It seems that Porsche has been secretly developing a Panamera-based vehicle that would bring back the 928 name to the stable.

The German sports car giant has been rumored to be working on a small sedan that would sit just under the Panamera. However, those of us have been quashed after the company has been caught testing a Panamera-based vehicle. The front engine coupe is expected to receive a 4.0-liter V-8 motor with twin turbos. According to rumors, this is the same old new engine being developed for the Bentley Flying Spur and Bentley Continental GT.

Volkswagen have been very keen on taking the MSB architecture forward in a number of vehicles. Porsche has been handed the chief responsibility of developing this architecture, which will go on to reduce the weight of all VW models even further. After being hit by the emissions scandal, focusing on green power – either through weight reduction or electric technology – seems to be the priority for the German manufacturer. The MSB architecture will be behind all the future models of front and rear engine premium cars. The range is expected to cover front and all-wheel drive sedans, coupes, and even SUVs.

The Bentley Flying Spur and Bentley Continental GT are amongst the first models to receive access to this brand-new architecture at Volkswagen group. Aside from taking charge of this architecture, Porsche have also been handed primary access to the new 4.0-liter V-8 motor, which will be behind the Bentley Flying Spur and Bentley Continental GT. This engine will make its appearance not just in the Bentley models but in the upcoming Porsche Panamera. The next generation Porsche Panamera will be the first model to use MSB architecture. The upcoming Audi A8 is also expected to receive the same motor.

Reincarnating the 928 lineup at Porsche could depend on the green light from Bentley. Since Volkswagen also makes vehicles similar to the Porsche 928 using the Bentley brand name, the company may decide against going for such a radical project. The Porsche 928 remains as one of the iconic vehicles in the company’s long history. Ever since Porsche unveiled the Mission E concept at the Frankfurt motor show last year, there have been a lot of rumors about a small sedan from the German company to fill the slots just below the Panamera. The model could be similar to the Porsche Macan in a number of ways.