A Porsche with 4 doors? It's true...

Starting in 2009 Porsche will introduce their lastest creation the 4 door Panamera, derived from the legendary Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico. This $1 billion investment will have 4 seats, 4 doors but with a body that resembles a coupe. Similar to what Mercendes Benz did with their 2006 CLS-Class, although they were the first with the 4-door coupe. The price of course will be in the six figures, ranging from $125,000 to $175,000. The company is anticipating to sell 20,000 of these cars a year.

Porsche Panamera is expected to have a 340-hp naturally aspirated engine or a 450-hp turbocharged unit, with the choice of either standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. There are even rumors about having a hybrid engine for the Panamera, this plan won't be announced until next month. Trademark cues include Carrera GT-type headlamps, large lateral front air intakes borrowed from the 911 Turbo, a wide tailgate la Cayenne, and a four-light boomerang greenhouse to avoid that slouchy SUV/wagon look.

This 4 door coupe has been long over due. Porsche's fourth model line the 989 was originally suppose to be the first 4 door coupe with true back seats. However these plans were canceled due to expensive development costs and limited number of potential buyers. All envidence of the prototype was destroyed and was never shown to the public. Although, some parts of the 989 remained and inspired othevehicleses such as the 911s. Here is another link to a blog talking about the release of the Panamera at Auto Blog.