Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo – we like the sound of that. Out of left field Porsche has dropped the Sport Turismo Concept at the Paris Motor Show. Now part of the Volkswagen Group, Porsche management has talked a lot about adding new models. The four-door Panamera was the most recent addition, and the next is the upcoming Macan small crossover.
As for what’s after that, we’ve heard everything from a smaller four-door sedan to a successor to the mid-engined 914 roadster. Most of the ideas talked about have been scoffed by purists. How about more sports cars? The Panamera Sport Turismo, on the other hand? A go by us. 100%. When it came out the Panamera was panned by many as frumpy and too big.
Most have come around to it and learned to appreciate it for what it is – an extremely impressive grand tourer. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder We’ve always thought it was more interesting and cool than traditionally beautiful. Indeed. The Panamera Sport Turismo Concept previews what a wagon version of the car could like – and it is a huge improvement over the standard Panamera. Rather than just reworking the rear end, nearly every part of the car has been touched.
We’ll start with the front end, which has gotten a reworking that gives the Panamera a lot more style. Sleeker, there are headlights that take elements from the 2013 Cayenne and Boxster models. The lower fascia is a lot more aggressive, with large intakes and chrome elements. Out back we’re even more enamored with the design. Any awkwardness is gone, replaced by lines that all work beautifully with each there. There is also a horizontal taillight motif which is inspired by the latest version of the 911.
Like just about every other concept, the Panamera Sport Turismo has a hybrid powertrain. Called E-Hybrid, it is a plug-in that features a six-cylinder engine, electric engine and a lithium ion battery pack out back. Aside from the powertrain, is this just what the Panamera needs? Yes, yes and yes. The Panamera Sport Turismo should absolutely be produced. And, not only that – the changes we see all around the Sport Turismo should make their way to the standard car for a mid-cycle enhancement.
