Porsche is rapidly changing from a company that makes sportscars to a company that primarily sells SUVs and big sedans, but also makes sportscars. Following the success of the current generation Panamera and the introduction of a mid-life facelift in 2013, the Germans are moving ahead with development of a second generation model.
After successfully testing prototypes in various stages of development at the Nurburgring track this summer, Porsche engineers have now moved shop to sunny Spain, where development continues. Naturally, our industrial espionage team followed them and are currently tracking every move the Panamera makes.
This latest clip they've just sent us shows how the Panamera 2 is being tested with the rumored new engines. A redesigned body shell is also in place, promising to correct many of the design mistakes of the current model.
New V8
The basic Panamera models, like the S and 4S, have already dropped their naturally aspirated V8s for a downsized V6 with turbos attached. This has resulted in better fuel consumption, reduced emissions and superior performance.
The only bastion of the naturally aspirated V8 is the Panamera GTS, which boasts a 4.8L mill delivering 440 PS when it screams at 6,700 rpm. However, Porsche revealed last week that its 2015 Cayenne GTS now packs a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6. When will the sedan follow? Probably in 2016.
The big news under the new Panamera's hood is it has eight cylinders. Porsche plans to launch its first all-new V8 in many years. It's likely to be more economical and smaller, maybe as small as 4 liters.
See if you can make out the sound of the new engines in the video and tell us what you think.
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?
Google News