Photo: Porsche
Easily the most controversial Porsche model of modern times, the Panamera is still a very impressive machine and a huge success story that helps the 911 makers' bottom line. We've known since the beginning of 2014 that a replacement is under development, having seen test mules at the Nurburgring, and now the first official statements about the car shed further light on the subject.
The first subject addressed by Porsche CEO Matthias Muller during an interview at the Paris Motor Show were the looks, followed by a short mention of the new platform and engines.
"There have been some small mistakes [with the current model] and we will do it better. For example, the design could better," said Porsche CEO Matthias Müller.
Company design chief Michael Mauer then revealed further details about the Panamera 2, hinting once more that it will be inspired by the Panamera Sport Turismo Concept (shown above). The size will remain about the same, but a more aggressive line for the curvature of the roof will be chosen
The designer's words also hint at an equally polarizing four-door coupe that will be lived by some and hated by many: "I am sure a lot of people won't like the design of the next generation. And that's fine by me. I would prefer to have cars and products that polarize rather than being just okay."
We think either a 4.4 or 4-liter mill will be launched. BMW and a few other German companies have already shown us that modularity is key to an efficient and technologically advanced engine range, 0.5 liters per cylinder being the ideal displacement from a thermal efficiency point of view.
Perhaps more important than the displacement of the V8 is what Porsche will add to the block. Stuttgart's sports brand is the most technologically advanced company in the segment. Will it be a mild hybrid or the first tri-turbo petrol engine in the segment? And how about those new electric compressors everybody seems to love?
We are really eager to see how Porsche fits the new V8 into the model range. You see, the V8 on S and 4S model has just been replaced by a turbo V6 engine. However, most rival models and even cars from the class below like the Mercedes E 500 or BMW 550i still have turbo V8 engines, which are very popular in America.
New model will continue to be polarizing
"There have been some small mistakes [with the current model] and we will do it better. For example, the design could better," said Porsche CEO Matthias Müller.
Company design chief Michael Mauer then revealed further details about the Panamera 2, hinting once more that it will be inspired by the Panamera Sport Turismo Concept (shown above). The size will remain about the same, but a more aggressive line for the curvature of the roof will be chosen
The designer's words also hint at an equally polarizing four-door coupe that will be lived by some and hated by many: "I am sure a lot of people won't like the design of the next generation. And that's fine by me. I would prefer to have cars and products that polarize rather than being just okay."
New V8 confirmed
According to Left Lane News, company officials have said the Panamera will be the first Porsche ever fitted with the company's new V8 engine. Developed in house, this is very likely to be smaller than the current 4.8-liter unit.We think either a 4.4 or 4-liter mill will be launched. BMW and a few other German companies have already shown us that modularity is key to an efficient and technologically advanced engine range, 0.5 liters per cylinder being the ideal displacement from a thermal efficiency point of view.
Perhaps more important than the displacement of the V8 is what Porsche will add to the block. Stuttgart's sports brand is the most technologically advanced company in the segment. Will it be a mild hybrid or the first tri-turbo petrol engine in the segment? And how about those new electric compressors everybody seems to love?
We are really eager to see how Porsche fits the new V8 into the model range. You see, the V8 on S and 4S model has just been replaced by a turbo V6 engine. However, most rival models and even cars from the class below like the Mercedes E 500 or BMW 550i still have turbo V8 engines, which are very popular in America.
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