2014 Porsche Macan Spy Shots

By Nelson Ireson

Nelson Ireson

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2014 Porsche Macan spy shots

Production of the new Macan is expected to begin in late 2013 at a plant in Leipzig, Germany, with first deliveries in early 2014.

Sharing a platform with the Audi Q5, the Macan will nevertheless be as Porsche as the Cayenne, which itself shares some of its underpinnings with another Volkswagen Group model, the Touareg.

Of the possible shared engines, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel rated at 300-plus horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque is one of the most interesting--though it may not make it to the U.S.

We do expect, however, a range of V-6 gasoline engines to be offered, perhaps even a 370-horsepower Macan Turbo model. A base four-cylinder rated at about 220 horsepower is also rumored to be in the works.

While the five-door model is the subject of the spy shots, a sportier three-door variant is possible.

Despite the near-finished look of the body, the Macan is still about 12 months from delivery, meaning many of the details could yet change, including that eventual launch date. In fact, the car has already been given a subtle redesign to make it standout against stylish newcomers in the compact crossover class such as the Range Rover Evoque.

On the performance side, the Macan is expected to feature torque-sensing and torque-vectoring differentials, a wider track than the Q5, and both manual and PDK transmissions. A sport-tuned suspension with an optional adjustable ride system is also likely.

The Macan is a crucial model for Porsche, as the automaker expects it to be its top-seller. Sales projections of around 50,000-55,000 units per year have been described by Porsche as "cautious estimates," and more recently there has been talk that sales numbers could reach as much as 75,000 units per year. At this level the Macan would represent more than 50 percent of Porsche’s total volume.

Regardless of where you stand on the Porsche sports car purity spectrum, the infusion of cash and sales volume for the brand could be good for the brand, just as the Cayenne was. We'll keep you posted as details develop and information surfaces, but we'd all better settle in for a long ride.

While you wait for its arrival, be sure to check our previous spy video of a prototype at the Nürburgring.