2012 Porsche Lineup Preview

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

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Vik is an Editor at High Gear Media and contributor for a number of sites within the High Gear Media network. He was a co-founder of... More

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2011 Porsche Panamera 928 rendering

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The next couple of years will see a blitz of new model launches for Porsche with updates and redesigns planned for virtually every model in the automaker’s lineup. The guys at Autocar have compiled a list of what’s brewing within the walls of Porsche’s Stuttgart headquarters.

Between now and 2012 there will reportedly seven new model launches, starting with a V-6 powered Panamera and a turbodiesel version too next year. These are likely to be entry-level models for the Panamera range, which mean they’ll stick with rear-wheel drive configurations and be low on horsepower, but as with anything wearing a Porsche badge they should still be exciting drives.

Next year will also see the launch of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, the second generation of the performance SUV. We know from recent spy shots that the next Cayenne will be smaller than the current model, which has been criticized for being too heavy and cumbersome for a Porsche.

Following the introduction of the new Cayenne will be a hybrid version of the SUV in late 2010 or early 2011. Porsche is targeting V8 performance with four-cylinder emissions and efficiency--exactly what you'd expect of a hybrid. In 2011, Porsche will launch its second hybrid model, a gasoline-electric version of the Panamera with the same powertrain as the Cayenne hybrid SUV.

Moving on, the model we’ve all been waiting for ever since the first spy shots of test-mules were revealed as far back as 2007--the 998 Porsche 911. The latest generation of the iconic supercar is due in 2012 and it’s going to be virtually brand new. Of course, styling will be evolutionary but the platform will be longer and wider than the one in the current 997. These alterations are down to a modified steel floorpan and new suspension.

Beyond the new 911, things start to get a little murky. The on-again-off-again Porsche Roxster SUV is reportedly in the works for a late 2012 or early 2013 launch. Destined to be based on the same platform as the Audi Q5, the baby SUV will be available in both three- and five-door configurations and borrow strongly from the 911’s styling.

Finally, a successor to the 928 is said to be in the works. Based on the Panamera, this new model will be available in both coupe and convertible bodystyles and isn’t due until 2013.

[Autocar]