Diesel joins Porsche Panamera lineup

Porsche has put forward some eye-catching fuel-economy figures for the Panamera diesel--although we may never see the car in the United States.

Set to go on sale across Europe in August, the four-door is claimed to return a combined city/highway driving fuel economy of 36.2 mpg in standard guise under European testing procedures.

When fitted with optional low-rolling-resistance tires, the fuel economy climbs to 37.3 mpg on the European test--a figure that gives the Panamera diesel a theoretical range of 800 miles on its 21-gallon fuel tank.

The latest variant of the Porsche Panamera is powered by a slightly more powerful version of the Audi-sourced 3.0-liter V6 common-rail diesel engine found in the Cayenne diesel. It is fitted with variable geometry turbochargers and an automatic stop/start function.

The engine delivers 247 hp between 3,800 rpm and 4,400 rpm, along with 405 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 rpm and 2,750 rpm. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through the same eight-speed automatic Tiptronic S transmission used in the Porsche Panamera hybrid.

Porsche puts 0-to-62-mph acceleration at 6.8 seconds and top speed at 150 mph.

The only thing visually setting the Porsche Panamera diesel apart from other versions is subtle "diesel" badges in the front doors.

Porsche is remaining tight-lipped on plans to bring the Panamera diesel to North America. In Europe, the Panamera diesel will cost 80,183 euros, or about $119,000 at current exchange rates.

By Greg Kable