Porsche Centre Lebanon celebrates arrival of Panamera in new Dbayeh showroom

It is a time of significant expansion for Porsche in Lebanon, as the brand launches its exclusive second generation Panamera in the country’s third state-of-the-art facility located in Dbayeh. Centrally located on the main highway leading towards the country’s capital, the 1,945 square metre Porsche Centre Lebanon in Dbayeh opened its door today and is set to deliver an unparalleled experience and unrivalled service to its customers. The brand’s new home in the eastern suburbs of Beirut features a seven-bay workshop area as well as an in-house training centre, whilst offering sufficient space to showcase the entire Porsche product range and a selection of pre-owned cars. It is also the first Centre in the region of Porsche Middle East and Africa completed in line with the brand’s new interior Corporate Identity introduced worldwide recently.

Assaad Raphael, Chairman and General Manager of Porsche Centre Lebanon s.a.l., said: “We are extremely proud to open our third establishment in this country that will serve as the area’s new hub for Porsche enthusiasts. It represents the latest sign of our continuous commitment and will allow customers from Dbayeh and surroundings to have improved access to the latest models, customising options and authorised service.”

In conjunction with the new facility opening, the luxurious Panamera – Porsche ‘s four-seater sports car for every day which gave the automotive executive class a new lease of life – is expanding further with the introduction of its second generation. An unprecedented nine derivatives are now available, with three debut models joining a redeveloped line-up. With the new Panamera, the sports carmaker has pushed the contradictions to the limit: even sportier dynamics and greater efficiency with more comfort and a decidedly sharper design for the ultimate driving pleasure.

Part of the unrivaled breadth of range is the Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive, with an extended wheelbase. They take the sporty saloon into the luxurious Executive segment. A third new model, the Panamera S E-Hybrid marks a new technological benchmark as the world’s first plug-in hybrid in the luxury class. Furthermore, a completely new three-litre V6 engine that features biturbo charging for the Panamera S and Panamera 4S is introduced.

One of the most marked upgrades to the new generation is its increased fuel efficiency. New technologies mean fuel savings of up to 56 per cent and more power.  The standard version offers a blistering top speed of 259 km/h, 310 horsepower and a fuel consumption of just 8.4 l/100 km, proving efficiency need not mean a compromise in sporting performance.

The model redesign has an enhanced driver experience at its core. The redeveloped Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) with virtual intermediate gears further improves fuel economy and comfort. At the front suspension, larger chassis mounts offer even more comfort and greater solidity, whilst advanced steering box mounts provide a more direct response. Newly developed tires, lighter 18-inch wheels and a specifically tuned Porsche Stability Management (PSM) add to the car’s sportiness and comfort.

Traditional values and pioneering design come together to form an accomplished unit. Visually tighter lines, more pronounced contours and newly shaped body elements all combine to enhance the Panamera’s Gran Turismo character. A widened rear windscreen gives the car a visually lower stance, whilst a wider spoiler and optional LED lights make the new model stand out.

Lee Newton, The Marketing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, says: “This is a great moment for our brand as we extend the Panamera range to an unprecedented nine models in the Gran Turismo segment. Each model offers a unique and individual experience, but all bring luxury and comfort together with sporty driving performance.”

“With increased fuel efficiency across the range and the introduction of our first plug-in hybrid model in the Panamera S E-Hybrid, we’re continuing to stride towards efficiency but without compromising on power or style,” added Newton.

The new Executive models – with their 15 cm longer wheelbase – offer more rear seating space and introduce features for a more private, comfortable ride. The soft-close doors shut almost silently thanks to the standard assisted closing feature, whilst windows are designed to insulate against noise and heat.  Privacy glass with its tinting and enhanced light reflecting properties is provided for the rear side windows, ensuring an undisturbed space at the rear. A comprehensive range of additional personalisation options, include a folding table for the rear compartment or Sport Chrono Package.

Continuing to increase performance and efficiency is the completely new V6 three-litre biturbo engine which is replacing the previous 4.8-litre V8 engine in the Panamera S and Panamera 4S, and is also used in the new Executive version of the Panamera 4S, whereas the Panamera GTS will retain its V8 engine. The new engine gives the Panamera S and Panamera 4S 20 hp more power and 20 Newton metres more torque, but with 18 per cent improved fuel economy compared to the previous model.

Central to the new generation is the Panamera S E-Hybrid – a systematically advanced development of the parallel full hybrid, which Porsche introduced to the market as a pioneer in the field. With 416 horsepower, acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h, it is a Porsche Gran Turismo through and through. It is unique in its ability to drive considerable distances in all-electric mode, with a range of up to 36 kilometres and an unrivalled electric driving top speed of 135 km/h. In the NEDC, the Panamera S E-Hybrid consumes 3.1 l/100 km, which equates to 71 g/km CO2 emissions.

Assaad Raphael, Chairman and General Manager of Porsche Centre Lebanon s.a.l., comments on the introduction of the new-generation Panamera: “As you would expect, we have had a great deal of interest around the launch of our four-seater sports car. I am personally excited about the new Executive versions that represent the best of both worlds: a sporty spin in the driver’s seat or an efficient work session in the comfort of the rear.  It is the first time that Porsche has paid special attention to the absolutely exquisite rear compartment. Several features such as 8-way power seats with seat ventilation as well as thermally and noise insulated glass with a privacy glazing are just a few features, our customers will be able to enjoy.”

The new Panamera is available at all three showrooms in the country as of today.