[BuckyThreadkiller]

Not that four door pig of a sedan, it's the downmarket version of the 911 at the bottom of the article. If Porsche can build a value story for the 911 while GM keeps escalating the price of the Vette it will be interesting to see where they wind up.

If a 911v has a cloth interior, rollup windows, no AC and costs the same as a base Vette - will the reviewers still rag on the Vette interior as cheap?

Porsche to take on Camry, Accord with new base-model Panamera

In the wake of the success of the entry-level 2011 Panamera V6, Porsche has decided to launch an even less expensive version of their four-door sports sedan. The new Panamera V (for "Value") will be priced at $34,995, just $3,000 more than a top-of-the-line Toyota Camry.

"Mid-sized, mid-priced sedans are one of the fastest-growing segments in the North American auto market," explains Porsche representative Ferdinand Ferry. "We feel we can grow our market share by offering Porsche prestige at a price that is competitive with mid-size offerings from Honda and Toyota."

The Panamera V will be powered by a Volkswagen-sourced 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, similar to the one found in the Volkswagen GTI, coupled to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Other mechanical changes include a simplified torsion-beam rear suspension and front disc/rear drum brakes. Externally, the Panamera V is distinguished from pricier Panameras by black bumpers, mirrors and door handles and steel wheels with full-width plastic covers.

Inside, the Panamera V gets cloth upholstery, manually-adjustable seats and steering column, and a two-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. Power windows and cruise control will be available as part of an $895 Value Deluxe Preferred Package, but buyers who want air conditioning will have to step up to the $75,350 Panamera V6.

If the Panamera V is successful, Porsche plans to follow up with "V" versions of the Cayenne and 911. Porsche is also reportedly considering a sub-$25,000 front-wheel-drive compact sedan based on the mid-engine Cayman.

The Panamera V is scheduled to arrive in Porsche dealerships on April 1st, 2012. -- Aaron Gold

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.April Fools bitches!