I just finished reading an interview with the new Porsche CEO, Oliver Blume, in the German magazine 'auto, motor und sport' (issue #9, 4/14/2016). Interesting tidbits about the new Panamera:

It’ll be all aluminum construction, which means lighter weight.
It’ll have four-wheel steering, which means greater agility and stability.

 

Anything else from the article?.. Any engine specs?..

 

No, that was all.

 

I would also assume minor body tweaking. From the pics I don't see a major change.

 

I really love the current Pan, I don't think it needs changing or tweaking..

 

I totally agree with you!
I'm not sure I like the interior of the new one (gear change and surrounding environment resembles too much an Audi for my taste). Luckily, they did not change too much in the front, except straightened/removed some curves and changed headlights. But as for the back, that has been totally "A7"-ized, including the spoiler. Not sure it does it for me! This is only my opinion, but for me, the current model is like Monica Bellucci (elegant, curvy, some minuscule flaws, but all together, an amazing and sexy package) and the next generation is like some of the current skinny fashion models that were more designed/sculpted to be perfect more than anything, but somehow there are no curves, only straight and geometric lines. Some will agree and some won't with the new design and that's the beauty in it all!

All, I know, I'm keeping my Monica '15 GTS!
Even more, if they change the soul of its NA engine for 3.6 or 4.0l biturbo Audi engine.

 

I agree with others re: 1st generation PAM (I like it). However, I would compare the upcoming evolution to what happened with the 1st and 2nd gen Cayennes - the original Cayenne was a tank - it was literally a heavy duty vehicle that was adept at offroading as well. The 2nd gen was tuned more for what it actually was being used for and was able to shed 400 lbs and get tauter all around in its design.

I had always suspected that the 2nd gen Panamera was going to be lighter and the original post about all aluminum construction supports that. I also suspect that some compromises were made with the original design (maybe with suspension components for example) and that the engineers will look to remedy that with the 2nd generation - it will be interesting to see how the car evolves.

The Panamera is already an impressive vehicle in terms of its technology and capabilities. I actually thought the new touch display in the center console was really neat; that combined with the Apple integration will keep the Panamera current on its technology. The Panamera will definitely get the newer steering wheel design as well. Some under the hood advancements such as reduced weight, more powerful engines, quicker PDK seem likely.

But we already know all of this!!!

My biggest 'problem' with the car today is that I wish it had more trunk space - I'm not sure how this is accomplished with the Panamera, but we can all have dreams.

 

I agree with you, it does resemble the Audi. Not that its a bad thing but I think when you upgrade from an Audi to a Porsche you want people and your self to be able to distinguish your self from others.
I have a first Gen Cayenne and I really love it, its a pig and thats what it's so post to be, its quick to when you step on it. I also don't like the second Gen Cayenne. The new facelift is a bit better because it brings back the looks from the first Gen slightly.