16.02.2010
Starting in May 2010, both the Panamera and the Panamera 4 will be available with a brand-new 3.6-litre V6 engine, featuring Direct Fuel Injection and developing maximum output of 300 bhp plus peak torque of 400 Nm/295 lb-ft.
Equipped with PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (Porsche Double-Clutch Gearbox) and Auto Start Stop, both models consume far less fuel than their V8-engined siblings, achieving combined figures of 30.4 mpg for the two-wheel drive Panamera and 29.4 mpg for the Panamera 4.
19-inch all-year tyres with optimised roll resistance are available as an option to further reduce these consumption figures giving the Panamera a CO2 rating of just 213 g/km, with the Panamera 4 an equally impressive 220 g/km.
These frugal qualities are attributable to consistent lightweight construction, with the axles, doors, engine compartment lid, wings and the rear lid all made either from aluminium or a combination of aluminium and magnesium. At the same time the brand-new V6 power unit built at Porsche’s engine plant in Zuffenhausen and boasting a 90-degree cylinder angle is approximately 30 kg lighter than the eight-cylinder engine as featured in the Panamera S and 4S, thus contributing to the low overall weight of the Panamera of just 1,730 kg.
Like the V8 models, both the Panamera and the Panamera 4 are said to combine sporting character with a high standard of comfort and everyday driving qualities. Apart from the regular steel suspension available as an option with variable dampers, adaptive air suspension with additional air volume is also available on request. This provides a range of suspension characteristics extending from an even higher level of comfort at one end through to extremely sporting driving dynamics at the other.
The Panamera and Panamera 4 will be making their world debut at the Beijing Motor Show as of 23 April 2010, entering the German market in May 2010 and the US market from June. Prices start at Euro 75,899 (approx. £66,000), while the Panamera 4 fitted as standard with PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe retails at Euro 84,110 (approx. £73,000) on the road, although UK retail prices are yet to be announced.
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16 Comments
Mike GT
February 16, 2010I’d take a Panamera. That is, if the Quattroporte, S63, B7, S8, Rapide, Flying Spur, and 760i didn’t exist.
What is the point of the new V6? Will it migrate over and replace Audi’s 3.2? Will they add forced induction? How does the 3.0T play in all of this? Should I stop asking questions?
Mike GT
February 16, 2010I’d take a Panamera. That is, if the Quattroporte, S63, B7, S8, Rapide, Flying Spur, and 760i didn’t exist.
What is the point of the new V6? Will it migrate over and replace Audi’s 3.2? Will they add forced induction? How does the 3.0T play in all of this? Should I stop asking questions?
Steve Davies
February 16, 2010It’s a 3.6 litre NA engine, and I suspect it will be just about quick enough for the target buyer (i.e. aged 50+), but I can’t help thinking that a diesel powerplant would make much more sense.
The CO2 rating of just 213 g/km is not far from comparable oil-burners, but 295 lb/ft of torque is pretty modest compared to a good 3 litre diesel (i.e. 420+ lb/ft). These cars are all about relaxed effortless progress, so I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who’s in the market for this entry-level model.
Steve Davies
February 16, 2010It’s a 3.6 litre NA engine, and I suspect it will be just about quick enough for the target buyer (i.e. aged 50+), but I can’t help thinking that a diesel powerplant would make much more sense.
The CO2 rating of just 213 g/km is not far from comparable oil-burners, but 295 lb/ft of torque is pretty modest compared to a good 3 litre diesel (i.e. 420+ lb/ft). These cars are all about relaxed effortless progress, so I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who’s in the market for this entry-level model.
Mike GT
February 16, 2010“These cars are all about relaxed effortless progress…”
I thought that was what Mercedes, BMW, and Audi were for. I can’t imagine anyone associating relaxing with Porsche by default. There was one study mentioned of recently that driving a Porsche raises your testosterone levels.
Mike GT
February 16, 2010“These cars are all about relaxed effortless progress…”
I thought that was what Mercedes, BMW, and Audi were for. I can’t imagine anyone associating relaxing with Porsche by default. There was one study mentioned of recently that driving a Porsche raises your testosterone levels.
Steve Davies
February 16, 2010Fair point if we’re talking about one of Porsche’s sports cars, but not so true if looking at the type of person who buys a Cayenne or Panamera. One of the M5′s weaknesses when you compare it back to back with an RS6, E63 or XFR is it’s relative lack of bottom-end torque.
Sure, you can rev it hard and be more than quick enough, but that’s not how the typical sports-saloon buyer is likely to drive. That’s one of the reasons why the twin-turbo diesel has become so pervasive in large luxury saloons, it feels as grunty as a 5-litre V8 but far more frugal.
p.s. I suspect you mean “..raises your adrenalin levels”? O:-)
Steve Davies
February 16, 2010Fair point if we’re talking about one of Porsche’s sports cars, but not so true if looking at the type of person who buys a Cayenne or Panamera. One of the M5′s weaknesses when you compare it back to back with an RS6, E63 or XFR is it’s relative lack of bottom-end torque.
Sure, you can rev it hard and be more than quick enough, but that’s not how the typical sports-saloon buyer is likely to drive. That’s one of the reasons why the twin-turbo diesel has become so pervasive in large luxury saloons, it feels as grunty as a 5-litre V8 but far more frugal.
p.s. I suspect you mean “..raises your adrenalin levels”? O:-)
Mike GT
February 16, 2010“p.s. I suspect you mean “..raises your adrenalin levels”?”
Nope.
http://autos.aol.com/article/porsche-biology-design
Oh, are you going to post an article on the Elise facelift so I can say it looks nice, but a bit like a Ferrari California?
Mike GT
February 16, 2010“p.s. I suspect you mean “..raises your adrenalin levels”?”
Nope.
http://autos.aol.com/article/porsche-biology-design
Oh, are you going to post an article on the Elise facelift so I can say it looks nice, but a bit like a Ferrari California?
Mike GT
February 16, 2010http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/247532/
Steve Davies
February 16, 2010“Oh, are you going to post an article on the Elise facelift so I can say it looks nice, but a bit like a Ferrari California?”
Nag, nag, nag…
Mike GT
February 16, 2010http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/247532/
Steve Davies
February 16, 2010“Oh, are you going to post an article on the Elise facelift so I can say it looks nice, but a bit like a Ferrari California?”
Nag, nag, nag…
Mike GT
February 16, 2010“Nag, nag, nag…”
I’ve nothing better to do.
Mike GT
February 16, 2010“Nag, nag, nag…”
I’ve nothing better to do.