It’s not a classic coupe and it’s not a formidable SUV. The oft-forgotten but appealing Porsche Panamera is due for generational change. The new Panamera will debut on August 26, 2020.
Porsche promises that the “core features of the second generation” will be held to in the new, third generation. It’s likely to continue to have sports car-like performance and at least one hybrid powertrain option – all in a saloon car package.
The car blends Porsche car styling with saloon car design.Photo courtesy of Porsche AG
We already know what to expect of the Panamera, at least visually, thanks to a series of photos the company distributed during testing periods over the last few weeks.
Earlier this month, Porsche test driver Lars Kern completed a full lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife over a distance of 20.832 kilometres in 7:29.81 minutes. The certified time now stands as a record in the executive cars category, clocking in 13 seconds faster than the current-gen Panamera when it attempted the feat four years ago.
A teaser video of the new model released to the media shows classic Panamera design lines on the back end, illuminated by strong, swooping LED taillights, much like the rest of the Porsche car family. Its haunches are prominent while its side mirrors have a sharp, modern outline.
Its front clearly takes its design nod from the current-gen Panamera and all other Porsche models (design consistency is a key feature of the brand). LED headlights shine brightly down the road while dual-band LED fog lights sit below, embedded in the front fascia.
Wide haunches, a wing, and a horizontal spanning LED taillight bar are characteristics of the rear of the Panamera.Photo courtesy of Porsche AG
Air vents appear to sit on the sides of the model and a wing that deploys on the back. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires developed especially for the new Panamera and used for the record lap will be available when the model goes on sale to the public.
Inside, the Panamera is getting the freshest version of a Porsche steering wheel.
The biggest mystery about what is coming in the Panamera is in regard to its powertrain. Porsche is putting more of an emphasis on electrification than ever before so it wouldn’t be surprising to hear about high-horsepower and torque options for the four-door car.
From the front, the new Panamera is unmistakable as a Porsche.Photo courtesy of Porsche AG
Stay tuned to AutomotiveMap for more news about the new Porsche Panamera.
