“There have been some small mistakes [with the current model] and we will do it better. For example, the design could better,” revealed Porsche CEO Matthias Müller.
Porsche design chief Michael Mauer hinted the next Panamera will feature a more coupe-like roof line than the current model (pictured) and a front end inspired by the Panamera Sport Turismo concept that bowed in Paris two years ago. The sedan’s overall dimensions are not expected to change significantly, and it will continue to offer a four-seater layout.
While the new Panamera will be more attractive than the current one, Mauer is certain that some buyers will continue to dislike it.
“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,” explained the designer.
Under the Skin
The next Panamera will share its front-engined, rear-wheel drive MSB platform with the next generation of the Bentley Continental. Largely built out of aluminum, the new architecture will allow the sedan to shed a considerable amount of weight, making it faster and more efficient than its predecessor.
Porsche’s big sedan will inaugurate a brand new V8 engine designed in-house by Porsche. It will also be offered with several V6 engines, a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain and at least one turbodiesel mill that will exclusively be sold in Europe. A Turbo S-badged model with well over 500 horsepower will continue to round out the lineup.
The improvements inside and out will ensure the next-gen Panamera is at least as popular as the current model. Porsche expects to sell more than 100,000 examples over the second-gen model’s production run.
The next Porsche Panamera will be introduced at a major European auto show next year.
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