Porsche Announces V-6 Model for Panamera

The Porsche Panamera hasn't gotten a lot of critical acclaim, but it seems to be succeeding anyhow. Since when has critical acclaim really mattered for a vehicle's success anyway?

The Bangle-styled BMWs sold better than ever. Anyhow, while it never pretends to be cheap, the Panamera is getting a lower starting pricetag by the announcement of a V-6 engine.

A lower pricetag of $15,400, to be exact. The new V-6 powered model will be offered in either rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. The starting price for the RWD V-6 Panamera comes in at $74,400 and the AWD Panamera 4 starts at $78,900.

The 3.6-liter V6 makes 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, 100 less horsepower and 74 pound feet less than the 4.8-liter V-8.

To buyers in this segment, we doubt the $15,400 makes much a difference - and besides, $74,400 for a 300 horsepower is a bit steep we think.  Besides fuel economy gains, an advantage of a V-6 is that it is a bit lighter - checking in at 3,880 pounds, 66 pounds less than the V-8.

Porsche's seven-speed PDK (also known as Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) dual-clutch transmission is standard in the V-6 Panamera, along with a navigation system. We don't see much point in the V-6, at least from a buyers perspective. But hey, you know what? That probably means it will sell like hotcakes.