Porsche CEO Matthias Müller has confirmed the company will launch a diesel-powered Panamera in the second half of 2011.

Speaking with Germany's Westfalen-Blatt, Müller cited the success of the Cayenne diesel as one of the key reasons for launching the new Panamera variant.

While he declined to specify what engine would be used, there is little doubt it will be the 3.0-liter TDI with 176 kW (240 PS / 236 hp) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. It will be mounted to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which should allow the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a little over seven seconds.

Besides talking about the Panamera, Müller stated the company has grown fond of the Cajan name - for their entry-level crossover - and is exploring its legal availability.

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