It’s not every day that we see a line-up of Porsche test vehicles. That is exactly what happened lately in Southern California, more specifically in Redondo Beach. A Cayenne, Cayenne Coupe, and Panamera were parked in a lot when a cool Autobizz reader moved in to take some close-up shots.
These three prototypes are all dressed in Porsche’s black-tape camouflage, but thanks to an Instagram user named Ted (hikesupsurf67), we have a close-up look at all of them. He was kind enough to share high-resolution photographs with us, which greatly aids in peeling away the tape and imitation headlamp trim to reveal what’s going on underneath.
Our attention is drawn to the Panamera first, as prior prototype sightings indicate that we may be looking at an entirely new generation rather than a facelift. On this model, we see the identical alterations to the fascias, and we get an especially close look at the Panamera’s smaller Taycan-inspired headlights. The extensive camouflage on the fenders and rear pillar confirms that this is a next-generation Panamera. The current model has been in use since 2016, therefore it is well overdue.
According to our sources, the Cayenne prototypes are not next-generation cars. A normal Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe are visible here, with camouflage confined to the front fascia and headlamps, which we get another good look at. Porsche will square things off, as evidenced by the massive corner vents. The headlights will be slimmer and more angular, while the taillights will be somewhat redesigned. As an extra bonus, this Cayenne Coupe test vehicle appears to be the hot Turbo GT, implying 631 horsepower or more beneath the hood.
We say maybe because this revamp could add a few extra horses to Porsche’s Cayenne lineup. Although nothing has been verified, we recently speculated on the likelihood of a redesigned hybrid powertrain for the SUV. Similarly, with such major visual and interior modifications coming to the Panamera, it’s almost certain that some alterations will be made under the hood of both hybrid and pure combustion variants.
The updated Cayenne lineup could make its debut this year as a 2023 model. We still believe the new Panamera will be introduced next year for the 2024 model year.
