Yes, you read the headline right.
For those of you who thought there wasn't enough bad news about Detroit, here is another helping.
The Detroit Auto Show is no longer the MOST important auto show.
Auto Shanghai is the new king.
2009 Auto Shanghai Photo Gallery
And it's the new king for one reason.
THIS is where the money is and where the most growth is occurring.
So Porsche used the 94th floor of the Shanghai financial center to introduce the new Panamera, on the eve of 2009 Auto Shanghai.
So what's my first reaction to the car in person?
It looks much better than in photos.
MUCH better.
And MUCH larger with strong presence.
In my interpretation, a modern day, fresher, more useful, Porsche 928.
Although I wasn't in lust for it when I saw the first images and thought the name Panamera sounded like a new Pizza at Pizza Hut, I like it for it's uniqueness in the marketplace and it's brutal, don't mess with me look.
And if you look at trends in the marketplace it would seem ugly is the new pretty.
Not saying the car is ugly, just that cars that are over styled and too pretty are losing their cachet, in favor of vehicles that shout their uniqueness.
A perfect example of what I'm talking about is the Nisan GT-R.
Not as pretty as a Ferrari (NOT EVEN CLOSE!) but it's ugliness and not like every other sportscar has worked in its favor.
And now that I've been up close and personal, I can confidently say I think it will find an audience for the estimated 20k units they hope to sell per year, during it's lifecycle.
So the Panamera is not for everyone but that doesn't matter.
What does matter is that it's right for those 20k or so buyers looking for something different and unique.
Tell us your thoughts now that we have some great in person shots of the car (I think the best ones so far but I'm prejudice).
Is it ALL that and will it sell well?
It's after midnight here in Shanghai, so I'm hitting the sack to getting up bright and early, to bring you the first pics from the show floor.
Keep checking back often.
2009 Auto Shanghai Photo Gallery
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