This is the brand new Porsche Macan, formerly known as the Porsche Cajun. The baby-Cayenne is planned as a competitor to the current BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Range Rover Evoque. The 2013 model will follow the footsteps of the Cayenne.
With production set to begin in Leipzig in 2013, the Macan represents an investment of 500 million euros, one of the biggest building projects in Porsche’s history, and more than 1,000 new jobs. Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG, said:
The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of a SUV and is a genuine Porsche. The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations.
Expected engines will range from a 3.0 liter diesel engine producing 240bhp and 550Nm of torque to a choice between a 2.0 liter TFSI and a supercharged 3.0 liter petrol engine producing 333bhp.
The exact release is unknown at this stage. The Geneva Motor Show starting next month could be a good option for the German car maker, but is unknown if the Germans will release the smaller Cayenne – named after the Indonesian name for tiger – at the annual Swiss event.
Hi-res picture of the Porsche Macan right here.
