2011 Porsche Panamera V-6s debut in the U.S.

It was only the V-8 powered version Porsche Panamera that was launched in the US last year. Panamera S, 4S and Turbo all were launched using the same engine under their hoods. Now from this weekend, Panamera and Panamera 4 fitted with the V-6 versions would be available through the local Porsche dealers.

The cars have been priced at $74,400 for the Panamera and $78,900 for the Panamera 4 at their basic model. Salient features of the V-6 Panamera includes a power output of 300 horsepower along with a torque of 295 pound-feet for the all-wheel-drive version of the V6 Panamera and its sibling. Pick up of 6 seconds from 0 – 60 mph for the rear drive model and 5.8 seconds for the Panamera 4. If the Sport Chorno Package Plus is added then it would mean another 0.2 seconds less for the pickup rating described before.  This package fits the PDK dual-clutch gearbox in the upgrade. The top speeds of the Panamera is 160 mph while that of Panamera 4 is 159 mph.

The performance figures do not match up to the V-8 version models specially so compared with the 500 horsepower Turbo. There is however compensatory gain in fuel efficiency with the V-6. The V-6 rates 18 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg in highway rides. The same rating goes to 18 and 26 mpg respectively in case of the all-wheel-drive-model. This can be noted as a big jump over the 15/23 mpg that the Turbo version had as well as the 16/24 mpg rating of the 4S.

The V-6 is also about 66 pounds lighter than the V-8 and this adds to extra efficiency factor of this model. The curb weight is 3,880 for models installed with the PDK transmission. Panamera fitted with the V-6 engine does not therefore face the penalty levied on those cars that have low fuel efficiency, termed the gas guzzler penalty.

The standard or basic configuration of the Panamera and Panamera 4 includes an electric moonroof, Bluetooth hands-free phone connection and iPod/USB audio interface to the Porsche communication Management infotainment/navigation system. There are optional upgrades also available to this basic configuration. The basic factory installed spring/ damper suspension system that comes with the car can be upgraded to adaptive air suspension with variable dampers.

June 5 was the scheduled date that this car was to be available in the market.

Source: motorauthority