The next-generation Porsche Panamera is set to be revealed soon. There is no official date, but the rumour is we will see a late 2016 reveal with an early-2017 launch. We have spied some of the models being testing with very little camouflage.

2016 Panamera design

The look of the first (current) Panamera was controversial, to say the least; it provoked responses of love and hate and virtually everything in between. The new model aims to make it more pleasing to the eye, especially from the rear where there will be shapelier taillight clusters. The rear haunches also look stronger and the rump more contoured (less fleshy) than the current version's. The design was based on the 2012 Panamera SportTurismo Concept.

Engines

There aren’t many official details on the next Panamera, butwe expect a range of newV6 and V8 engineswill be available. There will be a hybrid model later, but with more effective batteries and, therefore, a longer range from a fully-charged state.

Underpinnings

We understand the new Panamera will run on an all new, longer chassis than the current model. The chassis is actually a group platform set to host rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive high-end vehicles. Expect Bentley to borrow this platform when it comes time to launch the next Continental and Mulsanne.

The new platform suggests the newcomer will offer more cabin space, especially legroom for rear passengers. It is believed a long-wheelbase Panamera and, apparently, a Shooting Brake model are also in the works.

Porsche also plans to reduce the number of buttons in the cabin to free up more storage spaces and achieve a sleeker interior look.

Photo Credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

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