[4/02/2020] Panamera Sport Turismo Facelift In The Works

The new 2020 Porsche Panamera is dynamic and refined. Delivering sporting characteristic, and performance that has made the brand famous. Now approaching its mid year, the second generation hatchback will be undergoing a refreshing facelift for its new 2021 models. Some of these changes were apparent through the black camouflaged prototypes that were witnessed hitting the streets.

The front end of this Panamera Sport Turismo is seen with black tape across the front bumperm concealing a few of the changes from the facelift. Comparative to the previous year models, the changes in design are a few and far between. The overall design looks almost the similar to the existing model, except that the openings near the headlights are smaller on this vehicle. Also, instead of a double strip of slats through the lower fascia, this one only uses a single horizontal piece.

The rear notably reveals an updated look to the taillights. They have been tweaked and feature a new design for the center strip joining the individual light clusters, which will likely end up being similar to the design used on the latest versions of Porsche's Cayenne and Macan SUVs.

The current Panamera arrived in 2016 as a 2017 model, so we'll likely see this updated one around the end of 2020 as a 2021 model. It is suspected that we'll be seeing additional power added to the various models in the Panamera line, which is usually the case with any Porsche mid-cycle facelift.

The range currently starts with a 330-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 in the base Panamera and tops out with a 680-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and plug-in hybrid setup in the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

One possibility is the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and perhaps even the use of electric compressors.

More and more automakers are starting to introduce mild-hybrid systems. This is essentially a beefed-up starter motor that can aid the engine during high loads and recover energy under braking and coasting. In some cases, it can also power an electric compressor that helps build boost pressure in force-fed engines before revs rise and a conventional supercharger or turbocharger takes over. 

The mid - cycle refresh for the Panamera might come along with an extended lineup taking into account the rumor about Porsche having plans for a two-door coupe and convertible versions, as well. As 2020, the 928’s spiritual successor together with its droptop counterpart will allegedly be out as early, but again these are just rumors.

• 2021 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo facelift spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

• Vijayenthiran, V. (2020, March 31). 2021 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo spy shots. Retrieved from https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1126357_2021-porsche-panamera-sport-turismo-wagon-spy-shots