Porsche releases sketch of all-new Panamera

Porsche has once again given us a glimpse of how its second-generation Panamera is taking shape.

A week after presenting us with the first official teaser shot -- showing its sleek new rear-end -- Porsche has published the first sketch of its new super-sedan's side profile in the build-up to its official reveal on June 28.

Drawing heavy influence from both the current 991-series 911 and the latest 718 Boxster, it's clear the all-new Panamera will be considerably sleeker than the current car.

What we know so far is underneath its new skin will lie a lighter, new chassis and a range of small, but more powerful V6 and V8 engines, including an all-new twin-turbo V8.

Set to arrive in early 2017, the new Panamera range replaces the current car that's priced between $204,200 to $442,200 Down Under.

Sitting on the new MSB platform that will be shared with the next Bentley Continental and Flying Spur, the new four-door Porsche is claimed will introduce a full digital panel in the cockpit and new chassis tech.

Recently, in an interview with motoring.com.au PR boss, Paul Ellis, confirmed the new Panamera would continue Porsche's recent trend of downsizing engines for emission reasons.

“You’ll see all-new V8 engines with that car, which are reduced in capacity but significantly higher in performance. So there’s going to be plenty to admire from an enthusiast’s perspective about what defines the new Panamera,” said Ellis.

It's not been confirmed but it's expected the current 4.8-litre V8 will be replaced by a new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with both more power and torque.

As well as more potent turbo V8 engines, expect new turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel V6s, as well as a new plug-in hybrid powerplant.

Porsche’s seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox is also set to be updated to further reduce emissions and fuel consumption while potentially improving straight-line performance.

It had been rumoured that, since the Panamera was based on the same platform as the Bentley Continental and Flying Spur, a coupe and convertible version could also eventually join the range with the British car-maker sharing the costs of development, but Ellis ruled out both variants based on the Panamera as pure speculation.

“The reality is we only pursue what makes sense and what is mandatory.”

What is likely, soon after launch, is that the German sports car maker will introduce a shooting brake or wagon version based on the Panamera to help it capitalise on some markets, like Germany, where wagons often outsell their sedan counterparts.