It's the torque of the nation ... every man-about-town's driving ambition is to sit behind the wheel of a Porsche and the choice will soon be even more impressive.
Following the successful start of the Panamera into the market, Porsche is rapidly expanding the range of models available.
Starting next month, both the Panamera and the Panamera 4 will be at the dealership as the new entry-level versions leading into Porsche's Gran Turismo model series.
Both models are powered by a brand-new 3.6-litre V6 featuring direct fuel injection and developing maximum output of 300 bhp (220 kW) plus peak torque of 400 Nm/295 lb-ft.
Following Porsche's nomenclature, the Panamera transmits its power to the road via the rear wheels, while the Panamera 4 comes as standard with active all-wheel drive.
The two new versions of Porsche's Gran Turismo are convincing examples of the 'Porsche Intelligent Performance' consistent development strategy - lightweight construction is one particular highlight, with the axles, doors, engine compartment lid, wings and the rear lid all made either of aluminium or a combination of aluminium and magnesium.
At the same time the brand-new V6 power unit built at Porsche's engine plant in Zuffenhausen and boasting a 90o cylinder angle is approximately 30kg or 66lb lighter than the eight-cylinder featured in the Panamera S and 4S, thus contributing to the low overall weight of the Panamera of just 1,730kg or 3,815lb.
Like the proven V8 models, both the Panamera and the Panamera 4, as genuine Gran Turismos, combine sporting character with a high standard of comfort and everyday driving qualities.
Apart from the regular steel suspension available as an option with variable dampers, adaptive air suspension with additional air volume is also available on request. This provides a very wide range of suspension qualities and features extending from an even higher level of motoring comfort at one end all the way to extremely sporting driving dynamics at the other.
The Panamera and Panamera 4 made their world debut at the Beijing Motor Show last week. Both models will be entering the German market in May 2010 and are scheduled to enter the US market in June.
Prices start at 75,899 euros (BD38,974) - including value-added tax and national specifications for the Panamera (base price in the Euro countries 63,600 euros), while the Panamera 4 fitted as standard with PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe retails at 84,110 euros (BD42,374) - including VAT and national specifications (base price 70,500 euros).