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2010 Porsche Panamera on Nurburgring

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=120494 The first time we saw the 2010 Porsche Panamera, it didn't seem much like a super sport sedan. Caught meandering through the German countryside, the prototype could barely outrun the Opels of the locals as the Porsche engineers tested various systems on their new four-door. This time around, however, the Porsche Panamera was in the midst of a real workout when our spy shooters caught up with it at the Nürburgring. Wearing the same heavy camouflage as the first test mule, this prototype doesn't give us anything new to report in the styling department. It's not too hard to guess what this new front-engine, rear-drive sport sedan is going to look like, however, as its basic shape is obvious despite the plastic cladding. Expect the production version to have a slimmer tail section and a less pronounced rear wing, along with a nose that looks more like its 911 cousin. Now that the revised Porsche Cayenne's specifications have been officially released, we know a little bit more about the V8 engines that will find their way into the Panamera. The two vehicles are expected to share the same range of power plants, although the Panamera V8s might get a few tweaks to boost their output slightly. The base engine will be a normally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 with direct fuel injection and Porsche's Variocam Plus variable valve timing. It delivers 385 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in the Cayenne, so don't be surprised if the Panamera shows up with a nice even 400 hp to bolster its credibility against sedans like the Audi S8 and Maserati Quattroporte . An even higher-spec V8 will come in the top-of-the-line Panamera Turbo. With a pair of turbochargers feeding the 4.8-liter V8, the Turbo should deliver at least 500 hp and 516 lb-ft or torque, if not slightly more. An entry-level V6 model is expected for Europe, but doubtful for the U.S. market. In true Porsche fashion, a manual gearbox will come standard with a dual-clutch sequential manual setup expected as an option. As good as it all sounds, there's no reason to get too excited yet as production at Porsche's plant in Leipzig isn't scheduled to begin for another two years.