The new 2023 Porsche Panamera pictured during winter testing Car News

A prototype version of the new Porsche Panamera has been tested in wintry conditions, as the German firm prepares to launch the third-generation model for the end of 2023.

The model, which did not wear the Porsche badge, was pictured with solid black exterior paint. Its front design is similar to the current Panamera, while the rear features new lights and an updated spoiler.

The new Mk3 model, which goes by the internal working name 972, looks set to continue the German company’s long tradition of small, evolutionary changes between generations, with an exterior design that subtly advances the look of the second-generation six. years. Porsche Panamera. Beneath the steel and aluminum bodywork, Porsche is lining up bigger changes for its rival BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

With the two-year-old Porsche Taycan sedan leading the company’s electric vehicle push, the Panamera is set to receive a revised range of gasoline powertrains, all with heavily reworked exhaust systems and tweaked software aimed at meet upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations.

Along with updated versions of today’s twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 and 4.0-litre V8 engines with 48V mild-hybrid properties, the new Panamera is expected to adopt a heavily revised plug-in hybrid powertrain. which is also planned for the next Mk4. Cayenne SUV.

Details remain scarce, but Autocar has been informed that successor models to the 4 E-Hybrid, 4S E-Hybrid and range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid will receive both revised petrol engines and electric motors in combination. with a larger capacity battery. and newly developed software that will enable faster charging rates.

Although nothing is official yet, the overall power of each variant of the Panamera has reportedly been increased.

In combination with revised drive mode functions, the reworked plug-in hybrid system is expected to offer “significantly more” than the electric-only 31 miles of current E-Hybrid models.