Posted on Thursday 8 May 2008
If there was any doubt Porsche was developing a second SUV model positioned below the Cayenne, these latest spy images of a new prototype at the Nurburgring can finally put an end to the uncertainty. Rumors of a baby Cayenne date back more than a year and the car’s existence has continually been denied by Porsche including by its CEO Wendelin Wiedeking.
However, since Porsche increased its stake in Volkswagen, the sports carmaker has been given access to a number of new vehicle architectures and components including the premium midsize SUV structure from the recently revealed Audi Q5. Just as the Cayenne was based on the same Q7/Touareg design, the new baby Cayenne could adopt Q5 running gear.
Tipped as a hard-core performance crossover that could also share powertrains with the much larger Cayenne, the new model will likely feature both V6 and V8 engines in both naturally aspirated and turbo forms. Power levels will range from about 280hp from an entry-level V6 and could top out at close to 500hp in a twin-turbo V8 model. The line-up will include Porsche’s new direct-injection technology as well as the carmaker’s new dual-clutch gearbox, which is expected to debut in the facelifted 911 range. Expect to see 0-60mph times of under five seconds for top end models and max speeds in excess of 180mph.
The car could also see the introduction of Porsche’s first diesel as well as a hybrid variant but the launch of such models would be at least a year after the SUV’s initial debut, sometime late next year.
LOOK AT THAT SUCKER ROLL…
Man all I can say is that i’ve ALWAYS wanted a 911 crossover.
yes yes i know its actually just an audi q5 rebadge,… but thats pretty much what it looks like. a hatch back 911. with a lift kit.
That’s why SUV’s and sports cars don’t mix. Because they don’t.
no,… i figured it out.. it looks like a mazda 3 hatch back. especially that second last picture.. the almost front on view.
docile head lamps, bubbly character,… it’s even got that character line / shelf going all the way to the tail lights.
Spy Shots: 2010 Porsche Baby Cayenne
If there was any doubt Porsche was developing a second SUV model positioned below the Cayenne, these latest spy images of a new prototype at the Nurburgring can finally put an end to the uncertainty
Whoever is creating product for Porsche is a massive tool. A baby SUV? Are you kidding me? This brand will have about as much cache as Mercury in a few years.
Am I really supposed to buy a sports car for 100k, only to have it parked 30 feet from my soccer mom neighbor who has a Porsche Highlander? That would be so great to have her come over and say, “We both have Porches! Isn’t it fun to have a Porsche?!” To which I would have to respond, “Honey, I have a Porsche, you have ‘brand extension’ created for the purposes of increasing corporate profits.” I don’t want to have that conversation! I want some exclusivity for my 100k, for crying out loud.
What Stugots said with a cherry on top. I don’t like where this is going AT ALL.
I think a smaller, faster Cayenne is a great idea. I don’t like driving my 4S every day, so I have a practical 4 door “other” car. The Cayenne is too big and ungainly looking - although they drive superbly - so a fast but sensible, practical Porsche-engineered “cross-over” will make a great second car for many Carrera/Boxster/Cayman owners. And here’s a suggestion for all of you who continuously find things to criticize Porsche about - don’t buy one!
yesss finally…if the V6 Cayenne comes in at AU$100,000 then this bad boy should be about 60k….im lining up !
You guys may not like where this is going, but the current cayanne sells really good in certain areas, i live in vancouver, and they are everywhere even the turbo’s. I bet this has to do with the struggling economy people want to downsize without getting out of the porsche brand name.
Sure, it’s a great idea.
Soon it’ll be the Panamera. Then it’s going to be a car to compete with the E class, then one to compete with the 3 series. Then they’ll put out something similar to that *slightly bigger than a Smart* Audi has be pushing out there.
Then they’ll have an entry level SUV, a crossover, a station wagon, a motorcycle, a washing machine and finally a lawn mower.
Then the decline of one of the most venerable automobile marques into one of the most expensive whores of the auto world will be complete.
Just look at MB. It’s already there.
What Hector said.
Next up, the Ferrari pickup truck…
This car will replace the Cayenne, I’m sure of that. Small and light - that’s the purpose of a Porsche.
That design should be taken out and shot. It looks like a mix of a Paseo and an X5 - old and boring.