Wagon fever long ago caught on in Europe, but the fervor may be set to reach new heights. Porsche and McLaren are reportedly working on new long-roof versions of their Panamera and MP4-12C models, both evidently inspired by the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. Autobild reports Porsche may pull the wraps off a new wagon version of the Panamera at the Paris Motor Show this October. We’re a little confused by the move, as the current model already offers plenty of cargo capacity and rear seat room, but we suppose that hasn’t stopped manufacturers from spinning off multiple load-lugging bodystyles from the same model before. Autobild says a production version of the Panamera Shooting Brake could bow with the next-generation of the four-door in 2015, depending on how well the CLS Shooting Brake sells.
Meanwhile, website GTSpirit.com is piling on an earlier AutoExpress report that McLaren may be interested in giving the Ferrari FF a run for its money. Rumors indicate a MP4-12C Shooting Brake would still get power from the same turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 found in the Coupe and new Spider model. With 592 horsepower on hand, the hatch could click off the 0-62 mph run in around three seconds. What we’re most interested in with this mooted model is packaging – the MP4-12C is a rear mid-engined design, suggesting packaging rear seats or cargo area would be a difficult enterprise. Word has it the machine could arrive as soon as 2013, though that seems unlikely. If that were the case, odds are our spy shooters would have already spotted test mules out and about.
autoblog
