Porsche is an interesting brand study. Part of the strength of the brand is that new models are so rarely introduced. Truthfully, the venerable 911 line has undergone many changes over the last 45 years but there is no mistaking a 911. From whatever distance you may choose, a 2009 911 is as much a 911 as a ‘63 901. Indeed an entire brand built around a shape which has evolved, yet has not really changed as far as the eye can see.

As a result of this glacier slow evolution, new additions to the lineup are admired, feared, anticipated and loathed. Purists still whine above the merits of air versus water cooling, regardless of the obvious benefits of the latter. Imaging the fuss that many of them will put up at the thought of, gasp, a 4 door 911!

The media, both new and traditional, has been so full of tales and images of the upcoming Panamera that one can’t possibly know what to expect. Heavily camouflaged test mules have been seen around the globe attempting to hide a shape that could only be described as ugly as hell. Surely the folks at Porsche haven’t lost their minds: egads, imagine a 4 door 911 that is also ugly! There has been so much contemplation that we’ve actually not paid too much attention here in The Garage. To be honest, there was an overload of anticipation and not enough substance.

Finally, Porsche has revealed details of the new machine and thankfully the designers have left the ugly stick in the closet. What a gorgeous piece of work. With V6 or V8 power ranging from 300 to 500 horsepower and rear or all wheel drive, Porsche has ensured that this 4 seat GT will have the goods to take on anything the other high end sport sedans can offer. Buyers can choose between a six speed manual or Porsche’s 7 speed Double Clutch gearbox. With the production version only 9 months away, it won’t be too long before we can bring you our views of the real thing instead of iffy spy photos.

Read the official Porsche release and see more photos after the break
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