Here are exclusive first pics of the arresting four-door Porsche Panamera super saloon.

Porsche’s first ever four-door saloon is a big departure from the car makers’ previous models, but still features traditional Porsche design features.

The nose is unmistakably Porsche 911, while the rear lights and hatchback echo the Porsche Cayman.

Petrol V6 and V8 engines with power ranging from 300bhp to 500bhp will be available, fitted with six-speed manual or seven-speed semi-automatic gearboxes.

All engines will feature direct fuel injection for increased power and efficiency, and more powerful models in the range will be turbocharged.

The range-topping model will send its power to all four wheels, while the rest are rear-wheel drive and it’s based on the platform used in the Porsche Cayenne.

Porsche also claims a hybrid Panamera will be available, which will use batteries and an electric motor to reduce its fuel consumption and emissions.

Inside there are four seats, all of which are heavily sculpted to keep occupants in place.

Porsche says the Panamera has a large boot, while the rear seats can be folded down to make the Panamera even more practical.
 
The Porsche Panamera will make its world debut in 2009, and future competitors will include the forthcoming Aston Martin Rapide and Lamborghini Estoque.

Until then the Panamera will compete with the sensational 430bhp Maserati Quattroporte, when it arrives in showrooms from late summer 2009.