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Porsche Panamera Turbo – G-Force, Back Seat to Driver’s Seat

First-time Porsche driver reviews the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo from the back seat to the front.

2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo in White Metallic

I’ve always wanted to be an astronaut. To witness the untold wonders of the universe in person, with my own eyes.

Imagine the adrenaline pumping through your veins while lying on your back, strapped snugly into your chair, awaiting lift-off from the raw power of rocket thrust. The G-force so strong the skin on your face warps, tightening to your skull.

As far as space exploration goes, that kind of force and speed come with serious risks and possible peril. What if you could feel that rush and power without leaving Earth?

Today, I did.

As far as road speed goes, I’ve always been a fan of classic American muscle. Today was the first time I’ve ever ridden in a Porsche, or driven one. I wanted the full experience – not just driving, but riding – so I hopped in the back first.

Roomy back seat, which I did not expect from a Porsche

Rick Gutierrez from Leith Porsche in Cary was my driver, and this guy was not messing around. Rick’s owned a couple Porsches and has a racing background, and the guy is a walking Porsche manual. There’s no piece of this car he can’t go into meticulous detail on. He’s not just spouting facts in your direction, he’s more of a show-don’t-tell kinda guy. His face is stoic as he pilots wicked takeoffs and tight curves. My face, however, is more Cheshire Cat.

From the backseat, I can feel my body press firmly into the seat each time we take off. I’m one with the Porsche, leaning into curves – my hair standing straight out from the sheer force. I’m laughing. Why am I laughing? Because I’m having the time of my life.

Absorbing the Panamera’s interior, I’m cradled in lush suede and taut leather. There’s individualized comfort technology for the back seats, with a touchscreen interface. There’s plenty of room to move, something one wouldn’t usually associate with the backseat of a Porsche. Being in the back almost feels like being in the driver’s seat. Almost.

It’s time to make the move into the pilot’s seat, and as I settle in, I feel like I’m at the helm of a rocket. I’m sitting low, but the console and all controls are high – I barely have to move to reach anything, but again, I don’t feel cramped.

View of the cockpit from above

Here are the power and handling stats swirling in my head as I lift from my launchpad:

V8 Twin-Turbo Engine

550 Horsepower

567 Pounds of Torque

All-Wheel Drive

8-Speed Transmission

21-inch SportsDesign Wheels

4 Driving Modes – Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual

If you know cars, you know these stats mean raw power, but they also denote superior handling. You don’t need to know a lot about cars to know what you’re feeling. At high speeds, and in sharp turns, I felt glued to the asphalt. I felt zero slip, and trust me, I tried.

Sleek and sexy from any angle

I don’t recall looking at the speedometer once, which is odd. I didn’t feel like I was going all that fast, but something tells me I was. How do you drive a Porsche slowly, though? It seems an injustice to the machine itself. Now, I understand why so many enthusiasts flock to places like the Pinehurst Concours for the Porsche Driving Experience, or head to Virginia International Raceway, eager to open up their Porsches on a real track.

Time flies behind the wheel, and when the last grain slips through the hourglass, I’m sad to part. This must be how astronauts feel when they land back on Earth. Leaving all that wonder and glory behind is rough, but I’ll always remember the rush.

See the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo at Leith Porsche in Cary.

Written by Staff for LeithCars.com