Autoblog

Porsche gives Macan name to new small sport utility [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Porsche, Luxury

Don't call it the Cajun anymore. Porsche has officially announced the company's upcoming small sport utility vehicle will be called the Macan. As with the vehicle's larger brother, the Cayenne, the Porsche Macan will blend the seemingly incongruous worlds of tall-riding off roaders and low-slung sports cars with performance to match.

The Macan is the latest effort in Porsche's plan to expand its portfolio by 2018. While true purists may once again cry foul at the notion of another non-sports car with the Porsche shield on the hood, something tells us this Porsche will meet with far less skepticism this time around. The Cayenne and the Panamera have proven Porsche can successfully expand into segments beyond sports coupes without sacrificing its core principles. The Macan is likely to toe that line as well.

From what we've seen, the Macan will arrive on the same chassis as the Audi Q5, though with suspension, brake and engine tweaks suitable to the Porsche range. Rumors have also hinted toward both hybrid and three-door iterations as well.

The automotive world has been mistakenly calling the upcoming baby Porsche the Cajun for more than a year after Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn mentioned the name in an interview. Click past the jump for the full press release on the Macan name, as well as a quick introductory video.

Continue reading Porsche gives Macan name to new small sport utility [w/video]

Porsche gives Macan name to new small sport utility [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche's sub-Boxster delayed

Chris Shunk — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

This isn't good. Not at all. Automotive News reports that Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller has cooled on the idea of a sub-Boxster Porsche model. Mueller reportedly told German publication Wirtschaftswoche that a vehicle priced under the Boxster could dilute the brand's image, adding that Porsche may need to "wait until the next generation of customers before the idea of a small roadster will work."

We've been hearing about a roadster that slots under the Boxster for years, and in February, Mueller told AN that such a vehicle could arrive as soon as 2014.

We'd be lying if we said we weren't disappointed by this development, as any new mid-engine Porsche sounds like a great idea to us. Porsche is, after all, still looking to launch the sub-Cayenne Cajun SUV next year. The Cajun should cost less than the base Boxster (the Cayenne is currently the lowest-priced Porsche), making it the lowest-priced vehicle in the lineup. We're just not sure why an entry-level mid-engine roadster would be a worse idea than a second Porsche SUV.

Porsche's sub-Boxster delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche Cajun prototype caught wearing Audi duds in Sweden

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Europe, Crossover, Porsche

'Tis the season, or so they say. But we're not talking about the holidays. We're talking about the season for cold-weather testing of new prototypes up in northern Sweden. After our intrepid shutter-bugs snapped an updated Mercedes-Benz GLK taking its licks in the snow way up there near the arctic circle, now they've caught this Audi Q5 test mule.

Only appearances can be deceiving. Because while this may look like a Q5 - or even a high-performance Q5-RS - what we're actually looking at is a prototype for the upcoming Porsche Cajun.

The highly anticipated baby brother to the Cayenne will benefit from the synergies of belonging to the Volkswagen Group, hence the Q5 platform and - until we see otherwise - the Q5's sheetmetal. The major difference is in the wheel wells: bigger alloys, bigger brakes, and a wider track than the existing Audi.

The running gear (read: powertrain) is expected to be fine-tuned by Porsche engineers for a sportier attitude. We're expecting hybrid and even three-door versions (the latter to target the Range Rover Evoque), but for now we'll just have to gaze upon a wolf in sheep's clothing. Check it out in the high-res image gallery from the frozen tundra - you won't even have to put on your parka.

Porsche Cajun prototype caught wearing Audi duds in Sweden originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche wants to double sales by 2015

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Crossover, Porsche, Volkswagen, Luxury

Volkswagen is on a role right now, and management in Wolfsburg hopes that winning streak results in the company becoming the largest automaker by volume by 2018 or sooner. Those ambitious sales goals stretch to VW's many brands as well, including Porsche.

The Detroit Bureau reports that Porsche is looking to double sales by 2015, with new products and emerging markets leading the charge. The numbers involved are taking last year's 97,000 vehicles sold worldwide and hitting a nice, round 200,000 by mid-decade. The new products that will help spur sales are the recently released 2012 911, the forthcoming Cajun mini ute and perhaps the sub-Boxster entry-level Porsche that we've been hearing about for years.

