Porsche unveils updated 2021 Panamera
08-27-20, 09:56 AM
#16
Lexus Test Driver
911 still dominates the brand and is by far the best selling sports car in its segment ($100k +)
The only reason that the Macan, Cayenne etc sell for such a premium vs BMW, MB is they resemble the 911 and ppl want that Porsche allure.
The Panamera refresh is great especially the extra power for the Turbo. SportTurismo is the perfect family car. 👍
The only reason that the Macan, Cayenne etc sell for such a premium vs BMW, MB is they resemble the 911 and ppl want that Porsche allure.
The Panamera refresh is great especially the extra power for the Turbo. SportTurismo is the perfect family car. 👍
No question the 911 remains the default luxury sportscar in America and across the world, but the reality is that Porsche is an SUV/CUV maker. I won't blame megacorps for chasing profits and shareholder value, but it's disappointing how far they've come (fallen?) from their roots and that also doesn't inspire affection for the brand (or, perhaps more importantly, for me to hand over money I don't need to).
08-27-20, 10:01 AM
#17
Lexus Test Driver
Maybe it dominates the brand's image, but the Macan and Cayenne are the ones I actually see on the road. I actually just saw a Panamera Sport Turismo for the very first time in the flesh a couple days ago. It's been out for a couple years now.
I've made no secret, however, that I think the Macan deserves the sales. It's excellent! If all CUVs drove like that, no one would protest their dominance.
I've made no secret, however, that I think the Macan deserves the sales. It's excellent! If all CUVs drove like that, no one would protest their dominance.
08-27-20, 03:45 PM
#19
Lexus Test Driver
Not sure what is meant by "dominates" but Cayenne/Macan sales make up the vast majority of Porsche sales in the USA and it's not even close (over 2/3 of Porsche sales last year were the Cayenne/Macan, the 911 wasn't even 15%). So it's no surprise when people observationally report that they see way more Cayenne/Macan models on the road than 911s - they should.
No question the 911 remains the default luxury sportscar in America and across the world, but the reality is that Porsche is an SUV/CUV maker. I won't blame megacorps for chasing profits and shareholder value, but it's disappointing how far they've come (fallen?) from their roots and that also doesn't inspire affection for the brand (or, perhaps more importantly, for me to hand over money I don't need to).
No question the 911 remains the default luxury sportscar in America and across the world, but the reality is that Porsche is an SUV/CUV maker. I won't blame megacorps for chasing profits and shareholder value, but it's disappointing how far they've come (fallen?) from their roots and that also doesn't inspire affection for the brand (or, perhaps more importantly, for me to hand over money I don't need to).
Just look at the amount of models there are and development into each one.
Ofcourse Macan and Cayenne sell more units but if you walk in to Porsche dealership - they are not parked front and center etc.
In Northeast - 911s are very popular, whether its NYC or Greenwich. You will see a bunch and all types of variants especially the convertibles.
08-27-20, 05:22 PM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
When I think of "Porsche" I gotta be honest, I don't think of the 911 anymore, I think of the Cayenne or the Macan.
08-27-20, 05:51 PM
#21
Lexus Fanatic
08-27-20, 07:30 PM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
you have an LFA and yet Lexus makes its money from ES and UX/NX/RX/GX models. To me it doesn't detract from how spectacular the LFA is. 
08-27-20, 10:49 PM
#24
Lexus Fanatic
The 356 probably would never have achieved the notoriety it did had the famous actor James Dean not bought one, raced it, and was killed when some airhead in a Ford sedan pulled out right in front of him......in an age before seat belts or even rudimentary safety equipment.
08-27-20, 11:31 PM
#25
Lexus Test Driver
That said, there's plenty to be critical of the current 911 for, but that wasn't the point of my post.
08-28-20, 07:45 AM
#26
Lexus Test Driver
My dealership had a Panamera E-Hybrid front and center last time I went in for service. *shrug*
You misread and/or misinterpreted my comment. As I stated, my criticism is of Porsche/VAG, not of the 911 specifically. I've been at least as critical of TMC over the last several years for their uninspired lineup, which is also attributable to archetypal megacorp baloney.
That said, there's plenty to be critical of the current 911 for, but that wasn't the point of my post.
You misread and/or misinterpreted my comment. As I stated, my criticism is of Porsche/VAG, not of the 911 specifically. I've been at least as critical of TMC over the last several years for their uninspired lineup, which is also attributable to archetypal megacorp baloney.
That said, there's plenty to be critical of the current 911 for, but that wasn't the point of my post.
They are the only automaker still producing NEW NA engines and manuals for enthusiasts.
They are leaders in EV after Tesla.
They offer hybrid options on their SUV/sedan models.
The interior quality and tech on all their cars is light years ahead of what it was a decade ago.
Each model they offer is by far dynamically superior than their direct competition in the respective class.
They stand true to racing heritage and are involved in all major motorsport events.
They provide incredible customization options to clients, European Delivery, US Performance delivery, track events, racing school etc.
I can go on and on.
So they had a Panamera - how many 911s did they have inside. GT cars and classic 911s.
Every Porsche dealer i ever been to always had a rare 911 on display including several Turbo and/or GT cars.
No brand is perfect and no car either including 911. To me, they are atleast trying to preserve their performance ethos even with all the new regulations that they have to comply with.
Last edited by RNM GS3; 08-28-20 at 07:48 AM.
08-28-20, 07:58 AM
#27
Lead Lap
When I think of Porsche I think of the 911. It’s basic shape has stayed the same for decades and is iconic whether you like it or not. Their performance is excellent and it’s a great total package for a sports car that can be daily driven. I would love to own one some day but I’m not ready to spend the $$ for the models that I like just yet.
08-28-20, 08:07 AM
#28
Lexus Fanatic
We're enthusiasts though. The question is when a member of the general public thinks of Porsche today, what do they think of?
08-28-20, 08:23 AM
#29
Lexus Test Driver
08-28-20, 08:30 AM
#30
Lexus Fanatic
I don't think thats the case anymore. Porsche SUVs are everywhere, 911s are rare, at least all the places I go. One of my agents has a 911 on order. They didnt even have a 911 at the dealer here for her to drive.