Jason from SUVs here again.
There aren't many sedans that I'd call a bargain when they start at $75,350 and go up from there. But the 2011 Porsche Panamera V6 just might be the bargain of the year.
In case you missed it, the Panamera is the first Porsche sedan. Aaron reviewed the V8 edition, the 2010 Porsche Panamera, when it came out, and he went wild for it. "Yes, I think the Panamera is good. In fact, I think it's great," was how he put it, including the italics. If you ever get to spend time with Aaron, and you should hope you do, you'll realize that he speaks in italics when he's passionate about something. And that something is usually a great new car.
I don't speak in italics very often, but the Panamera had me slanting my letters, especially after a blast on the Autobahn that completely convinced me that Porsche's new V6 is up to the task of motivating a sports sedan.
Take a gander at this 2011 Porsche Panamera V6 Photo Gallery with some pictures that I took during my time in Cologne, Germany. Having already accepted the Cayenne SUV into the Porsche family, I'm now willing to welcome the Porsche Panamera sedan -- even with a V6 under the hood. -- Jason Fogelson
Photo © Jason Fogelson
Although I’m not a fan of the world’s latest automotive trend, the “4-door coupe,” I’ve changed my mind about the relevancy of some of these cars, and this one in particular. Although the Panamera seems to fly in the face of all that Porsche should stand for, the fact is that they need this car, especially in Germany.
Germans don’t buy all that many Porsches. Most Porsches are exported. The reason Porsches don’t sell well here in Germany is because most Germans don’t have a need or want for a sports car. Models like the Caymann and the Panamera were developed, I think, to try and get some business from it’s fellow countrymen along with its import business. Many Americans, and I include myself in the group, tend to look at everything through our own lens most of the time.
Having said that, would I buy one of the cars if I had the financial ability? Probably not. But, more power to those who can, and to Porsche for trying to build something to keep them in business.
Why does the Panamera “fly in the face of all that Porsche should stand for”? Porsche used to build tanks, turrets and tractors, once upon a time. And they were powered by diesels or diesel/electrics. A sedan that’s really a guided missile on 4 wheels fits quite nicely in Porsche’s stable.
Surpisingly, I’ve seen quite a number of the Panamaras pop driven by “white tops” around us here in San Diego. All of them were on Girard in La Jolla. I’m sure that’s probably where you’ll see the lion’s share of them here, or on Willshire in Beverly Hills. This car is a definite Boulevard Cruiser of the “older set”.