Those models would likely help improve sales here in the U.S., which is still the number one market for Porsche. But the performance and luxury car maker is also hoping to make inroads in the world's three biggest emerging markets: China, Russia and India. Those markets are clamoring for luxury autos right now, and Porsche is all too happy to help fill the void.

Porsche board member Wolfgang Hatz added at a preview of the new 911 that profitability will remain a major focus. Porsche has long boasted a ridiculously good 15 percent Return on Sales number, and Hatz and company want to keep that advantage as sales improve.

Porsche wants to double sales by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche gears up for Cajun production with Leipzig expansion

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

Back in 1999, Porsche settled on the location for a new factory in Leipzig, Germany. It opened its doors in 2002 with production of the Cayenne, and further expanded in 2009 to gear up for the Panamera. As of November, 2011, the assembly plant has built some 420,000 vehicles, but that's just the start as Porsche further expands the facility to make way for the new Cajun.

With the laying of the corner stone, the expansion plan will create 1,000 new jobs, encompass 500 million euros (~$700m) in investment and take up another 17 hectares (42 acres) of real estate.

The expansion is earmarked to be finished by the end of 2013 when the tentatively-named Cajun - a baby brother for the Cayenne SUV - will begin production. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Porsche gears up for Cajun production with Leipzig expansion

Porsche gears up for Cajun production with Leipzig expansion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche Cajun mule spied wearing Audi Q5 skin

Noah Joseph — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Audi, Porsche, Luxury

Well well well, what do we have here? Looks like an Audi Q5. But what of those black fender flare extensions? Are we looking at a Q5-S or even a Q5-RS? Considering that it was snapped entering the Porsche test facility at the Nürburgring, our sources suggest what we're actually looking at is a very early development mule for the new Porsche Cajun.

The baby Cayenne is slated to be based, after all, on the Audi crossover. And while these spy shots don't give us any indication of what the final styling will look like, it is the first glimpse we've gotten at the Porsche crossover altogether, even if could still pass as an Audi.

Once finalized, we're expecting a more aggressive shape from the Cajun, packing a variety of engines and transmissions underneath. It may be a while until we see the finished product, but at least we know Porsche is working on it. Probably.

Porsche Cajun mule spied wearing Audi Q5 skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche's Q5-based Cajun crossover coming into focus

Noah Joseph — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Porsche, Luxury

When Volkswagen first started taking over Porsche, word on the street was that the VW Group would take Porsche back to its roots as a sportscar marque exclusively, canceling the Cayenne and Panamera that compete in territory already covered by other brands in the group. But that approach appears to have long since been ditched in favor of further increasing Porsche's line-up, starting with the Cajun.

The smaller counterpart to the larger Cayenne SUV, the Cajun is expected to arrive around 2014. And with development now underway, Car and Driver claims to have the inside line on what we can expect.

For starters, the Cajun will be based heavily on the Audi Q5, but while its four-ringed counterpart may ride on a principally front-wheel-drive platform, the Porsche will be exclusively all-wheel drive. Because, while people may have learned to accept a four-door Porsche, a Porsche SUV or even a diesel or hybrid Porsche, the notion of a Porsche driven exclusively by the front wheels would undoubtedly be one step too far.

Hybrids and diesels could be in the mix for the Cajun as well, while conventional power is tipped to range from a 220-horsepower TFSI four up to a 350-hp supercharged V6, with six-speed manuals, seven-speed DSGs and eight-speed automatics driving through a rebranded version of Audi's Quattro drivetrain to all four wheels.

Styling would need to be sufficiently Porsche-like to differentiate the Cajun from its Q5 counterpart, with reports once again anticipating a three-door model to follow the initial five-door and take up arms against the Range Rover Evoque.

Porsche's Q5-based Cajun crossover coming into focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: Porsche greenlights Cajun production for Leipzig

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

Regardless of what the purists think of it, Porsche found a winning business model with the Cayenne SUV. And based on that success, the German automaker is proceeding with plans to build its little brother at its Leipzig plant.

