Porsche plans four-door Panamera convertible

A series of European and U.S. patent applications obtained by AutoWeek show that Porsche remains committed to building a four-door convertible version of its flagship Panamera, despite recent comments from Zuffenhausen insiders indicating the car had been canceled.

The new car, depicted in official drawings that accompany the latest Porsche patent applications filed in February, eschews the two-door route taken by all of its upmarket rivals for a four-door body. The layout, without a traditional B-pillar, will require substantial stiffening to the Panamera's floorpan and bulkheads to ensure sufficient structural rigidity and integrity.

Although rumors have long hinted at an open-top version of the Panamera, it was thought Porsche had abandoned its original plans for a four-door in favor of a less expensive two-door variant with a shortened wheelbase. However, it appears those original plans are back on track at the behest of new parent company Volkswagen. VW boss Martin Winterkorn is said to be a big supporter of the new car.

Patent drawings preview Porsche's plans for a four-door convertible.

While the patent applications filed by Porsche don't specify the style of the roof for the Panamera convertible, the design of the rear end suggests it will be a traditional fabric top. The Panamera convertible retains the same basic dimensions as the hardtop sedan, but the windshield has been altered with greater rake.

By Greg Kable