Porsche reveals its entry-level Panamera V6

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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