The new model, tentatively dubbed "Cajun," will be produced alongside the Cayenne and the Panamera. The decision by the company's supervisory board paves the way for over 1,000 new jobs to be created at the plant as well as at its headquarters in Stuttgart, with the addition of a 1.54 square-mile expansion of the Leipzig, Germany, plant to begin later this year. Details in the press blast after the jump.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Officially Official: Porsche greenlights Cajun production for Leipzig

Officially Official: Porsche greenlights Cajun production for Leipzig originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Porsche to hire 1,000 employees as it ramps up for Cajun

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Crossover, Porsche

Porsche would like to double its global sales to about 200,000 per year. That's an ambitious goal for a niche company, but Porsche intends to make things happen with the help of more money and manpower. AutoWeek reports that the German automaker plans to hire 1,000 employees by 2015. Half the workers will help build the company's forthcoming small crossover, which has been given the working name 'Cajun,' while the other half will be engineers needed to develop new vehicles. An additional 500 workers could be added by 2018, provided sales targets are met.

AW claims that Porsche intends to expand its lineup from four models to seven to help reach its sales goals, while also forking over up to 750 million Euro ($1.01 billion in U.S. funds) to upgrade its Leipzig factory. The latter is believed to be the main candidate to build the Cajun when production begins in 2013.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Porsche to hire 1,000 employees as it ramps up for Cajun originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Porsche CEO denies Chinese SUV rumors

Zach Bowman — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, China, Europe, Crossover, Porsche, Luxury

It would seem that some of the rumors surrounding the upcoming Porsche Cajun were greatly exaggerated. Porsche CEO Matthias Müller has announced that his company won't be producing a new small SUV based off of the Audi Q5 in China or anywhere else, for that matter. Müller said that while the future may force his company to consider moving production of one or more models overseas, right now the automaker will stick to cranking out vehicles in Germany. Previously, Porsche had said that it was taking some time to consider a new manufacturing facility in China - one of the fastest growing car markets on the planet.

Interestingly enough, Porsche hasn't said that the Cajun is dead all together. Müller simply made it clear that the vehicle wouldn't be based on any bones currently bumping around the Volkswagen family tree. The vehicle is intended to land just below the current Cayenne and allow younger buyers to jump into the exclusive Porsche brand at a more accessible price point. Early reports have the Cajun landing in show rooms no sooner than 2014.

[Sources: The Truth About Cars, Gasgoo]

Report: Porsche CEO denies Chinese SUV rumors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Porsche looking to China for production of Cajun CUV

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

When Porsche was integrated into the Volkswagen group, its new parent company set an ambitious sales target for its latest division: 150,000 units annually. That would require a 50% increase in sales, but Porsche figures it can hit the far more ambitious target of 200,000 units per year for a 100% increase.

To get there, however, Porsche realizes its current production capacity will not be enough. And so it will need to produce vehicles at additional facilities, which could include plants in the United States and China.

The latter would seem a logical first step as the Audi Q5, on which the upcoming Cajun SUV is based, is already being built in China. Beyond the Cajun, however, production in the United States - still the biggest market for Porsche - could be in the cards within a few years.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req. | Image: China Photos/Getty]

Report: Porsche looking to China for production of Cajun CUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi reportedly charged with developing SUVs in the Volkswagen group

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Luxury

2011 Audi Q7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but Earth knows no competition greater than sibling rivalry. With nine marques under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, things can get pretty competitive between the brands, especially as platforms and technologies are integrated and subsidiaries chosen to develop them. But then Porsche entered the fray as the 10th brand and things got that much more heated.

Reports recently emerged that Porsche was chosen over Audi to develop the platforms that would underpin sportscars for the entire group as well as luxury sedans, leaving Ingolstadt undoubtedly reeling from the defeat. But now follow-up reports indicate that Audi will, in turn, be charged with developing the next generation of sport-utility vehicles for the entire group, the next Porsche Cayenne included.

The program will reportedly center around a common modular platform that will underpin the next-generation Touareg, Q7 and Cayenne, but also extends to the development of the Q5-based Porsche Cajun. While the latter is currently in the works, both the Touareg and Cayenne were recently replaced, so their subsequent replacements would still be years off.

The move may seem a little odd considering that Volkswagen and Porsche have both been making SUVs for longer than Audi has its Q7, but Audi has been in the all-wheel drive game for longer than either. The decision was reportedly unanimous among the different divisions, though Porsche was quick to point out that final development of its SUVs will be carried out by Porsche to ensure its vehicles drive as their customers would expect.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi reportedly charged with developing SUVs in the Volkswagen group originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche Cajun mini-SUV confirmed, due to arrive in 2014

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche has officially confirmed what's been rumored for at least three years - the German automaker will build a small SUV to slot in below its highly successful Cayenne. With the working name "Cajun," Porsche wants the mini 'ute to provide younger customers another point of entry into the brand.

