2011 Porsche Panamera Diesel review
2011 Porsche Panamera Diesel
By Ian Lynas, 06th October 2011
There are becoming fewer places on these islands where you can really enjoy your time behind the 'wheel, however one of the exceptions is the North of Scotland. This part of the UK was selected to launch the new Porsche Panamera Diesel.
New 2011 Porsche Panamera Diesel
This is a truly astounding car, capable of making the trip from Loch Ness to Land’s End on one tank full of fuel with no sacrifice in performance. I did not take part in this marathon drive but road tested the four-seater on a variety of roads in the Highlands of Scotland.
This long distance sporting performance is provided by the smooth three-litre V6 engine with a rated output of 250bhp. The maximum torque is 550 Nm and is available all the way from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm, delivering quite a lot of pulling power.
2011 New Porsche Panamera Diesel
This engine is at the cutting edge of diesel technology: common rail direct injection through Piezo valves at a pressure of 2000 bar, turbocharging employs electrically controlled variable geometry units and emission control achieved by controlled exhaust gas recirculation, oxidation catalyst and particulate filter.
Performance, generous torque and low consumption are accompanied by smooth running, reliability and low emissions. An additional contributing factor is the auto start/stop function, which is fitted as standard. This is the smoothest auto start/stop system that I have tested.
This member of the extended Panamera range is exclusively available with rear-wheel drive and uses a highly efficient eight-speed Tiptronic S as standard.
2011 Porsche Panamera Diesel interior
The six-cylinder turbo diesel engine powers the new GT from 0 to 62mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 150mph. The automatic transmission is also amongst the best I have used.
This model is equipped with an 80-litre tank and on the combined fuel cycle the figure is an impressive 43.5mpg. The CO2 figure is 172g/km and with the optional lower rolling resistance tyres, efficiency improves further still, to 167g/km and 44.8mpg on the combined fuel cycle.
Not all of the roads that I encountered on were of billiard table quality; I did encounter some challenging surfaces and with adaptive air suspension available as an alternative to the standard steel spring suspension, it provides an even wider range of suspension settings to extend the ride quality further still.
2011 Porsche Panamera Diesel
The Porsche Panamera is a big car with a lot of road presence; measuring 1,931mm in width and 1,418mm in height, it is both wider and lower than comparable four-door models. This new addition can be recognised by the lettering ’diesel‘ on the front doors.
Every Panamera model has a high level of standard specification that includes leather interior, Bi-Xenon headlights, front and rear ParkAssist, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, cruise control and a three year warranty.
A Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS); a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 comes as standard and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
£62,134 is the entry price to the Porsche Panamera Diesel range.
