HouTexAudi

Right you are--I didn't search well enough on the Porsche website to see the 4S. Still, there's no substitute for the torque of a V8 (405 for 4S vs. 567 for the Turbo) so I hope the GTS will have one.

andrewmr

We were given one a few years ago to use as a pace car at VIR.

It was a very nice car. If the visibility out of the car was better, I might have not given it back :-)

derfA8L

Yeah, having the extra torque is nice, but the interesting thing about the Panny is that (at least on the original generation cars) all the test reviews of the previous 3.6L V6 said it handled better than the V8 models due to the reduced front end weight. So I'd think the smaller 2.9L block in the 4S (Porsche calls it 3.OL) balances the car better, but yes, not as torquey as the prior V8 version.

The D5 A8 is supposed to still have the 4.0L V8, but with it being delayed who knows what engine line up we'll see. BTW, Porsche is certainly not ashamed to price up the new Panny...It's hard to spec a 4S with the same option list available on a 2017 A8L and stay anywhere near the Audi MSRP---and that also goes for the Pan 4 in Executive trim (LWB).

HouTexAudi

I know that Porsche's sales are off now and they are offering some pretty big discounts off MSRP but who knows what the demand vs. actual pricing will be on the new Panamera's. Hopefully by July when I'll be considering one the newness will have worn off and those that have to be the first to get one and willing to pay MSRP will already have theirs. I sure like them but I will reserve my opinion until a test ride.

derfA8L

Yes, I have the same timeframe and plan. Will certainly do several test drives when they arrive next month. My salesman is currently in Los Angeles at the new Porsche Driving Experience Center for training on the new Pan. I'm checking in with him on Saturday when he returns. Really need to see the unveiling of the D5 before getting too committed. :-)

Puzz1

Derf, when do you expect the unveilling to take place?

derfA8L

Haven't heard anything on that recently, but it had been expected sometime this Winter...perhaps this Spring. European launch will be first, with North America in Spring '18.