Test Mule Sparks Contradicting Reports About “New 928” Porsche Panamera Coupe

The rumor mill insists that a 928-successor is coming our way, especially as a shortened Panamera-based test mule was caught testing recently.

But according to Motor Trend, even though it wears a camouflaged Porsche suit, the vehicle has nothing to do with the German car maker’s future products. It’s neither a Panamera-based, front-engine coupe, nor a small sedan, but rather a test bed for Bentley’s all-new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, slated to appear under the hood of the next-gen Continental GT and Flying Spur.

The reason why the mule looks like a Porsche is because the Stuttgart-based firm was appointed to develop VW’s new MSB architecture and the aforementioned 4.0-litre V8 engine, which also means it doesn’t signal a Panamera-based or derived automobile.

The company’s plans have reportedly changed (drastically) along the way, as new rumors suggest that the small(er) sedan is being developed as the production variant of the Mission E concept, while the Panamera Coupe (the fabled 928-succesor) will remain just an idea.

According to well-placed sources in Stuttgart, the idea has been reviewed at the highest level within Porsche, and it won’t materialize in order to prevent cannibalizing Bentley’s Continental GT sales. Meanwhile, we’re left with the thought of what could’ve been and a few renderings, hoping that Porsche will change its mind.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops