Is a Panamera-Based Coupe or Convertible Imminent?

At this point a Panamera-based two-door car is purely theoretical. All we have to work with are fresh grindings from the rumor mill. Theories about Panamera-based coupes and convertible have been circulating for years, and feel quite reasonable given the big sedan’s family resemblance to the dearly-missed 928. Ten years on from the Panamera’s introduction these rumors feel oddly prescient. BMW has re-entered the large coupe market with the 8-Series. Aston’s V8 Vantage is fresher than ever. Even Lexus is in on the game with the LC. The time feels right for Porsche to re-enter the fray with a full-size V8 Grand Tourer.

The latest round of rumors began with Autocar. Following nearly-annual reports of Panamera-coupes being imminent, Autocar indicates that Porsche executives have not denied rumors of the new model. Porsche design chief Michael Mauer believes that such a car is theoretically possible:

As a designer there are no limits to what I can conceive. I believe it is the design department’s role to sketch and consider every model it can for the future so that we are ready should anyone wish to pursue a project. But if you are asking me to confirm if such projects are on the way then you are going to be disappointed. It is not my role to consider such things.

Is a 928 Coupe Realistic?

But, this is far from affirmation. As a brand, Porsche has never shied away from digging deep and designing seemingly production-ready cars they have no intention of building for the public. Let’s not forget the bevy of extended 911s and 928s from years past.

While the time feels ripe for such a car, especially given the performance of the various Panamera models, we really need to wait for some sort of confirmation from Porsche themselves. While I won’t be lining up with my checkbook to set down a deposit(through no fault of the car, I’m simply not that flush), I’m sure many justifiably will be the moment the car is announced. From the renders we’ve seen, the current Panamera looks even better with 12-18″ chopped out of its wheelbase than its predecessor.

We’d certainly be thrilled to see the superlative 928 GTS of more than two decades ago get a turbocharged, V8, hybrid successor. Until we hear from Porsche, or at least start seeing test mules, it’s all just fodder for the rumor mill.