Porsche considering diesel and convertible version for Panamera

When Porsche decided to do the Cayenne, naysayers said it would hurt the brand’s sports car image. Needless to say the Cayenne has been a huge success for the German automaker. Now Porsche is out once again playing with fire with the four-door Panamera which analysts say – you got it – will hurt the brand’s sports car image.

Covers will be taken off of the Porsche Panamera early next year and it will arrive on the market in late 2009 in a segment that will soon see sedans from Aston Martin and Lamborghini.

At launch, the rear-wheel-drive Panamera will come with a 300-hp 3.6L V6 from V-Dub. A 400-hp 4.8L V8 will also be available along with a turbocharged 500-hp version. Porsche has already confirmed a hybrid Panamera for 2010 that will reduce fuel-consumption by 30 percent.

According to Automotive News, the Stuttgart based automaker is now considering a diesel version along with a targa top version for the Panamera as well.

Porsche Panamera Teaser:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)