- Porsche reportedly is planning to release a long-wheelbase version of its Panamera sedan in early 2012.
- The Panamera's wheelbase will be stretched nearly 6 inches, mainly to provide more rear-seat legroom.
- The Panamera also is slated for an extensive face-lift in 2013.
STUTTGART, Germany — Porsche reportedly is planning to release a long-wheelbase version of its Panamera sedan in early 2012, followed by an extensive face-lift of the big four-door in 2013.
Also said to be in the pipeline in Stuttgart is a smaller four-door sibling to the Panamera, nicknamed Pajun, that is due to be introduced in 2015-'16, according to Germany's Auto Bild.
The Panamera LWB has been rumored for months. This week, Britain's Car magazine said its sources in Stuttgart not only confirmed the car's existence, but that Porsche planned to release the longer sedan early next year.
The publication said the Panamera's wheelbase will be stretched 5.9 inches, mainly to provide more rear-seat legroom.
Also rumored is a four-passenger coupe derivative, which Car magazine described as the "spiritual successor to the 928."
Inside Line says: Has the "Volkswagen-ization" of Porsche begun in earnest?
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a1c_scg says:
07:35 AM, 07/29/2011
While I actually like the current Panamera, I have to wonder what the point of tis car would be. Everyone already boasts of it's room and comfort, why make a stretched one??
I absolutely adore this brand, but they're starting to worry me. Give us a sub-Boxster. Give us a 928. Give us a '918-lite' to compete w/ the 458/MP4/etc. Spare us of everything else.
akula1 says:
02:48 PM, 07/28/2011
How about a good looking version of the Panamera?
For those that haven't figured it out. Panamera coupe=928.
angry_mushroom says:
01:30 PM, 07/28/2011
I like the idea of a coupe very much.
gmhl10 says:
12:53 PM, 07/28/2011
A Panamera NSF (not so fugly) edition please!
juan_mx says:
11:30 AM, 07/28/2011
Maybe it is for the Chinese market, they like LWB versions of cars.
http://www.insideline.com/bmw/5-series/bmw-5-series-lwb-sedan-2010-beijing-auto-show.html
coolinken says:
09:55 AM, 07/28/2011
runreb211: agreed. Don't know who the target buyer is for an lwb panamera. I too like the looks of the current car, but mostly in darker colors. The lighter colors seem to highlight it's odd proportions. An lwb version would seem to make that worse.
compressor: also agree, but make my panamera based "928" a convertible.
autojunkie2 says:
09:34 AM, 07/28/2011
What does Porsche Need?
- 911 (all variants)
- Boxster/Cayman (all variants)
- Sub-Boxtster 4-cylinder 550 Spyder-type car (all variants)
- Panamerica-based 928 spiritual successor
- Carerra GT or 918 super car-type
What does Poorsche NOT need?
- everything else
If VW wants to expand the Porsche brand in to SUVs, large saloons, and such then they should create a "By Porsche" sub-division that they can promote through the VW/Audi. VW/Audi can sell their existing lineup with perfoemance trim levels that are "Porsche Tuned" and have specific Porsche Design touches, such as:
- VW Toureg "By Porsche"
- Audi A8 "By Porsche"
- VW Jetta "By Porshe"
- Audi A5 "By Porsche"
The Porsche brand is getting ruined...
runreb211 says:
09:33 AM, 07/28/2011
I think extra legroom will help a little, but what's the angle? The Panamera is not exactly a direct competitor to the S class, 7 series, or A8, so why add the length? I'm sure they want to poach some of the buyers of those sedans, but wouldn't the Panamera need more shoulder room too? Granted, most people don't buy cars because of the rear passanger comfort, but it is a plus when a rich guy wants to take three friends to the golf course. I'm one of the few who actually likes the Panamera and a turbo S would be my dream daily driver, but not because of the rear passanger area.
jlcii says:
09:30 AM, 07/28/2011
@kosmo69- But that's 911 buyers. It's evident that Porsche wants more than just one model selling well, and the sales of the Panamera demonstrate that. And yes, I do happen to like the car.
kosmo69 says:
08:13 AM, 07/28/2011
Ugh is right. A LWB is not needed here. Am ugly car just got uglier.
i dont think 90% of 911 buyers want fast luxury tho the upcoming 991 will be exactly that.