Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo estate spotted on the road

‘Shooting brake’ version of next-gen Panamera spotted in disguise, likely to arrive in 2017

We first heard back in 2014 that Porsche were considering a production ‘shooting brake’ version of the second-generation Panamera, but now we’ve seen the evidence. It’s set to be unveiled early in 2017, just after the regular Panamera saloon arrives.

These spy images show the booted model next to the regular next-gen Panamera we’ve spotted previously. The differences aren’t huge, but it’s clear that the rear gains extra bodywork and a less sloping window than the saloon.

Based on the 2012 Sport Turismo concept and likely to carry the same name into production, it’s set to rival the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake. Porsche’s head of research and development, Wolfgang Hatz, revealed in an interview in 2014 that it was coming, but also that coupe and cabriolet versions of the Panamera are under consideration, though less likely.

“First of all we are developing at the moment a new Panamera, that is true, you’ve probably already seen pictures of the first prototypes. What we have designed is an entirely new car with a new platform,” Hatz explained. “We have prepared it for a lot of derivatives, personally I like very much the Sport Turismo, I love this car. But there is a good chance for more derivatives.”

“The reason we have done this [new platform] is so all things are already included, could be coupe, could be convertible, could be Sport Turismo and now we have to decide which is the one that hits our needs,” Hatz told us. “Convertible? For me we already have so many good convertibles with the Boxster and 911, is it something we really need? It’s something more for the luxury segment.”

Source: www.autoexpress.co.uk