Porsche's new Panamera sedans are displayed at the Beijing auto show. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
Porsche is showcasing its full lineup of models at the ongoing Beijing auto show, a sign of the German sports carmaker's confidence in the Chinese economy and auto market.
"China is the first country in the world to emerge from the shadow of the (COVID-19) pandemic and is a strong driving force to help Porsche get back on track," said Jens Puttfarcken, president and CEO of Porsche China.
"I think China has become even more important in 2020 for Porsche and we will cater to that by further launching good cars first in China," Puttfarcken said.
He said Porsche will face the future with confidence and provide Chinese customers with products and services that exceed expectations.
ALSO READ: Germany probes Porsche over suspected engine manipulation
Of the models on display is the new Panamera sedan. It had the global offline premiere at the Beijing auto show that runs to Oct 5, after its online launch in late August.
China is the first country in the world to emerge from the shadow of the (COVID-19) pandemic and is a strong driving force to help Porsche get back on track.
Jens Puttfarcken, president and CEO of Porsche China
Puttfarcken said China is the model's most important market. Statistics show that around one-third of Panameras produced have been sold in the country.
The new model, with revamped design, performance and comfort, is expected to be even more popular with Chinese customers as it strikes a better balance between a sports car and a luxury sedan.
The new Panamera Turbo S and Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Executive had their global debuts at the 2020 Beijing auto show.
By optimizing all chassis components and control systems, the new Panamera has improved driving comfort and turning stability.
Altogether the new Panamera has nine derivatives, including rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, fuel and plug-in hybrid power systems and multiple wheelbases and body styles.
The Taycan Turbo S, a flagship model of Porsche's first electric sports car, is sharing a stage with the all-new Taycan at the auto show as well. Both show visitors an optimal integration of sports car performance and innovative technologies.
Inheriting Porsche's supreme performance genes as a sports car and adopting a raft of electrification technologies, the Taycan gives consideration to both driving pleasure and practicability.
Coupled with the 800-volt technology used for the Porsche 919 Hybrid race car and an advanced energy recovery technology, the Taycan is known for its consistent and stable high performance, shorter charging time and improved energy efficiency.
"This is the right moment to show to our customers because the Taycan base (model) will be delivered to China in December this year," said Puttfarcken.
"No other market in the world will have the Taycan base as early as China does. We appreciate the Chinese importance for our business."
The Taycan Turbo S has a maximum output power of 560 kilowatts and can accelerate from 0-100 kilometers per hour in 2.8 seconds.
Meanwhile, the new 911 Targa 4 demonstrates to visitors Porsche's distinctive glamour and driving pleasure at the 2020 Beijing auto show.
"For the 911, we see that there is an increased interest among Chinese customers into the concept of the 911.
"And we also want to show the 911 Targa, which is not on the market right now but is also something that we will deliver here in China very soon," Puttfarcken said.
Equipped with a 3-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine, the 911 Targa 4 has a maximum output power of 283 kW and a top torque of 450 newton meters.
With the help of an innovative car roof control system, the 911 Targa 4 can open and close in 19 seconds.
In addition, the 718 Cayman sports car, Macan sports SUV, Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe and Porsche's first electric racecar, the 99X Electric, are on stage at the 2020 Beijing auto show.
READ MORE: Safety first but passion stays alive in automobile show
The enriched lineup is expected to further drive the performance of Porsche in China.
It delivered 39,603 vehicles in the first half of 2020 in the country, which remains the largest single market for Porsche worldwide.
"I am pretty sure that we will reach at least the same number of deliveries as 2019 and there's even a chance to have another record year for Porsche in China," said Puttfarcken.
In June, Porsche received nearly 10,000 orders, which is a record for the carmaker.
Contact the writer at zhangdandan@chinadaily.com.cn