I know no one knows (or those who do won't say) what the Panamera facelift will look like or entail, but I was curious what "facelifts" have entailed in the past on other Porsche models?

For example, in this article it states that not only is a facelift evident, but also powertrain fuel consumption improvements. Obviously it's not confirmed, but it got me wondering if we should be expecting (based on Porsche's history) more than just a new front and back on the ".2" generation Panamera?

Article: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/20...ing-46573.html

Thanks,
Keith

 

Considering that a new version update is due in 2015, it's likely more a cosmetic update(facelift) on the front and rear bumper-at least from what I've read and from the spy-pics seen that I've seen to date. I'd expect slight internal improvements as is usual with every model year but nothing major due to the more significant changes likely planned for 2015.

 

Thanks for the response Nelson. Wow, is the 2nd generation Panamera out in 2015 already!?!? Sooner than I thought. I really wish this .2 would come out sometime in the net 6 months or so...

 

When they went from the 997.1 in 2006 to 997.2 in 2010 the change was major, PDK, extra 20HP, completely different PCM.

Facelift is an understatement. We shall see what comes up, it will be awesome as always.

 

Here's some info from the Rennteam site and another news link.
Re: Panamera Facelift...according to latest info, not in 2012

Cayenne market introduction in Germany was in May 2010. May and June are typical market introduction dates for new models, the new 991 was really a pretty weird exception and I know that many dealers weren't too happy with it (introducing a sports car in winter time...).
I think that there have been some strategical changes at Porsche but the consequences remain to be seen.
We certainly can't be 100% sure anymore that new models will be presented shortly before or after the summer vacation, meaning May, June or July.
The Panamera has been introduced in September 2009.
Back to the Panamera facelift: According to a second source, I just came off the phone, the Panamera facelift will not come 2012, another confirmation. Apparently there seem to have been some issues in the facelift decision process between a more substantial facelift and a less substantial one because of the possible "early" introduction of the next generation in 2015. We are going to see the results...2013.



http://www.autoevolution.com/news/spyshots-porsche-panamera-facelift-winter-testing-41989.html

 

A Porsche facelift typically involves the following:
- Slightly adjusted headlight shapes/technology [for the Panamera, expect to see the little wave/kink along the bottom smoothed out similar to the Cayenne units]
- Slightly adjusted taillights in a similar shape to the model they're replacing [my guess is the introduction of LED light bar technology like we've seen on the 991/981]
- Moderate powertrain adjustments in the range of 15-50 horsepower across the range
- New front/rear bumpers with new air intakes
- Upgrades to the PCM [the interior spy shots of the upcoming Macan show a bigger PCM screen; similar to how the screen size went from 5.7" to 6.5" on the last generation Porsche cars, expect the screen size to go up to somewhere around 8" from the current 7"]

There is a lot of talk regarding an early introduction of the next generation Panamera at the Frankfurt IAA in 2015 because of the new developments/merger with Porsche and VW. The sooner Porsche updates the Panamera platform, the sooner they can get the platform out to other brands such as Bentley, where its earmarked to underpin the next Continental and Mulsanne vehicles as well as any future non-SUV Bentleys. Also, they have big plans for cutting weight because the current Panamera isn't exactly svelte at over 1730-2100 kilograms.

Another interesting fact I read somewhere was that the facelifted Panamera was supposed to be the initial Panamera at launch, but the design was altered shortly before introduction to what we currently see. For example, the current model's DRL/indicator units are direct carryovers from the 997.2 instead of dedicated units exclusive to the Panamera. Probably a cost-cutting measure but it's a shame since the Panamera is a beautiful vehicle with incredible presence and shouldn't have been held back from its full potential, but then it wouldn't be a Porsche, would it?

I hope they show the facelift soon; the upcoming wagon concept in Paris this month should preview some of the design cues coming to the facelift, so let's hope for the best.

khabah

 

I would guess any 'facelift' will be very minor if they are introducing a new version in 2015. Based on the new 991 platform, I'll bet they remove a significant amount of weight. If so - I'm signing up!