What is it?
A Porsche Panamera with an extra 400mm in the middle. In fact the Panamera RXL actually seems like a plausible concept: after all, the regular car isn't exactly known for its generous rear space. So Ruf has added more length to the wheelbase, made the wheels bigger to compensate visually and for once left the 4.8-litre V8 engine well alone.
Why's it here?
It's here (at the show that is) because it's what customers want, and having sat in the back of a couple of Panameras we can see why. Still, it's a shame that, although the doors have been lengthened slightly, the middle section between makes it look a little like a cut and shut job rather than a properly engineered solution.
Show stopper or floor filler?
It's certainly a car to double-take, as only after an initial glance will most realise there is something different about this model. It's relatively restrained in the styling department, even for Ruf, but with brighter, faster and cooler machinery on the stand it will remain a floor filler.
Graeme Lambert - 8 Mar 2012