You can tell the susupension is not of the Ausf F type. Not enough road wheels to be of Ausf F type. The Ausf F type had the same configuration as the Ausf G model, which had 8 sets of road wheels, with the exception they were using all steel road wheels, which the Ausf G Late models were using as well. The picture clearly shows 7 sets.
You are absolutely correct, it was to have the "narrow" turret mounted. None were finished. Yep the American installed a Panther Ausf G Late model turret on it. I know that a few of the "narrow" turrets ended up in Britian for testing. It would have been very cool to see the Brits send one of them over to us after their test so we could mate it up with the Panther II hull.
44.29 tons(45,500kg). Well, the drive train, transmission, road wheels, suspension, etc, were all a more heavy duty build. They were built for the King Tiger, a 70+ ton vehicle. Plus, you have to consider all the extra weight from the added armor all the way around. It adds up in a hurry with some thing so large. I agree with you that its probably bigger, but not by much. IE why I was asking for specs earlier. When I say bigger I am referring to a matter a inches longer, it will be a small dimensional difference, no doubt about that, but not the difference between the Panther G and King Tiger.
Panther Ausf G length: 22'6"
width: 11'2"
King Tiger length: 23' 9"
width: 12' 3"
For the record. I am just gabbin here, enjoying the debate. I don't get to do this often.
Just goes to show ya how much detail I try to put into my work....lol. I know I know, crazy....LOL.