Report: Porsche readying Panamera convertible

Although the Porsche Panamera won't make it past its first lifecycle - thanks to Porsche's new Volkswagen ownership - the four-door sedan is in line for a few variations. A coupe version has been rumored for some time, but it appears as though an open air version is first on the docket.

According to the latest reports out of Germany, Porsche is readying a convertible version of the Panamera sedan. Unlike the current Panamera, the convertible model will shed two-doors, adding a bit of strength into the car's body. No word if the Panamera convertible will adopt a soft or hard top, but the convertible option will add about $16,000 to the Panamer's price.

"We have a broad range of 14 derivatives of the 911 that are very successful," Porsche development chief Wolfgang Duerheimer told Automobilwoche. "So it stands to reason we should diversify the lineup for the Panamera as well."

It remains to be seen when the Panamera convertible might bow, but the drop top model is likely still a few years out. As such, don't expect to see the Panamera convertible on dealer lots until 2012 at the very earliest.