Porsche has been testing the facelifted Panamera for
a few months now, but the latest scooped prototype is the most revealing so
far. To the untrained eye, it looks identical to the outgoing Panamera,
but zoom in on the pictures and you will see a few changes, like the 992-like
front bumper and redesigned taillights with new graphics.
Some parts of the exterior are still kept under
wraps, which means that Porsche doesn’t want to reveal everything just yet, but
luckily, the interior isn’t, and we can see a new steering wheel, with
different spokes and fewer buttons. Everything else seems to be identical to
the outgoing version, yet we would not be surprised if they updated the
infotainment system and added some new trim and upholstery options.
The engine lineup in the second generation Panamera
is quite extensive and includes a 325 HP, 2.9-liter V6 in the base model, a 434
HP 2.9 V6 in the S and a 454 HP4.0 V8 in the GTS. The E-Hybrid combines that V6
with an electric motor for a total of 456 HP, whereas the S E-Hybrid enjoys 671
hp from the hybridized V8 powertrain. Porsche is expected to update the units
and transmissions, and should keep emissions in check by introducing
particulate filters.
There’s no info yet as to when the revised Panamera
will be unveiled, but it won’t be at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show that opens
in a little over a week. The 2020 Geneva Motor Show next March seems more
likely – unless, that is, Porsche chooses a standalone event instead.
