SPY PICS: New Panamera takes shape

Spy shots of the follow-up to Porsche's controversial first sedan, the four-door Panamera grand tourer, have circulated in the past, but these are the first clear pictures – of the second-generation model in final production guise.

Due on sale globally in 2016 – just two years after the original was facelifted earlier this year — the MkII Panamera is underpinned by a brand-new platform that will eventually spawn several high-end models from the Volkswagen Group.

It's called the Modular Standard Platform and it will also form the basis of Bentley’s next Continental range. Thanks to a mix of high-strength steel, aluminium and even some composites, the MSB platform will make the new Panamera stiffer and lighter than the model it replaces – perhaps by up to 100kg.

Exterior design is influenced by the 2012 Panamera Sport Turismo concept, although overall proportions won't change much from the $200,000-plus model that's found more than 100,000 homes since 2009.

Engines are expected to be largely carry-over, including a downsized 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 for the current Panamera S, and the top-shelf Turbo should continue with V8 power. All-wheel drive, diesel and, for China, long-wheelbase models will also remain.

Biggest technical change is expected for the new Panamera S E-Hybrid, which will combine battery advancements and a lighter body to be more efficient than the two-tonne model it replaces.