Designer Walter da Silva has apparently taken the lead on the project, which is expected to be loosely based on the Audi Q5, and the press release (available after the jump) claims that the Cajun will have "typical Porsche features such as light weight, ease of handling and agility." Here's hoping... [Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche Cajun mini-SUV confirmed, due to arrive in 2014

Porsche Cajun mini-SUV confirmed, due to arrive in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Walter de'Silva to work on Porsche Cajun

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Porsche, Design/Style

There's no debating that the engineers at Porsche are some of the best in the business. Their designers? Well let's just say that short of the 918 Spyder concept, they've been a little too preoccupied redesigning the Christmas tree to jumpstart the marque's design ethos any time in the last...oh, say, 80 years. That's where Walter de'Silva comes in.

As design director for the entire Volkswagen Group - which now includes Porsche - de'Silva clearly has a lot on his plate. Nevertheless, his next task will be injecting Porsche with some new attitude, and while the next-gen Boxster and 911 are on the horizon from Stuttgart, their designs have reportedly already been completed.

What next, then? The Cajun. The long-anticipated baby Cayenne may be on hold (along with the rest of Porsche's plans) for the time being, but to get it on track, the company will need a fresh design approach. And that's exactly what de'Silva hopes to give the Cajun, collaborating with Porsche's own design director Michael Mauer in the process.

So what can we expect from the Cajun if and when it arrives? For starters, reports indicate that it will initially be available in three-door guise only, targeting the new Range Rover Evoque while steering clear of the Audi Q5 on whose shortened platform the Cajun will ride. A five-door version is expected to follow, with a market debut - assuming it gets the green light - around 2014.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Walter de'Silva to work on Porsche Cajun originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Porsche puts all new model plans under review

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Rumormill

According to Autocar magazine, Porsche chairman Matthias Müeller has announced that the German automakers plans for future models are currently being put on hold. This includes both a small, sub-Boxster roadster and the Cajun small crossover. The company needs to review currently proposed new models and see where they fit into the current lineup of Porsche vehicles. A business case needs to be presented and many questions have to be answered before Porsche proceeds. The planned strategic review is understood to not impact revisions of models that are currently in production.

This is not to say the vehicles won't be built. Müeller says the ideas for both of the smaller Porsche models are still very much alive, but each design needs to make financial sense. The business cases will be presented and the questions will be answered, with a decision-due date set for the end of this year.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Porsche puts all new model plans under review originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Porsche's baby Cayenne could be called "Cajun"

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Porsche, Luxury

The Porsche range spans thus: 911, Panamera, Cayenne, Cayman, Boxster. How would you feel about a Porsche Cajun being added to that? We haven't heard much lately about the long-rumored little SUV supposedly being planned in the Stuttgart product department, and the last time we did it was tentatively dubbed "Roxster."

However, in an interview with Germany's Der Spiegel, after Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn expounded on his views of the company and his tenure with it, he hinted that the sixth model in the Porsche line could be called the Cajun. Admittedly, we're a long way off from this vehicle becoming a reality, so we're probably quite a ways from knowing its name... but something called the Porsche ~~Gumbo~~ Cajun, even at this stage, is a bit unexpected. If that's the case, we'll hold out until we can get the inevitable Creole Turbo special edition. Thanks to everyone for the tips.

[Source: Der Spiegel via 4WheelsNews]

Report: Porsche's baby Cayenne could be called "Cajun" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: 'Bugatti' badly bungled by blatantly bird-brained broadcaster

Chris Paukert — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Supercars, Bugatti, Lamborghini

Alright, so "Bugatti Veyron" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue for those not automotively inclined, but c'mon... "Beuagatty Vuyrohn?" In addition to being laughably old news, journalist Gina Redmond goes one better by butchering the supercar's model and manufacturer name in the course of her NBC-13 Birmingham broadcast. In the words of tipster Speed42, "...sounds like they're now producing the cars in a small Louisiana town by a bunch of highly-skilled Cajun mechanics."

We shudder to think what Redmond would've uttered when faced with the likes of a Lamborghini Murcielago.

[Source: WVTM NBC 13 via YouTube]

Video: 'Bugatti' badly bungled by blatantly bird-brained broadcaster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Apr 2006 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments