The prototype has very limited ground clearance and looks almost like it is glued to the Nurburgring asphalt.
Remember the Porsche Panamera Turbo prototype that we saw last week with what appeared to have been an aerokit? We have something else for you. The exact same prototype was spotted at the Nürnbergring. However, it had been missing the bumpers and was just a little too close to the road.
The most significant change is at the back, where the prototype does not have the Turbo’s angle exhaust finishers. The actual exhaust system, with its quad pipes, is much longer than we are used to and is angled towards traffic. Engineers may have wanted this longer exhaust to be quieter in order to comply with noise regulations, as was the case with the Corvette ZR1 prototype.
It most likely means Porsche We tested a modified engine. Our sources tell us that the “Uber-Panamera”, which will receive 820 horsepower from an improved configuration of an existing engine, was being tested.
820 is quite a lot of power, especially when you consider that the Panamera Turbo S E–Hybrid can only manage 670 horsepower. While it is unknown if this range-topper will also depend on electrification, engineers have reportedly confirmed a 150 horsepower increase over the flagship model while speaking to spy photographers.
Rumours suggest that the 820-horsepower crown jewel will be available in 2020, along with the refreshed Panamera lineup. Expect low production numbers and a high price tag. This could easily exceed the $186,200 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid’s sticker. This version has all the ingredients to go after the Nurburgring four-door record, which is currently being disputed by the four-doors-but-only-two-seats Jaguar XE SV Project 8 and the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S.
Mid-cycle refreshes might include a hardcore version, as well as a few two-door body styles to invoke the spirit of both the 928 coupe or the unique 928 cabriolet concept.