► Panamera Shooting Brake prototype spotted
► Based on Porsche’s 2012 Sport Turismo concept
► Diesel, petrol and hybrid versions expected
If you’ve only ever found the rear-end styling of the Porsche Panamera to be its one major failing, then you’re in luck – a much more elegant shooting brake version is on its way.
These spy shots, taken at the Nürburgring, show Porsche’s new Panamera Shooting Brake undergoing development on the fabled circuit.
Porsche’s latest range expansion exercise is expected to arrive in 2017, and the new car will likely be offered with a choice of petrol, diesel or hybrid powertrains.
I feel like I’ve seen this before…
You’re not mistaken. In 2012 Porsche unveiled its much sleeker-looking Panamera Sport Turismo Concept, which took the form of a hybrid shooting brake.
This concept was, at the time, reputed to become part of a new Panamera range which would be launched in late 2015 – so perhaps things are just running behind schedule a little.
Judging by the spy shots, the production version is set to look almost the same as the earlier concept.
Will I still be able to buy a regular Panamera?
The Panamera Shooting Brake will form part of a new Panamera family, which will include the regular five-door version and a long-wheelbase model.
Don’t expect the new version of the conventional Panamera to look dramatically different, however – more of an evolution, rather than a revolution, is expected on the styling front.
It’s also been suggested that a new four-seat GT version, which will take much inspiration from the 928, could be made available. As you might well expect, there are also rumours of a convertible version of the Panamera…
What’s new on the technical front?
The new Panamera is codenamed G2. It uses a new Porsche platform, dubbed MSB, which allows for rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations, like the outgoing platform. You’ll also find this MSB platform under the next-gen Bentley Continental.
It’s said that the new platform is far more cost-effective than the outgoing one, as well as being more flexible – which will allow Porsche to offer diesel versions with all-wheel drive this time around.
Future developments may result in the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox being replaced by a nine-speed transmission, which would likely provide useful efficiency and performance gains.
Expect a range of V6 and V8 engines, including a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that’s mooted to punch out up to 600bhp. Diesel and petrol-electric hybrids are also expected.
Read CAR magazine’s Porsche Panamera reviews here
