In the wake of the success of the entry-level 2011 Panamera V6, Porsche has decided to launch an even less expensive version of their four-door sports sedan. The new Panamera V (for "Value") will be priced at $34,995, just $3,000 more than a top-of-the-line Toyota Camry.
"Mid-size, mid-priced sedans are one of the fastest-growing segments in the North American auto market," explains Porsche representative Ferdinand Ferry. "We feel we can grow our market share by offering Porsche prestige at a price that is competitive with mid-size offerings from Honda and Toyota."
The Panamera V will be powered by a Volkswagen-sourced 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, similar to the one found in the Volkswagen GTI, coupled to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Other mechanical changes include a simplified live-axle rear suspension and front disc/rear drum brakes. Externally, the Panamera V is distinguished from pricier Panameras by black bumpers, mirrors and door handles and steel wheels with full-width plastic covers.
Inside, the Panamera V gets cloth upholstery, manually-adjustable seats and steering column, and a two-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. Power windows and cruise control will be available as part of an $895 Value Deluxe Preferred Package, but buyers who want air conditioning will have to step up to the $75,350 Panamera V6.
If the Panamera V is successful, Porsche plans to follow up with "V" versions of the Cayenne and 911. Porsche is also reportedly considering a sub-$25,000 front-wheel-drive compact sedan based on the mid-engine Cayman.
The Panamera V is scheduled to arrive in Porsche dealerships on April 1st, 2012. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Porsche
In today’s Global economy, if Porsche hopes to survive, they probably have to expand their horizons beyond that of expressly makers of World Class sports cars.
Although Porsche has this reputation world wide, and particularly in the U.S., we have to remember that Porsche, as well as BMW, Audi, Volvo and several other cars we Americans consider to be top end European luxury cars, are just another car in most other parts of the world. Most cars from these Makes in Europe only come with cloth seats. A BMW 3/5 series in Europe is akin to a Buick in the U.S. Mercedes 300 series and BMW 3/5 series cars are used in Europe as Police cars and Taxis.
For similar reasons, as well as the VW Group’s desire to become the next Toyota, Porsche must become more attainable to the average motorist. The main problem I see here is that Porsche may enter that slippery slope that Cadillac and Lincoln did in the 80’s in attempting to put a Cadillac/Lincoln in every garage. Porsche will have to maintain top-end quality levels even in these lower priced models to keep consumers interested. If quality starts slipping even just a little bit, Porsche’s reputation as a builder of top-notch cars will go right down the tubes. That means for their sports cars too.
As a Porsche owner, you almost had me there until I looked at the date posting. And to have to step up to $75K for AC, nice touch.
Sigh… Reality is depressing… happy 4/1!
Aaron always writes something special for April Fools Day!
Didnt’ read closely enough, and forgot what day it is.
Guess I got fooled. LOL
(although my comments about BMW, etc. still apply)
Don’t forget about the new diesel Ferrari 458 Italia…
That diesel Ferrari is simultaneously coming out with the four-banger Murcialago…
Epic. This one had me going.
I always look forward to the announcements today. It looked really good up until the A/C comment.
Uhhhhhhhhhhh no air conditioning?
Geez…. what does $35k get you these days??? LOL
Aaron you really got me, thanks fellow readers for the enlightement. I was thinking oh no this sounds like a rebadged new Jetta with a Porsche emblem on the hood, egads!
April Fools…..
Good one Aaron.
Ughhh, I think I got took last year too.
I clicked away in disgust when I read the A/C part. Then I thought to myself,….this can’t be true and it struck me this is April 1st.
Don’t feel bad Cobber…you could have poor totally suckered in like poor Eric!!!
I was all ready to put my Cayman S up for sale….. Porsche trying to compete with Toyota and Honda???!!!!
I favorite was the $40,000 upgrade for air conditioning!
Is this an April Fool’s joke ?
April Fools!
I totally fell for it until I read it the second time. “Live rear axle?” BWHAHAHA!
You can never believe anything today.
April fools……..
The lack of AC will be its downfall. Even at base prices, almost all cars sold in the US have AC as a standard feature.
The unpainted bumpers are hilarious! Another good one, Aaron
Clever. Very clever indeed. Could have been right out of The Onion.
I started to question it at the disc/drum setup. Throw in the bumpers, and I was thinking stupidity. Then came the A/C, and I realized immediately, April fools day! Another good one Aaron.
When will the world wake up? stop feeding the greed!! why should the price of care be so high? Do some research.The power people need to start new companies, business and ideas to burst the bubble of inflation and greed.A brand new Dodge charger costed $3,000 in 1973,and now you cant touch it for under $40,000!,and A/C was standard.You could have bought 3 or 4 houses for that in that time too.Now that same house is $130,000. We only complain,instead we just feed the machine.We are nothing but mind-less ,slobbering drones ,taking what-ever is handed too us.
Brilliant April Fools Day Joke Aaron! absolutely fabulous….. Porsch and Drum Brakes hahahah what century do you live. You had me on the first lines. But this was the hint that made me laugh! thanks a good one
Good one Aaron…except that I know that VW will never mess with Porsche’s integrity…never! Boy, you sure fooled Eric. He couldn’t wait to jump into your empty pool of nonsense head first! And old Joe will use even a crack pot blog like this one to get up on his soapbox of socio-economic upheaval! The rest of us just enjoyed a good laugh!!!
No Body buy’s a car today without Airconditioning
$75k for A/C! Good one Aaron
Sounds great…BUT who wants a car without air conditioning!
AAAWWWW Got me.
But I need auto seats and AC, thanks. 
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