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Although Porsche would divorce itself from VW as it converted to the 911 model in the 1960s, Porsches remained rear engined until the 911 was joined by the 1978 V8 powered model 928. This was followed in the 1980s by the front engined, four cylinder 944s. All were basically two seaters.

Porsche planned to gradually phase out rear engines but Porsche enthusiasts objected. They lobbied so effectively that Porsche discontinued front engines and stayed with the 911, still with us today and unique in the world of high performance sports cars with its engine behind the rear axle. There are also mid-rear engined Boxter and Cayman two seaters.

Now Porsche has returned to a front engined car (it has had front engined SUVs since 2003) with its new Panamera sedan. Although there is a distinct family resemblance to the 911, the similarity ends there.

The new Panamera four-seater places Porsche squarely in the Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Lexus luxury sedan crowd, although its hatchback does make it unusual. Hatchbacks aren’t as popular in North America as in Europe, but they are so practical Porsche feels it complements its first true four passenger car.

The Panamera comes as the naturally aspirated S, 4-wheel drive 4S, and 4wd Turbo (twin turbochargers with intercooling). Its revised Cayenne SUV 4.8 litre aluminum, twin overhead camshaft, direct injection, 32-valve V8 is hooked to a 7-speed twin clutch automated manual transmission. There are variable intake valve timing and lift and chain driven camshafts, and a shallow sump for lower engine mounting.

Horsepower is 400 for the standard and 4wd versions, and 500 for the Turbo. Torque is 369 lb ft standard and 516 Turbo, with 568 available via temporary overboost. The four-wheel independent suspension uses air springs with front A-arms and rear links, and along with the standard calibration are two additional progressively sharper choices, up to Sport Plus, for transmission, spring and shock absorber settings. Electronic stability control is standard.

For fuel saving a stop/start feature shuts off the engine when the car is stationary and re-starts when the brake pedal is released, the first such application in a non-hybrid automatic transmission car. Unfortunately it cancels itself when the car is parked and has to be reactivated each time it is driven. Fuel consumption is in the 18 L/100 km city and 10 L/100 km highway range on premium gasoline.

With its steel, aluminum and magnesium construction, the Panamera weighs 1814 to 1996 kg depending on model. It’s very quick with zero to 100 km/h in the 3.5 to 5.0 second range and top speed close to 300 km/h. Being slightly over geared, top speed in reached in 6th gear; 7th is a long-legged cruising ratio.

Performance and economy are helped by a commendable coefficient of aerodynamic drag of 0.29 (0.30 Turbo); the best currently is the Prius with 0.26. To keep it firmly planted as speed increases, a two-stage wing below the rear window deploys at 90 km/h. In stage two, two additional blades extend from the wing at 190 km/h for added downforce. The wing’s angle of attack also adjusts with speed, and in Sport Plus mode the car is automatically lowered 25 mm.

The Panamera is a full sized car with a 2921 mm wheelbase and 4971 mm overall length, just 117 mm shy of Mercedes-Benz's S-Class sedan. Its a svelte 1417 mm tall, the lowest of its luxury sedan competitors, yet low seating and a high rear roof line (criticized by some for is full bodied appearance) provides ample head room for four passengers and holds 16 cubic feet of luggage (45 cubic feet with rear seats folded).

While Porsche presents the Panamera as a luxury sedan, it's really a sports car in disguise. Performance and handling are definitely in the best sports car class, which will appeal to motorists who desire a sports car and still want room for four.

The Panamera is on sale now at $115,100 for the standard model, $120,300 for the 4S and $155,000 for the Turbo.