Porsche’s Facelifted Panamera May Be Killing Its Last Physical Switches

  • Latest prototype confirms Porsche plans tweaks to Panamera’s interior.
  • Console redesign could replace physical climate controls with touchscreen.
  • One of the test cars makes us think the GTS might be getting hybrid power.

The facelifted Porsche Panamera is back at the Nürburgring, and while the exterior isn’t giving away many new secrets, the cabin might be. When we last caught the updated Panamera testing in snowy Scandinavia back in January, the focus was on exterior revisions. Camouflage hinted at changes to the lights, bumpers, and driver assistance hardware, but the interior remained hidden from view. This time things are different.

The latest prototype appears to feature a revised center console, and the changes could signal the end of one of the Panamera’s more traditional touches. The current model uses a bank of physical toggle switches for climate functions, helping separate it from rivals that have moved almost every control onto a touchscreen. Now it looks like Porsche may be heading in the same direction.

Related: The 911 GT3 RS Already Looks Like A Race Car, Porsche Is Making It Even More Like One

Although the disguise makes it difficult to see exactly what’s happening beneath the covers, the shape of the concealed area suggests the automaker could be replacing those switches with another display. If that’s the case, the Panamera‘s screen count would climb to four when equipped with the optional passenger display mounted above the glovebox.

\\\

At first glance, it seemed possible Porsche might borrow the layout from the new Cayenne Electric. That SUV features a central infotainment screen paired with a lower touchscreen dedicated to climate and vehicle functions. But there’s a problem with that theory.

Unlike the Cayenne Electric prototypes we’ve seen, this Panamera doesn’t appear to have air vents positioned above the central display. That strongly suggests the vents remain located beneath the infotainment screen, just as they are in today’s car, meaning Porsche may have developed a different solution entirely.

Panamera 4S E-Hybrid
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Outside, the camouflage looks largely unchanged from the prototype we saw earlier this year. The updated headlights, revised bumpers, and new radar hardware all appear to be carried over from previous test vehicles. But this time our photo crew spied two different Panameras, both with a charging flap on the left side, indicating that they’re plug-in hybrids.

GTS Going PHEV?

One of the cars has square tailipes, suggesting it’s either a Turbo E-Hybrid or Turbo S E-Hybrid, while the other one has four round pipes, and the only current Panamera hybrid with four round exhaust tips is the 4S E-Hybrid. But this prototype’s front bumper, DRL positioning, and the fact that the lower portion of the rear bumper – where a diffuser might live – is covered over, makes us wonder if it’s actually a GTS. The current GTS’s V8 has no hybrid help, but is that about to change?

Porsche’s Facelifted Panamera May Be Killing Its Last Physical Switches
Baldauf

Porsche hasn’t given any clues about powertrain changes for the facelift, so it’s only speculation on our part at this stage. The current lineup starts with a turbocharged V6 producing 348 hp (353 PS) in the base model, steps up to a 493 hp (500 PS) V8 in the GTS, and relies on plug in hybrid technology for the bulk of its performance credentials and sales.

Those electrified models range from the 463 hp (468 PS) Panamera 4 E-Hybrid all the way to the range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid, which packs a staggering 771 hp (782 PS). Prices currently start at around $113,000 and climb beyond $240,000 for the most powerful versions, though when the new-look cars are rolled out the base price will likely have edged closer to $120k.

Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Baldauf


The Auto World

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

This German 911 Looks Straight Out Of 1973 But It’s Hiding A Big Secret

Image
Ruehle’s F97 puts a modern 997 twist on the backdated 911 formula. The 2005-based F97 looks like a ’73 RSR but runs a water-cooled heart. All-steel US-legal builds start at $400K, undercutting Singer’s prices. Sometimes it feels like you’ve seen so many G-series 911 and 964 restomods that there must only be about three standard cars left in the world, which is why the backdated 911 you see here really caught our attention. Because this one isn’t based on a 1980s or ’90s Porsche at all. It starts with a newer model that’s quietly slipped from the spotlight, despite being one of the most balanced 911s ever made. More: Reverse Restomod Takes 2008 Ford Mustang Back To 1969 And The Shelby GT The reverse restomod is called the F97, built by German outfit called Reuhle , which now also operates an American branch in Montclair, California. 997 Bones Underneath Like many other companies making backdated 911s , Reuhle’s car takes major inspiration from the classic 1973 Ca...
Read more

Only 69 Of These 10.4-Liter V8 Camaros Exist And They’re Just As Naughty As That Sounds

Image
The 2023 COPO Camaro delivers 1,004 hp from a 10.4-liter V8. This beast can sprint down the quarter-mile in under 8 seconds. When it was new, these cars set back owners around $130,000. When you think of modern performance cars with truly colossal engines, your mind probably drifts toward the Dodge Viper with its 8.4-liter V10 or the Bugatti Chiron and its 8.0-liter W16. Yet not long ago, Chevrolet quietly built a limited run of Camaros whose engines made even those giants look restrained. More: This Forgotten 1,000-Mile Oldsmobile V8 Sedan Took On Lexus And Lost The car in question is the 2023 COPO Camaro , of which just 69 examples were produced. These models were available with a choice of three V8s: a 427 cubic-inch (6.9-liter) V8, a supercharged 350 cubic-inch (5.7-liter), and a monstrous 632 cubic-inch V8, which translates to 10.4 liters. In January, Mecum Auctions will be selling one of the COPO models equipped with this flagship engine. How Big Is Too Big...
Read more

Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

Image
Opel may rebadge the Leapmotor B10 for Europe by 2026. Production could begin at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain. Local output could help avoid steep EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. Stellantis could soon find itself stepping into unfamiliar territory, as it is reportedly exploring the idea of adding Chinese-built models to its European lineup under familiar badges. According to insider sources, Opel is eyeing the electric Leapmotor B10 as its first possible contender. German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese SUV might wear Opel badges as early as next year. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, has been steadily expanding its footprint both at home and abroad. More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch The unnamed source notes that while a final decision remains pending, the proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segmen...
Read more