Panamera wagon is 'more likely'
Porsche finds concept's rave reviews persuasive
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PARIS -- Porsche's Panamera Sport Turismo concept got such rave reviews at the auto show that it may get a green light for production.
The Sport Turismo concept, based on the four-door Panamera, is a plug-in hybrid.
The positive reaction at the show last week means that "it is getting more likely that we will do such a car," said Bernhard Maier, Porsche AG board member for sales and marketing.
At a recent customer clinic, company officials said the response was positive. Clinics are now planned for the United States and China, Maier said, though he declined to give a timetable.
He said that normally when Porsche shows a concept vehicle, the company has decided to produce it. But before the show, Maier said there was no clear plan to build the wagon.
There are no wagons in the full-sized luxury car segment where the Panamera competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series sedans.
"We will offer it to people who spend leisure time with children and sports but at the same time want a sportier car," Maier said.
The Sport Turismo concept also shows Porsche's future design direction, he said.
"It has a fast silhouette; it shows motion and dynamics and looks fast even when it is standing," Maier said.
The concept, with an internal combustion engine mated to an electric motor with a lithium ion battery, makes nearly 400 hp combined. Maier said the top speed is 180 mph, and fuel economy is estimated to be about 72 mpg. He said the car can drive nearly 20 miles using electric power only.
You can reach Diana T. Kurylko at dkurylko@crain.com. -- Follow Diana on 
