Porsche CEO Confirms Panamera Plug-In Hybrid & Coupe Are Possibilities

Last year, we reported that Porsche was looking to create a connection between it and sister-company Bentley. As part of this plan, the automaker wanted to make better use of the Panamera platform, considering a multitude of variants. In a recent interview given to Automotive News, Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller revealed just what the company had in mind. Besides talk of the next-generation Porsche 911 and the entry-level Boxter and Cayman, he gave us some info regarding the future of the Panamera sedan’s platform. The German carmaker wants to give the regular sedan a huge makeover in 2015, with an even sportier look. Muller also added that he envisions a long-wheel-base version for Panamera for growing markets such as China and Russia, confirming the recent rumors: “The Panamera has been on the market now for one and a half years. The product life cycle is typically about seven years. To mark the halfway point, we have planned a product upgrade.” Mueller said that Porsche is also thinking about plug-in hybrid version. Also taken into consideration is a two-door version of the Panamera “that makes even more of a coupelike impression.” Don’t start saving your money yet, as both these cars will arrive toward the later part of the Panamera’s shelf life. Mueller says that “things are going so well with the Panamera that we’re not in any hurry.” We will remind you the the company is unveiling the 2012 Panamera S Hybrid, which it says is the most fuel-efficient Porsche of all time, at the upcoming 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The car uses a combination of a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and a 47 hp electric motor to achieve a combined fuel-economy of 34.5 mpg (6.81 liters per 100 km). autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.