Currently reading: Next Porsche Panamera to get new V6 and V8 engines
New Porsche Panamera to launch in 2017 and sit on high-tech MSB platform, powered by new sporty V6 and V8 engines

The next-generation Porsche Panamera is just one of a number of models in line to receive a new family of engines designed for the firm's advanced MSB platform. The platform is likely to be shared with Bentley from 2017.

The V6 and V8 petrol engines will have a more sporty character than Volkswagen/Audi engines. It has yet to be decided which models outside of the Porsche range will use them.

“Porsche will have its own new V8 that will be common to the new MSB platform,” Porsche chief engineer Wolfgang Hatz revealed at the Geneva show. “It’s a family for the next 10 years of cars.”

Porsche developed its own V8 and V6 for the current Panamera and Porsche Cayenne, although at that time the company wasn’t a fully fledged part of the Volkswagen Group.

The new engines will be used in models built on the new MSB platform, of which Porsche is leading development. MSB will underpin sporty and luxurious front-engined models with both rear and four-wheel-drive, largely from Porsche and possibly Bentley.

However, Bentley has yet to commit to developing its next-gen Continental GT and Flying Spur models off the MSB programme. An alternative for Bentley might be Audi’s MLB structure, the longitudinal engine architecture which will be used to underpin the Audi A4, Audi A5, Audi A6, Audi A7 and Audi A8.

The MSB platform will be engineered to meet high-speed performance criteria and include components in high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium, all of which is likely to attract Bentley

Porsche will use the MSB platform mainly for the next-gen Panamera, due on sale around 2017 and spied last year undergoing early chassis mule tests. However, MSB is being designed as a fully flexible modular architecture, which will allow alterations to wheelbase, track and seating position. This would permit low and sporty Porsches as well as taller, more formal Bentleys.

A two-door Panamera with hard and soft-top roofs has also yet to be signed off for production. However, Porsche has ‘package protected’ the model, which means the platform has been designed with these models in mind.

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fadyady 18 March 2014

911 stretched saloon

Porsche must be selling Panameras by a truckload. As for looks, I'd say imposing albeit a bit ungainly after having seen two brand new ones wafting around in my neighbourhood alone.
Speedraser 18 March 2014

Sad

More platform sharing, more driveline sharing, more and more a massive shame. Porsche used to be very special. Yes, they've done this before, but only on less expensive models -- until they entered the world of SUVs. Porsche has become just another division of VW/Audi that is primarily a builder of SUVs and sedans with the most major components common across the various brands. How very, very sad.
pauld101 18 March 2014

Sad

More platform sharing, more driveline sharing, more and more a massive shame. Bentley used to be very special. Yes, they've done this before, but only on less expensive models -- until they looked at entering the world of SUVs. Bentley has become just another division of VW/Audi that will be primarily a builder of SUVs, coupes and sedans with most of the major components common across the various brands. How very, very sad.
Peter Cavellini 18 March 2014

A soft top............?!

A car this big,a soft top?,ok, i know Bentley and RR do it, but they are a different kind of car,way more expensive,in the price sector the Panamera operates in,it would look ungainly, i pass by a Turbo 4S everyday,it's in Black and it looks huge,so imagine it in Black,or any color even,nope,don't make it Porsche.