2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo
This might dismay Porsche fans who don’t like models other than the 911 or Boxster, but we hear that the German automaker is working on a smaller version of its polarizing Panamera sedan, known internally as the Pajun.
Car magazine says that the Pajun, which is shorthand for “Panamera junior,” will be a smaller version of the Panameras edan. As such, the car will directly compete against the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Interestingly, the Pajun may be sold as more than just a sedan: speculation suggests the automaker could spin off coupe, convertible, and shooting brake variants.
Regardless of body style, the Pajun will be powered by a new generation of Porsche engines that, like the Panamera and Cayenne, aren’t horizontally opposed. Lower-level Pajuns will be powered by turbocharged 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 engines, which reportedly crank out close to 400 to 500 hp. Too little power? A twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 is also rumored, and could potentially provide a stout 600hp. Need more fuel economy? Opt for a plug-in hybrid with a four-cylinder range extender, or a slate of V-6 diesels from Audi (although it’s unclear if those engines will reach American shores). All of the powertrains will likely be sent through either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or, on select trims, a seven-speed manual transmission.
The Pajun’s platform–nicknamed MSB–will support either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations, but it’s unknown if the Pajun will be sold in both forms. What is clear, however, is that the Pajun won’t look as much like the Panamera as one would expect: it will lose the 911-esque rear end in favor of a simpler sedan look. For detractors of the Panamera’s love-it-or-hate-it rear end, this might just be a selling point.
Porsche expects to put the Pajun in showrooms near 2016. Tell us – what hallmarks of the Panamera should the new car incorporate or avoid?
