Porsche Panamera - powerful, efficient and lightweight

Following the successful introduction of the Panamera in 2009, Porsche is expanding the model range by introducing two new versions of the Gran Turismo; the Panamera and Panamera 4 will be making their world debut at the Beijing Motor Show on 23 April 2010 and first UK customer deliveries for both models will start in June 2010.

Both the Panamera and Panamera 4 models are powered by a brand-new Porsche-designed 3.6-litre V6 featuring Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) developing maximum output of 300 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm. Featuring a 90o V-angle, the V6 engine sits snugly beneath the sleek bonnet and, following the Porsche tradition, the Panamera transmits its power to the road via the rear wheels, while the Panamera 4, as its name suggests, comes as standard with active all-wheel drive.

Equipped with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox - which includes Auto Start/Stop - the Panamera delivers 30.4mpg on the Combined cycle and CO₂ emissions are an impressive 218g/km. The Panamera 4 averages 29.4 mpg and 225g/km respectively. When equipped with the optional nineteen-inch all-year tyres with optimised roll resistance, fuel consumption reduces further and the CO₂ ratings lower to 213 g/km and 220 g/km in each case. Furthermore, both V6 versions of the Panamera fulfil the strict EU5 emission standard in Europe and the LEV legislation in the United States.

The combination of performance, efficiency and everyday usability typical of Porsche can be partly attributed to the intelligent application of lightweight construction methods consistently throughout every Panamera, with the axles, doors, bonnet, wings and the rear tailgate each made of aluminium.

Furthermore, the brand-new V6 power unit, built at the Porsche engine plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, offers similar lightweight advantages and is approximately 30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the eight-cylinder featured in the Panamera S and 4S. Together, these innovative weight reduction measures throughout the car contribute to the low overall weight of the Panamera of just 1,730 kg – a remarkable figure for a car of its capabilities.

Like the proven V8-engined models, the Panamera and the Panamera 4 each combine dynamic sporting driving characteristics with a high standard of comfort and a luxurious interior ambience. Offering steel suspension as standard with optional variable dampers, adaptive air suspension with additional air volume is also available as an option and provides an even wider range of suspension settings to extend the driving qualities further still.

Standard equipment on all models includes Bi-Xenon headlights, front and rear ParkAssist, heated front seats, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls and cruise control.

The Porsche Panamera range is now priced from £61,461 for the Panamera, and the Panamera 4 (PDK transmission as standard) is priced at £66,929 including VAT.

Every Panamera has the assurance of a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.