Porsche Panamera Diesel

Porsche have launched a diesel variant of the Panamera – on sale from August 2011 – priced from £62,134, "capable of taking four passengers in sporting comfort from Lands End to Loch Ness without refuelling." The Panamera Diesel is powered by a common rail direct injection (piezo valve), variable geometry turbocharger (VGTs) 3.0-litre V6 TDi engine with 250bhp and 550Nm (available from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm), is rear-wheel drive and uses an eight-speed Tiptronic S as standard. It will knock on the door of 62mph in 6.8s and go on to 150mph, while delivering 43.5mpg, and offering a huge range of 745 miles from the 80-litre tank. It also has a high level of standard specification, including: Leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, front and rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, cruise control and a three year warranty. 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, as part of the purchase price. With fuel costs as they are, it's sure to be popular – if not with Porsche purists! Still not taken with the looks either... what do you think?