2011 Porsche Panamera is Uniquely Impressive

Many longtime Porsche enthusiasts might have been shaking their heads when the German brand unveiled a four-door hatchback a couple of years ago. But now, the 2011 Panamera is garnering respect from most observers who experience it, and with good reason.

 

For this model year, Porsche has added a V-6 engine to the mix in addition to the  V-8.  There are now three trim levels and three engine options.  New is a 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 300 horsepower and 400 pounds-feet of torque. That’s beside the existing Panamera S that has a 4.8-liter V-8 that makes 400 horsepower and 500 pounds-feet of torque, and the Panamera Turbo, which is also a 4.8-liter V-8 that makes an astounding 500-horsepower and 700 pounds-feet of torque.

Each engine is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

 

This Porsche holds nothing back when it comes to the driving experience, thanks in part to an available Sport Chrono Package Plus that can enhance the drivetrain and suspension settings. And just so you can show off (as if driving a Porsche weren’t showing off enough), there’s a launch-control feature that lets you take off faster from a standstill.

 

The base and Panamera S trim levels have available all-wheel drive, known as Panamera 4.  Porsche says that its Doppelkupplung transmission is standard on the Panamera 4 and Turbo trims and optional on the others. That feature cuts shift times to a few hundredths of a second, making for an even more dynamic experience.

 

Gas mileage ranges from 15-18 mpg in the city and 23-27 mpg on the highway.  But fuel economy is enhanced by the Auto Stop Start technology, which shuts  off the engine when the car reaches a complete stop and restarts it when the brake pedal is released.

 

The Panamera’s appearance is nothing if not distinctive. The long hood and sleek grille are traditional Porsche. The extended body leading back to a large tailgate are unlike anything the iconic brand has offered.

 

Porsche says five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, and that silver calipers on the Panamera S or red calipers on the Turbo, as well as 19- and 20-inch wheels are options for those who want an accented look.

 

As if all this power and luxury weren’t enough, the Panamera has 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear bucket seats and 44.6 cubic feet when the seats are down.