autoevolution
 

2017 Porsche Panamera Prototype Gains New Features, Seen Testing Near Nurburgring

The all-new Porsche Panamera is coming along nicely. Maybe it’s the effects of the Mission E concept presented in Frankfurt, but we are rather excited about the future of Porsche’s large saloon.
2017 Porsche Panamera Prototype Gains New Features, Seen Testing Near Nurburgring 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
Once again, a test prototype for the upcoming car has been spied in Germany. To be more precise, the roads around the Nurburgring appear to play host to a V6-powered car that's not camera-shy.

The body is still based on the current Panamera, but some details have been changed since the last time we saw it. For example, the rear wings appear more angular, and the taillights are beginning to show their 3D design. The shape of the taillights and the boot closely mirror those of a 911 Turbo. In fact, people who don't know about cars might confuse these two.

Rumor has it that Porsche will comprehensively re-think the whole lineup to better match customer expectations, just like with the 911 facelift. The base model will come with a 2.9-liter V6 pushing 420 hp, followed by a 3.6-liter with 500 hp for the Panamera S/4S and a new V8 going into the turbo.

That last model may be developed with other companies that reside under the VW umbrella. Bentley will use the same Modularer Standardantrieb-Baukasten (Modular Standard Platform) architecture for its next Continental GT, and we suspect they are collaborating on the new 4-liter twin-turbo. Rumor has it the Panamera Turbo will be their first car to use electric superchargers, helping boost the total power to 600 hp.

Downsizing is important for lowering fuel consumption, though not as important as the hybrid tech. The Panamera will continue to have its impressive S E-Hybrid variant though there are plans for an even greener model shortly.

In the Porsche calendar, this year belongs to the 911, with the 991 facelift having been revealed, but 2016 will also be a year to remember due to the all-new Panamera.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories