JR944

And was impressed. Great power, very nice handling, the perfect PDK downshifts sound excellent. Exhaust note very satisfying.

The consensus between friends who also attended the event and are very experienced track drivers/racers was that it was excellent "for such a big car". You won't confuse the driving experience with a 911, Cayman, or Boxster, but it's very nice and very capable.

Also drove a Cayenne GTS and again was very impressed with the vehicle "for its size".

This was my 4th or 5th time behind the wheel of a PDK equipped Porsche and am getting used to the steering wheel controls. I still think F-car style paddles would be preferable, but the current Porsche PDK steering wheel controls work fine.

The shift from 2nd to 3rd felt like it was huge. Great power in 2nd, then when the car automatically shifted to 3rd at redline, it felt pretty doggy. (The event was at HPR, about 5,000' elevation). Also, in turns, there was a noise in back that sounded like a spare tire moving around in the trunk. (but didn't feel like it).

Overall, I was impressed with the car and would definitely consider buying one used in a few years. A new one is not currently in our price range.

Still don't love the rear end aesthetically. Maybe it will grow on me .

Joe

W8MM

That could have been cured with the Turbo model

JR944

Hi Mike,
Undoubtedly. They had one there, but I only got to drive the 2WD NA version.

W8MM

The Panamera S is what I got to drive at Pebble Beach back in August. I liked it so well that I ordered a Turbo version ... just to make sure

JR944

Good idea, I think. Better safe than sorry!
When do they expect to begin delivery of customer cars?
Enjoy,
Joe

W8MM

A friend of mine expects his sometime in December and mine is a January build that should show up toward the end of February, 2010.