Porsche first pointed to another type of Panamera when it unveiled the Sport Turismo concept at the 2012 Paris motor show – now here’s the real thing.
It’s a ‘shooting brake’ that looks pretty much like the Paris show car, although the camouflage on the prototype hides final details.
It is pictured at the bottom of this page in front of the second-generation saloon, said to be slightly bigger all round than the current model. The differences between the two aren’t great but it’s clear there’s more bodywork around the new variant’s rear, highlighted by an extended roof lip.
Porsche indicated two years ago that the new model was under development. Its research and development chief, Wolfgang Hatz, told reporters in Europe: “What we have designed is an entirely new car with a new platform.
“We have prepared it for a lot of derivatives. I like very much the Sport Turismo, but there is a good chance for more derivatives.” Again there is talk in Europe of a 928-type coupe and convertible.
Both the Panamera saloon and the shooting brake are based on the Volkswagen Group’s MSB platform for large front-engine cars. The next-generation models from VW-owned Bentley will almost certainly use the same platform, a lighter weight architecture designed to also accept electrified powertrains.
The new Porsche will rival the Mercedes-AMG CLS 63, although reports say Benz will end shooting brake production after the current generation. Europe might be the strongest market for high-end wagons such as the CLS 63, but buyers there too are turning to SUVs.
The Panamera prototype pictured here is likely to be the go-faster Turbo, indicated by the quad-exhaust tips. Expect it and the GTS to use a new V8 engine. The twin-turbo V6 will be in the mix along with a plug-in hybrid with improved battery technology.
