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Porsche Panamera wagon may appear next year

Following the second-generation Panamera's debut this past summer, it seems Porsche is planning the unveiling of a more practical wagon version next year. Based on previous information, this seems like a strong possibility. Automotive News spoke with anonymous sources at Porsche who said the car will probably be shown at the 2017 Geneva show. This would fall in line with a report that slated the wagon for a 2018 release, which would make sense to reveal the car in 2017. We've also seen a Panamera prototype with a lengthened roof testing at the Nurburgring, indicating that Porsche is working on one that could be close to production-ready. In addition, Porsche's North American CEO confirmed the US will get a Panamera wagon if it reaches production. If it reaches production, the Panamera will be almost without competition in the US. While it would compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, as Automotive News points out, and the Audi RS 6 Avant in Europe, the US really only has one midsize, luxury wagon left on the market it would face-off with. That would be the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon. The current generation is only available as the E400, but we expect an AMG E63 model to be official soon. While an impressive vehicle in and of itself, the E-Class still has traditional, upright wagon proportions instead of the sleek, raked shape of the possible Panamera wagon. The E400's 329-horsepower twin-turbo V6 is also a perfectly competent engine, but the standard Panamera packs a 440-horsepower V6, and it only gets more powerful as you move up to the hybrid with 462 and the V8 with 550. All are engines that would likely be available on the wagon. UPDATE: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the E-Class wagon was rear wheel drive. It actually comes with all wheel drive standard. The text has been altered for accuracy. Related Video:

Porsche 911 GT2 test mule caught in the snow

This may look like a weird, cobbled-together Porsche, but insiders tell us we're actually looking at the forthcoming GT2. Maybe even a GT2 RS. Those schooled in the intricacies of Zuffenhausen nomenclature will be suitably excited by now. But for the rest of us, the GT2 (with or without the RS) represents the pinnacle of the most hardcore 911s. It's essentially a 911 Turbo without the all-wheel drive but some other goodies thrown in – or to put it another way, it is to the Turbo what the GT3 is to the 911 Carrera. Porsche first did a 911 GT2 back in 1993 based on the 993-generation model. It then did another based on the 996, and then on the 997. But the last one we saw was the GT2 RS that came out in 2010, packing 612 horsepower channeled exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The German automaker didn't do a GT2 version of the 991, but now that the entire model line is undergoing a transformation – and an near-complete switch to turbo power – it apparently has another one in store for us. Aside from ditching the Turbo's all-wheel drive, the new GT2 will be lighter and pack more power – as much as 700 hp, from what we hear. As you can see from the spy shots, the test mule spotted romping in the snow is also wearing larger exhaust tips and the signature GT2 RS black hood. Expect the finished product to wear its own shoes and a more extreme aero kit as well. The question on everyone's minds will be whether it will, like the latest GT3 and GT3 RS, be offered only with a dual-clutch transmission, a conventional manual, or the buyer's choice of either. We'll find out sooner or later as the most extreme of Elfens is tipped to surface late next year. Related Video:

UPDATE: Porsche could raise its stake in Rimac, and Rimac weighs in

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this Reuters story said Porsche could raise its stake in Rimac to nearly 50%, but Rimac reached out to Autoblog to say that's not so. Here is a statement from Mate Rimac: "We have a very strong partnership with Porsche that is key for Rimac Automobili. Porsche is a shareholder in Rimac since 2018 with 15.5% ownership currently, accumulated over several rounds of investment. While it is true that we are discussing further expansion of this collaboration that will lead to increase of Porsche's stake in Rimac Automobili, some media have mistakenly reported that Porsche would take over 50% or nearly 50% of the company.   We are very happy that the partnership with Porsche will strengthen even further, but it is in the interest of both Rimac and Porsche that Rimac is a fully independent company. We are working with many car companies that are not our shareholders and there is a clear separation between shareholding and projects. It is very important to us that our industry customers have the peace of mind that Rimac is independent and that there is an "Information Firewall" between projects and shareholders (not only Porsche, but also Hyundai and others) - and this will not change. Confidentiality is very valued in the industry and one of the basics for collaboration between companies. Our shareholders are happy with such an arrangement and expect the same level of professional behaviour and confidentiality for their projects and customer projects.   So, the point is: Porsche's stake will increase but nowhere near to 50% and Rimac will remain independent with many industry customers that are not our shareholders/investors." The original story, with the 50% reference removed, appears below.   FRANKFURT — Volkswagen unit Porsche is participating in a financing round of Rimac Automobili that will see the electric supercar maker raise 130 million-150 million euros ($157 million-$181 million), its owner Mate Rimac told weekly Automobilwoche. The fundraising should be completed in two to three months and another round is planned at the end of the year, Rimac told the trade journal. Porsche owns a 15.5% stake in Rimac Automobili and could raise its stake in a deal that would also include the transfer of Volkswagen's supercar brand Bugatti to Rimac, Automobilwoche said. Volkswagen and Rimac were not immediately available for comment on Sunday.