by The first-generation Porsche Panamera, often the butt of jokes due to its unfortunate rear end, is now enjoying a second life on the used market as an affordable high-performance car option. Although its design was softened by a facelift and completely changed in subsequent versions, early models still carry the stigma of an awkward style.
YouTuber’s Project
This did not stop a well-known YouTuber named Kordare, who decided to fix what Porsche once failed to do. He purchased a 2016 Panamera Turbo, the last year before a complete generational change, with 106 thousand miles on the odometer. The car’s condition indicates that the previous owner took very good care of it.
Rear Light Surgery
Kordare calls this model the fastest and ugliest car for $30,000. He was impressed by the interior condition, but the rounded rear end still didn’t look right. Therefore, he found an aftermarket kit of LED rear lights on the market that mimic the cleaner look of the second-generation Panamera.
The kit included two thin LED sections, body-colored panels to cover the large openings for the old lights, and a light bar on the trunk lid. Most surprisingly, the replacement did not require changes to the shape of the metal panels, except for removing the factory Porsche logo.
From a distance, the result looks very convincing. The full-width light bar even has an animated turn-on sequence, giving the old Porsche a modern look.
Details and Nuances of the Modification
However, upon closer inspection, some issues with fit and finish are visible. The new lights protrude slightly beyond the body line, as if acting as a small spoiler. The tightly fitting trim also blurs the lines of the trunk lid seams, making them almost unnoticeable. However, this does not interfere with the trunk’s functionality.
The second and third generations of the Panamera, introduced in 2016 and 2024 respectively, have cleaner proportions and a rear-end design inspired by the 911 model. Kordare’s version doesn’t quite reach their level but comes close at a significantly lower price.
Work on the Sound
In addition to visual improvements, Kordare also addressed the sound of the Panamera Turbo. The stock exhaust system turned out to be extremely quiet, which did not satisfy the owner for a sedan with a bi-turbo V8.
His first attempt—a side-exit exhaust system—produced a sound similar to agricultural machinery or an old diesel, and also scraped the road and ruined aerodynamics. Naturally, this option did not last. A completely redesigned exhaust system is currently being developed and will be shown in future videos.
View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kordare (@kordare_)
View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kordare (@kordare_)
This project perfectly illustrates how enthusiasts can breathe new life into cars that have lost relevance due to specific design decisions. Rear light modifications have become a popular way to update the appearance of the first Panamera, offering a relatively simple and affordable solution to improve its looks. At the same time, the question of the balance between the quality of aftermarket parts and the perfect appearance, often faced by tuning enthusiasts, remains open. Such initiatives not only extend the life of cars but also create unique specimens that combine the technical foundation of the past with the aesthetic elements of the present.
