“The purpose of traveling is to get to a destination; the purpose of driving is being on the road.”

–Theodore Heuss

To me, there is no better way to get to your destination than to travel in the new Porsche Panamera, their first four-door sedan. I was fortunate enough to enjoy driving it for a day, and enjoy is exactly what I did. The times I have traveled outside the confines of my current SUV have been few, and I must say, my experience behind the wheel of the new Panamera was truly unforgettable.

As we all know, there are few cars that perform as well as a Porsche, and even though it is four-door, the Panamera shares that distinction. The car absolutely drives like a sports car, but the interior is so unbelievably comfortable and luxurious (not to mention the spacious back seat and trunk). The body style will tell you it’s a Porsche and so much more.

Four Doors and So Much More

Current Porshe owners are welcoming the arrival of this sedan. Gary Fong, Porsche product communications manager, says, “This is what Porsche owners have been waiting for…they typically have one of our sports cars in their garage and then another maker’s sedan.” Now the Panamera is here and ready to take over that spot in the garage; many current Porsche owners are ready to enjoy a four-door luxurious experience that only Porsche can give.

My chariot for the day was the Porsche Panamera Turbo. Even though the exterior of the car was sleek, upon gazing around I noticed a few features that were undeniably performance-based: the calipers, red of course, the 19-inch wheels and the two-piece rear spoiler that extends outward to maximize the aerodynamics of the car. Gorgeous.

Panamera…like no other

You will be pleased to know that this vehicle, like the rest of the line of Porsche cars, boasts the impressive engine power that Porsche owners have come to know and love. With a V-8 engine, the Panamera Turbo can reach a speed of an impressive 188 m.p.h. and can literally go from 0-60 m.p.h. in four seconds. I didn’t go that fast, but the temptation was surely there. I will say that the ride was very smooth as I glided south on GA 400 that beautiful fall day.

The body style is truly one of a kind. At first glance, it is decidedly unique, but upon further inspection, it is unquestionably Porsche. Porsche makers took their time with the design and performance of this car, and it shows.

Porsche – A Part of OUR Community

Six years ago Porsche chose North Atlanta to be their North American headquarters. Not many people realize that the entire North American operation for Porsche is located right by the King and Queen buildings in Sandy Springs. Fong shared with me that Porsche is very committed to giving back to the community and actively does so on a regular basis as evidenced by their commitment to local organizations like The High Museum  of Art, the Atlanta Symphony, Kate’s Club, Camp Horizon and most recently by their worldwide launch of the new Panamera at an event at the Manor in Buckhead. “Porsche is such an important part of our community and they planned the perfect evening to introduce their beautiful new Panamera,” states Sharon Griswold, Sandy Springs resident and attendee of the event. Atlantans were the first to see this exciting new presentation and it truly was an experience they won’t forget.

Driving the new Panamera is an experience I know I will never forget. Now go see for yourself.

By Amber Mette

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For more information, visit www.porsche.com/panamera Photography by Haigwood Studios and Porsche.