Six-cylinder Porsche Panamera debuts in Beijing

Light, efficient, fast new models with rear- or all-wheel drive feature brand-new 90-degree Porsche V6, standard PDK gearbox

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 16 /CNW/ - Following the successful launch of the Panamera last fall, Porsche AG today announced an expansion of the model range. On sale in Canada this summer, the V6-powered Panamera and Panamera 4 will become the new entry point to Porsche's four-door Gran Turismo lineup.

Both models are powered by a brand-new 3.6-litre V6 featuring Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) that develops a maximum output of 300 bhp and a peak torque of 295 lb-ft. Following Porsche's traditional nomenclature, the Panamera transmits its power to the road via the rear wheels, while the Panamera 4 comes standard with active all-wheel drive.

Distinguished visually from the V8 models by matte-black (instead of chrome) window trim, large single-tube tailpipes and different wheel designs, the two new Panamera models are convincing examples of the Porsche Intelligent Performance development strategy. Equipped for Canada with a standard dual-clutch Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) gearbox and automatic start/stop system, the rear-wheel drive Panamera consumes just 9.3 L/100 km on the New European Driving Cycle, while the Panamera 4 consumes just 9.6 L/100 km.

A combination of performance and economy, typical of the Porsche brand, are a highlight of the new V6 Gran Turismos. The V6-powered Panameras feature lightweight construction, with the axles, doors, engine compartment lid, wings and the rear lid all made of aluminum or a combination of aluminum and magnesium. The brand-new 90-degree V6, built at Porsche's engine plant in Zuffenhausen, is also approximately 30 kg lighter than the eight-cylinder featured in the Panamera S and 4S.

Like the V8 models, the Panamera and the Panamera 4 combine sporting character with a high standard of comfort and everyday driving qualities. Apart from the standard steel suspension, variable dampers or a full adaptive air suspension are available as options.

The Panamera and Panamera 4 will debut at the Beijing Motor Show on April 23, 2010.

Note: Photos of the new Panamera and Panamera 4 are available to accredited journalists in the Porsche Press Database at http://presse.porsche.de. Footage material is available to registered users at http://www.thenewsmarket.com/porsche.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: Laurance Yap, [phone], [email protected]