Porsche Ferrari Fighter And 5 Series Rival In Development: Report

Porsche’s line-up could expand to include the rumoured sub-918 Spyder sports car and a new sedan positioned beneath the Panamera, according to reports out of Europe this week.

Industry site Autonews Europe suggests the models could follow the upcoming Macan SUV, 918 Spyder hybrid sports car, and facelifted Panamera by 2018.

According to the report, Porsche is currently investing US$1 billion (AU$959 million) each year on such new models, as part of its recently finalised acquisition by the Volkswagen Group.

Previous reports have suggested the sports car - nicknamed ‘Ferrari Fighter’ - will carry the 960 model designation, and use a version of the Volkswagen Group’s new MMB mid-engined architecture.

This Porsche-developed platform will also underpin the next-generation Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8 models, though the Porsche-badged version will reportedly have to wait until the end of next year for a production go-ahead.

Also awaiting a production green-light is a sub-Panamera BMW 5 Series rival, with Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller reportedly describing the model as a mere “possibility”, and would not suggest a timeframe for the model. 

Mueller is also said to have reaffirmed the indefinite postponement of the 550 sub-Boxster model, but confirmed the expansion of the Panamera lineup beyond the existing four-door bodystyle.

A shooting brake version is likely, as hinted at by the Sport Turismo Concept revealed in Paris, while a two-door coupe version is also possible following the Panamera’s 2013 mid-cycle facelift.

• Porsche | Sports Cars | Enthusiast