2009 Porsche Panamera

2009-porsche-panamera.jpgPorsche’s Wendelin Wiedeking announced in an interview just days ago that the automaker’s new Panamera four-door “coupe” began its testing marathon at the challenging Nürburgring over the last week. Now, spy photographer Brenda Priddy has snapped some photos of one of the first prototypes, still wearing heavy disguise.

The entry-level powerplant will be Volkswagen’s 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine with 300 bhp, while Porsche’s own drivetrain will be a direct-injection eight-cylinder petrol engine, available in naturally-aspirated guise (350 bhp) and with twin-turbo (560 bhp).

When it hits the road in 2009, Porsche hopes to be able to sell 20 000 units annually.

In late 2005, a Porsche spokesperson said the automaker would unveil a concept version of the car in spring 2007.

So far, Porsche has only released an official sketch of the car. [Leftlane News]