Organised by Randall Flack, the most recent recipient of the Register of the year trophy, members of the Panamera Register and Panamera owners from the North East enjoyed a real treat in April as they celebrated the model’s 15th birthday; a sneak preview of the latest G3 generation and the privilege of a presentation from Dr Thomas Friemuth, head of Panamera product line at Porsche AG.
“This year sees the Panamera celebrate its 15th anniversary and, as Porsche enthusiasts, we wished to mark the occasion with a signature event where we could come together, enjoy our cars and enjoy each other’s company,” said Randall Flack, Panamera Register Secretary. “Where better than in the North East of England, my home region?”
The three-day ‘Coasts and Castles’ event toured some of the northeast’s most beautiful spots, beginning with a spectacular drive over the moors of the North Pennines, ticking off the magnificent vistas of the Tynedale, Weardale and Teesdale valleys. Porsche has spent a decade and a half developing the Panamera into one of the sharpest sports saloons on the planet, so the Register laid out some wonderful roads to prove it and on April 19 too – 15 years to the day since the G1’s global unveiling at Auto Shanghai.
Day two leant more into the Panamera’s grand touring ability, snaking the owners along the dramatic Northumberland coast for a peek around the magnificent Alnwick and Bamburgh Castles, before everyone retired back to the medieval Lumley Castle in County Durham for a decadent evening and some delicious birthday cake.
Helping to blow out the candles was a black G3 Panamera, allowing attendees an exclusive look at the latest-generation car. It ushers in more electric-only miles for its hybrid variants as well as smart Active Ride air suspension which aims to further reduce body roll in corners and increase the admirable driving focus of the Panamera yet further. That will certainly be something to revisit on those Pennines roads once G3s end up in the hands of Register members…
The G3’s very early appearance at the event demonstrated the close links between PCGB, the Panamera Register, Porsche GB, Porsche AG and Porsche Centre Newcastle. Welcoming drivers to Lumley Castle on night one and helping raise a glass to 15 years of Porsche’s practical performance car was Dr Friemuth, who beamed into the event’s private dining area in the castle’s magnificent Garter Room. He welcomed the drivers alongside Club Chairman Nick Taylor.
“Our event provided the type of magnificent setting for the new G3 that is not just aspirational, but aligns well with Porsche’s ambitions in its global markets,” says Randall. “What better way to celebrate the arrival of the G3 Panamera than with real owners who enjoy driving their cars in the real world?”
Randall isn’t one to rest on his laurels. The Register’s signature event for 2025 is set to operate on an even bigger scale and the ‘3 Peaks, 4 Nations’ event will see participants conquer the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours before a tour of all four nations in the United Kingdom. He hopes that the Porsche Motorsport endurance team can lend their support as well to spur on “the aspirations of a community of younger, successful and freedom-loving Panamera owners... I see an opportunity to bring our two communities – Club and Porsche – together. One challenge, one team.”
Perhaps the G3’s trick new suspension can help soothe numerous sore limbs after the collective 3.4km ascent of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The Panamera’s sweet 16 certainly sounds like an adventure.