Porsche preps a Panamera wagon concept for Paris motor show

Porsche will preview plans for a Panamera-based wagon concept in September at the Paris motor show. It is set to provide telling clues for the direction of a production version that could arrive in several years.

This would lend an additional element for increasing Porsche's sales as part of parent company Volkswagen's ambitious growth strategy. A final production decision is expected to be made after gauging reaction to the concept car. It's unlikely to arrive before 2016.

The wagon, which also could be called a shooting brake, was conceived of after customers indicated demand for a more versatile version of the Panamera, one with more luggage space than today's liftback model.

The wagon would form part of a second-generation Panamera lineup and would compete against an array of entries, including the Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake. Look for the Porsche wagon to get an extended roofline, angled tailgate and split-folding rear seats.

“It is one proposal we are looking at to increase the reach of the Panamera,” a source told Autoweek. “From the feedback we're receiving right now, there appears to be sales potential for such a car in certain markets, especially Europe.”

While it would emphasize style rather than trunk space, a wagon offers buyers greater versatility than Porsche's sports cars. The Cayenne does this now, as will Porsche's upcoming midsize SUV, the Macan.

The wagon would be offered in a standard-wheelbase configuration, as previewed by the show car set for Paris, but Porsche is considering a long-wheelbase variant for selected markets to boost its suitability as a limousine.

While Porsche has yet to reveal the facelifted version of the first-generation Panamera, work is advancing on its successor. It would share underpinnings with some Bentley models, part of a strategy by former Bentley chief (now Audi board member) Wolfgang D

By Greg Kable