Porsche launches V6 Porsche Panamera

Porsche launches a V6 engine for the Panamera.

The Panamera and Panamera 4 will be available in U.S. Porsche dealerships in June 2010 with MSRPs of $74,400 and $78,900, respectively (excluding destination).

These new entry level Gran Turismos both feature a 3.6L V6 with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) developing 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This all-new Porsche engine is built on the same line as the normally aspirated and twin-turbocharged 4.8L V8 engines found in the Panamera S, 4S and Turbo.

The Panamera transmits its power to the road via the rear wheels, while the Panamera 4 comes standard with active all-wheel drive. U.S. models will include Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), Porsche’s new and revolutionary seven-speed double-clutch gearbox, as standard equipment.

Other standard equipment includes an electric moonroof and power liftgate, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with navigation, Bi-Xenon headlights, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, and the universal audio interface to connect an external audio source such as an iPod or a USB stick with the PCM system.

Like every Porsche, the Panamera and Panamera 4 were developed according to the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy — more performance on less fuel, increased efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. Equipped with the PDK gearbox and the Auto Start Stop function, Porsche expects these new models to be considerably more fuel efficient than their normally aspirated V8 siblings. Official U.S. EPA fuel economy figures will be announced closer to the new models’ on-sale date, and like the V8 Panamera models, neither will be subject to a gas-guzzler tax. Both meet the strict EU5 emission standard in Europe and the LEV standard in the United States.

Porsche has always focused on superior efficiency and performance, and in the case of these new Panamera models these long-held tenets are not mutually exclusive. One example of this ideal combination of qualities is consistent lightweight construction with the axles, doors, hood, front fenders and tailgate all made of aluminum. Likewise, the brand new 90-degree angle V6 powerplant built at Porsche’s engine plant in Zuffenhausen is approximately 66 lbs. lighter than the Porsche V8 in the Panamera S and 4S. This contributes to the low overall curb weight, which in the case of the Panamera with the PDK transmission is just 3,880 lbs. (1,730 kg).

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