Friday 5th February 2016

Porsche Panamera Shooting Brake spy shots

Remember that Sport Turismo concept from 2012? Looks like it really could happen

---

It may seem a while ago now, but the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept of the 2012 Paris motor show was something of a star attraction. Here was a large sized Porsche that was genuinely stylish and hinted at a desirable future for mainstream hybrid Porsches with its V6 engine and bigger electric motor. Indeed a very similar arrangement can be found in the current Panamera S Hybrid.

Now though, the style is set to make production too. Back then we weren't really expecting to see anything more until at least 2016 and, wouldn't you know, a set of spy shots has emerged in the first week of February. Predictably it currently lacks the polish of that show car but it certainly points to a stylish Porsche estate of the near future. And who doesn't fancy the idea of that?

From 850 R to Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake, we're big fans of anything rapid and practical on PistonHeads. Now even in this prototype stage, the Panamera doesn't appear to be a conventional load lugger - it's more a swoopy shooting brake in the style of the Mercedes. Still, a car of this size must surely provide more than enough space for a family of five, plus a noticeable gain over the regular Panamera. It's a whole lot more appealing than any comparable SUV, for sure.

Given both this car and the regular Panamera are seen testing here, that would suggest both models are due for launch fairly close to each other. Expect the new Panamera sometime next year, with a new raft of engines including more hybrids. Let's hope the Turbo S remains for a truly bonkers wagon to go head-to-head with that Mercedes, and the RS6 too.

[Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien]

[keith2.2]

On the assumption that the c-pillar will be a little more subtle than that...I tentatively think that looks fab.

But then, I love a Shooting Brake.

[Maxus]

Looks like the Vauxhall Signum was ahead of its time after all.

OK, maybe a little different. Look forward to seeing this.
Also - not many company car parks like those in the background of the Porsche pics.

[Soupr]

Looks nice, much better proportioned than the panamera, the rear end does look pretty similar to a scirocco though.

[J4CKO]

Soupr said:

Looks nice, much better proportioned than the panamera, the rear end does look pretty similar to a scirocco though.

Yes, proportions are way better.

[andy97]

I think the Shooting Brake is the style they should have introduced in the first place, but that C Pillar looks a bit too much - doesn't do too much for rear quarter viibility?

I wonder when they will introduce the 2+2 Coupe version in to the range? They could call it, oh I dont know......the 928!

[McAndy]

It has made it past the concept stage? This pleases me.

[j90gta]

The Panamera could really use a proper boot; it won't even take 2 decent-sized suitcases!

[kambites]

It's about bloody time they did an estate version. The hatchback is vile but the estate concept worked really well to my eyes.

[shalmaneser]

Maxus said:

Also - not many company car parks like those in the background of the Porsche pics.

No there are not!

[DMC2]

andy97 said:

I think the Shooting Brake is the style they should have introduced in the first place, but that C Pillar looks a bit too much - doesn't do too much for rear quarter viibility?

I wonder when they will introduce the 2+2 Coupe version in to the range? They could call it, oh I dont know......the 928!

If you look closely at the pics the C Pillar is heavily disguised, the window curves right back to the tailgate. Just look at the Macan, very similar rear.

[Esceptico]

Better looking and more practical.
Good combination.

[Pothole]

[leglessAlex]

Apparently the Panamera is a wonderful car to drive long distance in, even if it doesn't look the best to most people. If they make a car as good but in a shooting brake form I'll buy one.

[Burnham]

A cheaper alternative to a Ferrari FF, I like it!

Finally the Panamera (or this version of it) wont be the ugly sister.

[MikeGalos]

And the transition from "sports car" company to "lifestyle status symbol" company moves even closer to reality. All that's left is the Porsche mini-van.

[Stu R]

It would seem I'm one of the few that likes the Panamera, but this looks much better.

[tuffer]

It is better than a Panamera, if it has 4wd it could be interesting.

[smilo996]

I like shooting brakes and car companies could really take a look and extend a number of cars using the shape. A practical sports car.

That however looks like a Porsche estate car not a shooting brake. being based on the Pan, it also looks dreadful though less so that the car it was build from.

in comparison, Italians let loose on the Rapide::

http://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/bertone-jet-22-shoo...

These however look great:

http://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/jaguar-f-type...

http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/...

[redroadster]

Makes an already big car even fatter although shape is better.

[Baryonyx]

That is inexcusably ugly. The normal Panamera doesn't photograph well but looks great up close, in the metal (in the right spec). This is just honking though and it's that bootlid that does it.

Still, better than the Cayenne and the Macan!