Porsche’s Most Powerful Sedan Believes It’s a GT3 RS | Carscoops

      The Panamera prototype was spotted undergoing testing at the Nürburgring, showcasing saw-tooth fender vents and a fixed rear wing.

      Porsche is intensifying its efforts on the combustion-engine Panamera, giving the luxury sedan the hardcore "Turbo GT" makeover.

      Prominent carbon brake discs and GT3 RS-style fender cutouts are apparent.

      Porsche has previously demonstrated that the designation “Turbo GT” signifies high performance when attached to the Cayenne or Taycan. Now, it appears this badge will make its debut on the Panamera sedan.

      Recent photos from the Nürburgring reveal an aggressive black Panamera adorned with all the Turbo GT elements and more. It features large air intakes, massive carbon brakes, and a substantial fixed rear wing, replacing the standard pop-up version.

      What Are We Observing?

      Neither the GTS nor the Turbo S E-Hybrid conveys the same level of seriousness regarding high speeds. However, there’s one unique feature that enhances this new performance Panamera's appearance, and it’s only found on Porsche’s most extreme two-seat sports cars.

      If you examine the front fenders closely, you may notice a saw-tooth vent situated directly above the front wheel. Does it ring a bell?

      This is the same type of vent seen on the 718 GT4 RS and 911 GT3 RS, designed to facilitate the release of high-pressure air that accumulates in the wheel wells, causing front-end lift. Such features are typical on track-focused vehicles, not luxury sedans.

      Could It Be Hybrid?

      Porsche has yet to confirm details about the vehicle, especially regarding what powers it, but an interesting aspect of this prototype is its left-hand fuel filler flap. Existing ICE Panameras have the flap on the right, while only hybrids feature a corresponding flap on the left for the charging port.

      A heavy hybrid doesn't seem like the most logical foundation for a track-oriented Panamera, as Porsche opted for pure combustion for the 650 hp (659 PS) Cayenne Turbo GT, despite the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid producing 729 hp (739 PS).

      However, Porsche has shown that heavy vehicles can perform exceptionally well, as evidenced by the Taycan Turbo GT, while competitors like the BMW M5, Audi RS6, and AMG E-Class are either transitioning to hybrid power or have already done so.

      For context, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid delivers 771 hp (782 PS), and the Lamborghini Urus SE plug-in, which shares the same core twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, generates 789 hp (800 PS). Therefore, we might be looking at an incredibly speedy Porsche sedan when it’s officially unveiled, likely sometime early next year.