampshire Porsche dealer. "Its stunning looks and impressive horsepower appeal more to the heart than the head, but it still has the interior space and efficiency to be a viable vehicle for commutes and traveling with the family."

Drivers that like the new styling of the Panamera Sport Turismo concept can look forward to seeing more of it across the Porsche lineup. In a recent conversation with Motor Trend magazine, Porsche President and CEO Matthias Müller said that the wagon's four-eyed headlights and three-dimensional taillights will be found on the new Porsche Macan compact crossover coming in early 2014, and they will eventually spread throughout the brand.

Müller also revealed that Porsche buyers will soon have more options when it comes to hybrid drivetrains. Next year, a production plug-in hybrid Porsche Panamera will be coming to the United States, while a plug-in hybrid version of the Porsche Cayenne SUV will follow in 2014. In addition to the aforementioned Panamera S Hybrid, Porsche currently offers another traditional hybrid in the United States with its Cayenne S Hybrid.

Even with their existing trims, the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne remained popular in U.S. showrooms during September, with their sales rising 18 percent and 47 percent, respectively, compared to the same month last year. Those numbers helped Porsche's overall sales increase by 26 percent last month year-over-year, with 2,736 units sold in the United States.

"The popularity of the Panamera and Cayenne has proven that Porsche can successfully take its sports-car genetics to other segments," added Bedell. "It is using its experience developing those two vehicles to make sure that upcoming models like the new Macan offer nothing but the best in style and performance."

About Porsche of Nashua:

A 2010 and 2011 Premier Porsche Dealer, Porsche of Nashua delivers customer service equal to the quality of the Porsche brand. For new and used Porsche sales, Porsche service and Porsche parts, choose the New Hampshire Porsche dealership that stands out from the rest. Interested Porsche shoppers can browse their inventory online at www.porschenashua.com, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/porscheofnashua, call them at 603-578-3744 or visit their dealership at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, N.H. Discover what a premier automotive buying and servicing experience can be at Porsche of Nashua.