Monday 13th February 2006

Porsche's GT plans resurface

Rumours of a Panamera GT continue to swirl

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Panamera GT on the cards?

Porsche could be planning a replacement for the 928 -- a GT coupé. Rumours about this car, which could be called the Panamera GT, first emerged in November 2005 following a speech by Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking (see link below) but have resurfaced, according to the US magazine Road and Track.

If it happens, it'll be a Panamera-based machine and won't happen before 2010. Based on the underpinnings in the design stage for the next rev of the Cayenne, the car would be front-engined and have either four or rear-wheel drive as options. According to speculation in report in Autocar last year, it'll be a shortened, two-door version of the Panamera -- although that begins to sound like a 911 with the engine at the front.

You might have thought that the 911 fulfilled this role more than adequately but, given the expansion of models planned by Stuttgart in recent years, maybe it's not so outlandish an idea.

There's more on Porsche's potential players if you follow the links below.

Links

• Porsche plots future plans
• Porsche plots Panamera GT

[r988]

What's next a supermini hatchback? an MPV?

Personally I think the Panamerica will work much better as a FR GT coupe with the Cayenne V8 (with turbo natch ) something a bit different from those who want a decent GT coupe with mega performace but without the unreliable reputations of Ferrari, Aston and Maserarti, or the horrifically ugly Continental GT. Maybe it's just me but four doors just look pants on a coupe shape, only the Merc CLS gets anywhere close, but even then it still looks weird from some angles. Sedan look into coupe usually works well, coupelook to sedan, doesn't.

[4WD]

Like the idea of a german 4x4 cerbera style GT. I don't like the idea of a compromised chassis using an off roader as a base.

[Alex]

Why does every new Porsche have to look like a 911? Give us something new and radical, Porsche!

[johnfm]

Alex said:

Why does every new Porsche have to look like a 911? Give us something new and radical, Porsche!

That looks nothing like any 911 I've ever seen.

[collateral]

4WD said:

I don't like the idea of a compromised chassis using an off roader as a base.

Seconded, although I don't pretend to know much about the Cayenne chassis.

I guess this could push them into quattroporte territory if that sketch is to be believed.

[Ashok]

If they made it a proper 4 door supersaloon I'd be tempted away from yet another M5.....

[danmangt40]

they'll sell every one they can build. So long as it resembles that sketch and has tons of power. doesn't even have to drive that well.

[dinkel]

More



"Interestingly, Porsche in the early 1990s planned a four-door model of the 928 called the 989, but those plans were scrapped. Pictured right is an artists' rendering of how the new 928 could look. The rear appears to take inspiration from the original 928, with sunken taillights and smooth lines. The 928 was, which was Porsche's flagship model between 1977 and 1995, had a 50/50 weight balance and a selection of large V8 engines. R&T says the 2010 928 will get powerplants ranging from 350 to 550 horsepower."

[hendry]

Ha, taken from LeftLaneNews.com - the on-line magazine for grannies and drivers of fully laden HGVs everywhere.