We've been learning a lot about the next generation Porsche Panamera, due to be unveiled at Frankfurt next year in time for a 2016 on-sale date. Aside from being built on an all-new rear-wheel-drive (with optional AWD) large car platform, V6 and V8 engines will continue to be on offer. There'll also be plenty of weight-saving methods such as increased use of magnesium, multi-phase steels, and aluminum skin panels. But now we're hearing that the second-gen Panamera may not be just a sedan; other variants are also likely.
According to a report coming from Auto Express, who spoke with Porsche R&D boss Wolfgang Hatz, the German automaker is considering several Panamera variants, including a wagon similar to the Sport Turismo Concept, a shooting brake, and possibly even a coupe and convertible. The latter one is very unlikely, but a production-spec Sport Turismo is more realistic. "We have prepared it (the new Panamera) for a lot of derivatives," Hatz stated. "Personally I like very much the Sport Turismo, I love this car." A Panamera Shooting Brake would go head-to-head with the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake. What's not in the pipeline (at least not yet) is an all-electric Panamera that would target the Tesla Model S.