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Panamera given four-figure range

Porsche’s flirtation with diesel power, initiated with the second-generation Cayenne, has been met with enthusiasm by customers seeking greater range from their Zuffenhausen-designed premium performance cars.

Following the introduction of three-litre V6 turbodiesel power to the Cayenne range recently, Porsche has now revealed a new oil-burning version of its Panamera four-door luxury sedan.

Distinguished from its petrol-powered siblings courtesy of subtle "diesel" script badging on the front fender panels, Porsche’s second production diesel model has a very specific purpose according to the brand’s marketing people – to cover (rather) substantial distances in one sitting.

For those Porsche customers who have amazing bladder endurance and hate having their travel itinerary dictated by refuelling stops the new Panamera diesel has been designed to offer huge operating range with dynamics that fully justify the Stuttgart coat of arms affixed to the tip of its bonnet.

MAKING VW's V6 TDI BETTER...

Powered by a Porsche-tuned version of VW’s three-litre V6 turbodiesel producing 184kW/550Nm, the Panamera is eight kW more powerful than its Cayenne V6 turbodiesel sibling.

For enthusiasts the choice of transmission will prove a disappointing compromise of sorts. Although the Panamera diesel will only be available in rear-wheel drive, the VW-sourced V6 engine has not been mated with Porsche’s outstanding seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission – retaining its eight-speed Aisin automatic instead, a carry-over from the all-wheel drive requirements of the Cayenne SUV.

Unpack the numbers and the Panamera diesel is awfully impressive and excellently tailored for its intended purpose. Capable of sub seven-second 0-100km/h acceleration (and a 242km/h top speed), the Panamera diesel also manages to return an amazingly fuel-efficient 6.3 litres/100km when rolling Porsche’s optional low-friction tyre option.

Most Panamera diesel owners will surely opt for standard performance rubber (to ensure optimal dynamics and driving pleasure) and truth be told the consumption penalty in this case is rather slight, an increase in diesel use of only 0.2 litres/100km…

TAKE YOUR PASSPORT

Featuring an 80-litre fuel tank Porsche says the Panamera diesel should be good for a range in excess of 1200km, which means it’s good for Johannesburg to Durban and back on one tank. If Porsche engineers ever convinced the company’s product planners of the need to fit Cayenne’s refill-volume 100-litre fuel tank to the Panamera diesel, you would have to drive with your passport in-car at all times for risk of inadvertently venturing cross-border on a day trip considering the range, comfort and pace at your disposal. 

Deliveries will start in August 2011 with prices starting at R795 000. Considering its blend of range, pace and value this most fuel-economic of all Porsches makes the idea of buying into the famous nameplate that much easier to sell to a doubting spouse or conservative personal financial planner.
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