A green car
I have to admit that I was nevertheless taken off guard. Although I’m familiar with the Star-and-Stop technology so widespread in Europe that lets you turn the engine off at a red light, I’d never seen it at work in a non-hybrid car. And I would never have thought that I’d find it here, in the sportiest family of the automotive world.
The system is simple and efficient: when the car stops, the engine is turned off and only comes to life again when you release the brakes. Better fuel economy, reduced emissions, it’s all good.
Also surprising is the fact that Porsche finally decided to listen to the dozens of journalists who’ve been publicly cursing the PDK systems and the tiny buttons on the steering wheel used to shift.
This time the automaker included veritable, easy-to-use paddles that allow you to upshift on one side and downshift on the other. Gone are the days of complex manoeuvres and gestures too minute to be truly practical.
And a third revelation: despite the engine’s size and relative loss of power, the Panamera V6 generates a decent amount of torque. The transmission adapts to the circumstances, and with the Star-Stop function downshifts into 2nd gear when it’s time to take off again. The engine’s torque and the close-ratio transmission allow you to take off without ever wondering if the car is up to it.
Conclusion
Just a few days ago, after having tested the Panamera Turbo I would no doubt have decried Porsche’s intentions of reducing the number of ponies in the stable with a six-cylinder mill.
Looking back today, after having driven both of them, I have to admit I was wrong. Not only is the Panamera V6 powerful enough, it’s fun to drive and has no cause to be jealous of the V8 versions other than where acceleration is concerned. So this would now have to be my top pick in this class. Porsche has understood that green is a very important colour in the eyes of the brand’s aficionados – who’ll have just as much fun driving the V6 anyhow.
I have to admit that I was nevertheless taken off guard. Although I’m familiar with the Star-and-Stop technology so widespread in Europe that lets you turn the engine off at a red light, I’d never seen it at work in a non-hybrid car. And I would never have thought that I’d find it here, in the sportiest family of the automotive world.
The system is simple and efficient: when the car stops, the engine is turned off and only comes to life again when you release the brakes. Better fuel economy, reduced emissions, it’s all good.
Also surprising is the fact that Porsche finally decided to listen to the dozens of journalists who’ve been publicly cursing the PDK systems and the tiny buttons on the steering wheel used to shift.
This time the automaker included veritable, easy-to-use paddles that allow you to upshift on one side and downshift on the other. Gone are the days of complex manoeuvres and gestures too minute to be truly practical.
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| This time the automaker included veritable, easy-to-use paddles that allow you to upshift on one side and downshift on the other. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
And a third revelation: despite the engine’s size and relative loss of power, the Panamera V6 generates a decent amount of torque. The transmission adapts to the circumstances, and with the Star-Stop function downshifts into 2nd gear when it’s time to take off again. The engine’s torque and the close-ratio transmission allow you to take off without ever wondering if the car is up to it.
Conclusion
Just a few days ago, after having tested the Panamera Turbo I would no doubt have decried Porsche’s intentions of reducing the number of ponies in the stable with a six-cylinder mill.
Looking back today, after having driven both of them, I have to admit I was wrong. Not only is the Panamera V6 powerful enough, it’s fun to drive and has no cause to be jealous of the V8 versions other than where acceleration is concerned. So this would now have to be my top pick in this class. Porsche has understood that green is a very important colour in the eyes of the brand’s aficionados – who’ll have just as much fun driving the V6 anyhow.
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