Reborn Porsche 928 Begins to take Shape

While Porsche's sporty the Boxster and Cayman, the 911, and the Cayenne SUV, as well as new four-door Panamera, Porsche already appears to have it model bases covered. But, on second glance, they are lacking a front engined GT tourer. It's entirely possible that this is Porsche move to compete with the likes of rivals like the Ferrari 599 GTB, Bentley Continental GT, and Aston Martin DB9. One look at the early image above and you'll see the appear to be serious about competing in the GT segment.

It appears to be a two-door, shorter wheelbase version of the just released 2010 Panamera. Given it's front engine layout, this would allow for a near tripling of the 911's cargo area, a necessary attribute in order to compete with their other European GT rivals.

From this early image, the nose appears to closely resemble the Panamera, but the shorter wheelbase allows for smoother lines wrapping through the back of the 928. This will definitely appeal to style conscious GT buyers.

As the world has come to expect from Porsche, great attention is being paid to the driving experience. The engine line-up is said to mirror the Panamera, so a 4.8-liter V8, with or without a turbocharger, producing 400hp or 500hp will be available. The normally aspirated model is said to come in rear wheel drive or all wheel drive, while the turbo is destined to be offered in only four wheel drive.

Gasoline versions are said to not be the only power plants in the works though. The soon to be arriving Cayenne Hybrid and Panamera gasoline-electric variations are said to also provide a glimpse of the 928 hybrid drive train that will undoubtedly follow the models release.

Stay tuned for more on the 928 as it moves toward its anticipated release in calender year 2012.