MANSORY Puts Touch-Up Paint on the Porsche Panamera
The new Porsche Panamera is receiving big praise for its great performance, practicality, and execution. However, the design of the Panamera has received mixed reviews. More than one magazine has pointed out that pictures often poorly convey the car’s look. Personally I’m always a little skeptical if someone shows me a picture of my blind date and says, “She just doesn’t photograph well, I promise she’s hot.”
So Mansory has decided to take on the challenge of matching the Panamera’s looks with its performance. The Swiss customizer has made a name for itself by making over-the-top versions of expensive automobiles. Often it seems like they get a little out of hand with the paint gun, resulting in Pink Bentleys that only Paris Hilton would find attractive. It’s only natural they would would take a crack at Porsche’s controversial 4 door. Their goal is to give the car “a significantly more distinct appearance.” I agree the Panamera isn’t perfect and could benefit from some touch-up. But distinct is a broad word…
Early renderings have been released and I must say they look promising. Mansory’s mission is to make each Panamera stand out, to convey the driving experience to an observer. To do this, Mansory-designed body panels will be installed, made of either ultra-light polyurethane (PU-RIM) or carbon fiber. At the front is an all-new bumper with more aggressive air dams and menacing grill-work made of raw carbon-fiber. The new front reminds me of the F430 Scuderia. The stock Panamera has a soft-looking face, with round architecture, like a base-level Carrera. This is straighter, sharper and more focused.
Flowing up from there is a new hood, with vents similar to the Vantage’s, and longitudinal ridges giving an impression of speed, even at a stand-still. Similar changes take place at the rear, with creases sweeping towards the center-mounted exhaust. A carbon fiber diffuser sits at the bottom, making the car look performance-oriented instead of “family man”. Mild fender flares house wide 21” wheels and new suspension lowers the car about an inch. Altogether it gives the Porsche a stronger, more focused appearance. It looks ready to take the family out for ice cream, at a shop located 50 miles down the Autobahn.
There’s no big performance package as of yet, just a new exhaust system. Mansory wants the new sound to compliment the new look. The company puts just as much work into the interior of the car as the exterior, tailoring it to each individual. Whether it’s precious woods with a regal-looking varnish or a modern theme with aluminum and carbon fiber, Mansory can accommodate you. A “sportier” steering wheel and pedals will complete the package.
To me the Porsche Panamera is like the Mona Lisa; I’m not sure if she’s pretty or not, but as a whole the piece is incredible. In the past Mansory has “touched up” new cars with paint shot from a fire hose. But in this case I think they’ve gone back to using brushes, and the early sketches look promising. We’ll be watching out for the finished piece.
Source: MANSORY