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Porsche boss speeds up development of new Cayenne

Porsche boss speeds up development of new Cayenne

Ralph Hanson June 18th, 2007 Ralph Hanson By Ralph Hanson Author June 18th, 2007
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December 31st, 1969 Porsche was first to the market with an SUV model based on the vehicle architecture developed jointly between Volkswagen, Audi and itself. The original Cayenne was released back in 2002, one year ahead of the VW Touareg and four years ahead of the Audi Q7. The sports car brand is now reported to pushing VW to speed up development of projects that are shared in common, namely, the replacement design for the SUV family. Execs at Porsche hope to launch the new Cayenne by the first half of 2010, however, the second-gen Touareg isn't due to make an appearance until late 2010 at the earliest. Germany’s Automobilwoche reports that Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking is using his ever increasing control of VW Group to rush projects that would favor Porsche, even if it disadvantages VW. Audi, meanwhile, isn’t expected to replace its Q7 SUV with a new model until 2013. Wiedeking made it clear to the VW board in January last year that he hopes to speed up development of the Cayenne because of fears of the worsening demand for thirsty SUVs and rising oil prices. The new model will be much more fuel-efficient and will feature a new hybrid model in its lineup.
Porsche boss speeds up development of new Cayenne

Porsche boss speeds up development of new Cayenne

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Porsche was first to the market with an SUV model based on the vehicle architecture developed jointly between Volkswagen, Audi and itself. The original Cayenne was released back in 2002, one year ahead of the VW Touareg and four years ahead of the Audi Q7. The sports car brand is now reported to pushing VW to speed up development of projects that are shared in common, namely, the replacement design for the SUV family.

Execs at Porsche hope to launch the new Cayenne by the first half of 2010, however, the second-gen Touareg isn't due to make an appearance until late 2010 at the earliest. Germany’s Automobilwoche reports that Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking is using his ever increasing control of VW Group to rush projects that would favor Porsche, even if it disadvantages VW. Audi, meanwhile, isn’t expected to replace its Q7 SUV with a new model until 2013.

Wiedeking made it clear to the VW board in January last year that he hopes to speed up development of the Cayenne because of fears of the worsening demand for thirsty SUVs and rising oil prices. The new model will be much more fuel-efficient and will feature a new hybrid model in its lineup.

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Posted in: Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, News, SUVs


Comments (4 total)

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  1. By HECTOR #1, Posted: 6/18/2007

    I'll be the first to admit that I was never to wild about the Cayenne. And I still am not. However, it seems that having this model in its lineup has allowed Porsche not only to fend off thoughts of a takeover by a bigger rival company but also to finance projects like the Cayman and Panamera.

    The jury is still out on whether a Porsche takeover of VW is a good thing. Let's not forget what just happened to the Daimler-Chrysler adventure...

  2. By admin #2, Posted: 6/18/2007

    I respect the Cayenne as a technical achievement. Making a car that big handle the way it does is truly impressive. I have faith that the Panamera will handle extremely well for what it is.

  3. By Gus #3, Posted: 6/18/2007

    I agree with Hector, "sports" SUV's just never made sense to me, but they seem to sell well, so there you go...

  4. By Julius #4, Posted: 6/18/2007

    Most people just want the image of being sporty, while still having a car that's practical. Porsche is a business like any other and it made the right decision with the Cayenne but i'm sure old-school Porshce owners won't agree.

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