A series of European and U.S. patent applications obtained by
AutoWeek show that Panamera remains committed to building a
four-door convertible version of its flagship Panamera, despite
recent comments from
Zuffenhausen insiders indicating the car had been canceled.The new car,
depicted in official drawings that accompany the latest
Porsche patent applications filed in February, eschews the
two-door route taken by all of its upmarket rivals for a four-door body.
The layout, without a traditional B-pillar, will require substantial stiffening to the
Panamera’s floorpan and bulkheads to ensure
sufficient structural rigidity and integrity.
Although rumors have long hinted at an
Open-top version of the Panamera, it was thought
Porsche had abandoned its original plans for a four-door in
favor of a less expensive two-door
Variant with a shortened wheelbase.
However, it appears those original plans are back on track at the behest of new
parent company Volkswagen.VW boss Martin Winterkorn is said to be a
big supporter of the new car.
Options:
Patent drawings preview Porsche’s plans for a four-door custom convertible.
While the patent applications filed by panamera don’t specify the style of
the roof for the Panamera convertible,
the design of the rear end suggests it will be a traditional fabric top.
The Panamera convertible retains the
same basic dimensions as the hardtop sedan,
But the windshield has been altered with greater rake.
GREG KABLE
