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2017 Porsche Panamera Spied for the First Time in Hybrid Guise

We've had our fair share of spyshots showing the 2017 Porsche Panamera being worked hard during testing sessions, but now we give you Stuttgart's executive-flavored model in hybrid configuration.
2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid 12 photos
Photo: S. Baldauf / SB Medien
2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots2017 Porsche Panamera Hybrid Spyshots
The second-generation Panamera left the Nurburgring and headed to Southern Europe, where Porsche dressed the car in a hybrid suit. How can we tell? Just take a closer look at the front window, and you'll spot the yellow badge that says 'hybrid' on the right-hand side.

The new Panamera - whether it uses a hybrid or a standard powertrain - will be more than an experiment for Porsche, like it happened with the first generation.

Now, more than ever, it's game time for Panamera and Porsche knows that very well. That's why the carmaker focuses on core models more than ever, which means changes in styling but also in the technical department.

To start with, Zuffenhausen designers were tasked with making Panamera's body more attractive and bold, but at the same time desirable by a large number of potential buyers.

Inside, we should expect Porsche to drop most of the toggle switches and turn their heads towards the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and, therefore, adopt a cascading dash and a multi-purpose central controller/joystick. Also, the driver could receive a Head-Up Display feature and a more overall airy feel and spaciousness, thanks to a longer wheelbase.

Speaking of which, the new Panamera will embrace VW's MSB platform, the same one found underneath the new Audi Q7 SUV. However, no CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) era is in sight, as Porsche will put the emphasis on aluminum and magnesium usage.

So far, we know the engine department will be enriched with a new pack of V8 mills, bound to replace the ongoing 4.8-liter powerplants. Coming back to the hybrid version spotted by our carparazzi, it is believed that such a top-shelf configuration will bring anywhere around 600 and 700 HP of petrol-electric delight.

However, don't expect Porsche to make Panamera their EV market breaker, despite the Germans being rumored to come up with a car that will stand in Tesla's world domination plans. For that, Porsche will build a four-door sedan, but that will sit beneath the Panamera in the brand's lineup hierarchy.
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