Even though Porsche has not officially announced the markets that the Macan will be sold in, our gumption says that the Baby Cayenne is Porsche’s trump card in the race to be India’s most popular luxury SUV. Hence, we have been tracking the Macan since the day it was announced.

Looking at the spyshots that entered the web recently, our friends at Ps-Garage have managed to provide us with near accurate renderings of the Macan. As one can see, there is a reason why it’s called a Baby Cayenne.

A lot of styling cues are borrowed from the elder brother to keep the design in-line with the family of Porsche cars. The key difference between the two models are elements such as the LED lights and DRLs in the air intake vents. The rear is more curvy and slopes more than the Cayenne. It can certainly be an alternative to the BMW X6.

We have comprehensively covered each and every aspect of the Macan over here.

It remains to be seen how well engineers have made the Macan handle and whether the Macan finds the sweet spot with the target market just like its elder brother did.

[Source: ps-garage.com]

Competing against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Jaguar XF and the BMW 5 Series, the new sedan will be out on the market in 2017.

In recent years, Porsche is the only manufacturer which has taken many risks to diversify the brand in different segments of the luxury market. Although Porsche is still known for its epic 911, there are so many Porsches now that have a distinct identity in the market.

According to the German magazine, the company’s management has given the green light to a new four-door sedan tentatively called Pajun (Panamera Junior). If true, the Porsche Pajun would be the sixth model in Porsche’s automobile lineup after the Boxster and Cayman twins, the 911 sports car series, the Cayenne SUV, the Panamera sedan and the upcoming Macan crossover.

Our digital artist Shoeb has submitted an impression above that previews the possible look of the Pajun that may appear like a scaled down Panamera.

The Pajun is expected to ride on the MSB-F – front-engined, rear- and all-wheel drive platform (check yesterday’s article for a complete lowdown on future VW Group platforms). Power will come from a six-cylinder gas engine, with three different power outputs on offer – 320 horsepower, 420 horsepower and 520 horsepower. A 313 horsepower six-cylinder diesel is also said to be in the works.

The Pajun is said to be scheduled for production in 2017 and would have a price of between €65,000 (approx 45 lakhs) and €100,000 (69 lakhs). With Porsche now ramping up its activities to boost sales in India, expect the Pajun on the Indian shores soon after its global premiere.

[Source: AutoBild.de]

Distribution-related matters will be handled by Volkswagen India including expanding dealer network. Precision Cars was the official importer of Porsche models in India before this new importer agreement was signed.

Since 2004, Porsche has sold 1,052 cars to Indian customers and last year, 85 per cent of total volume was contributed by Cayenne models. The first phase of this new beginning is the introduction of the new gen 911 Carerra model. The Panamera diesel variant and the Macan SUV rolling out next year are cars Porsche India is eager to sell.

The press release shared by Volkswagen communicating this important development states that Mr Anil Reddi, who has over 16 years of experience in the Indian market, has been appointed as the head of the Porsche India. Porsche expects new launches to drive sales in the coming years and development of emerging markets is important to the brand’s future.

Porsche’s upcoming baby SUV is expected to be the brand’s first venture in the smaller crossover segment. Autobild.de presents us with the rendering of the upcoming baby Porsche and Autocar.co.uk provides us with juicy details.

• The Porsche Macan will be the fifth model line for Porsche after Boxster/Cayman, 911, Cayenne and Panamera.
• The Porsche Macan is based on the Volkswagen Group’s next-generation large front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive platform known as MLB.
• The Macan will be available in a five-door layout similar to that of the Cayenne. But it is than the Cayenne, with an overall length of about 4.6m, width of 1.89m and height of 1.65m. That’s about 210mm shorter, 50mm narrower and 40mm lower than Cayenne.
• The engine options that will be available are:

Petrol engines -

• 3.6L twin-turbocharged V6 generating 370bhp
• 3.6-litre petrol V6 with 295bhp
• 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor with 220bhp

Diesel engines -

• 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 diesel with 309bhp
• 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel with 250bhp
• 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 190bhp

• A Macan hybrid is also planned with 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 208bhp mated to a 54bhp electric motor.
• All engines will be mated to a standard seven-speed manual or an optional seven-speed, dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission.
• It will have a range of fuel-saving features such as automatic stop-start, brake energy recuperation and on-demand operation of engine ancillaries. Higher models will have a ‘sailing’ function that uses a clutch to disengage the engine on a trailing throttle and during descents.
• The Macan will not be an off-roader so no low-range gearing or locking differentials. But it will have all wheel drive and sufficient ground clearance to go off road occasionally.
• It will feature an Audi-engineered, Porsche-tweaked Torsen torque-sensing differential with electronically controlled torque vectoring for the rear wheels to improve turn-in and cornering grip.
• The Audi Q5 will donate its suspension unit – including strut front and multi-link rear suspension – but the Macan gets a unique elasto-kinematics thanks to specific bushes, springs and damping rates.
• It will feature a electro-mechanical steering system for maximum feedback
• It will offer a relatively lesser interior space than BMW X3 or an Audi Q5 but the interior will closely resemble the Cayenne.
• The Macan will help Porsche achieve its target of 200,000 units yearly sales. It hits the showrooms in October next year and is India bound soon after its global launch.

Source: autocar.co.uk & Autobild.de

But when the media drove the Cayenne, boy did they had their foot in their mouth.

Porsche continues to amaze the world as they have finally rolled off 100,000 second generation Cayennes!

The 100,000th Cayenne II is a V8 petrol model in a ‘Pure White’ finish which will be shipped to its owner in Brazil. The first generation Cayenne was a massive hit with the company shipping 260,000 units from 2002 to 2010.

The Cayenne is currently sold in over 124 markets worldwide, making it a truly global vehicle. It is currently the largest selling Porsche from the company’s portfolio. In fact, the company plans to a baby Cayenne – called Cajun to fight the X3, Freelander2 and the Q5.

With the momentous milestone, Porsche is also celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its Leipzig plant. Porsche built the factory 10 years ago on a greenfield site specifically for the production of Cayenne. The Leipzig plant currently manufactures the Cayenne and the Panamera sedan. Last year alone, Leipzig produced 93,800 vehicles — more than any other year in the Porsche plant’s history.

Due to heavy demand of the vehicles, Porsche has just added a third shift in the plant. The company also plans to invest an additional €500 million for updating the plant so that it can manufacture the Cajun as well.

[Source: MotorAuthority.com]

But a new challenger is taking birth on the hills of Nürburgring – It’s the Porsche Cajun. This baby Cayenne will mark the Porsche brand’s first entry in the compact luxury SUV segment.

According to the images reported by Autoblog.com, Porsche has already started testing the Cajun platform on the Ring. Right now, it is using the Audi Q5 body as a test mule. More proof comes in the form of number plates which are marked LB (Ludwigsburg). If it was actually an Audi, it would have been IN (Ingoldstadt).

The Porsche Cajun will be shorter, lower, and wider than the Audi’s Q5. Considering VW has assigned Audi with developing all the SUV platforms, the Porsche Cajun will be based on the Q5 platform but will have front-wheel drive architecture.

Having said that, Porsche may also customize the ‘Quattro’ system and introduce the Cajun in an all-wheeled drive form. Porsche is planning to introduce its own braking and suspension system on the Cajun. A lot of design cues will be borrowed from the Panamera and 911 both on the inside and on the outside.

There are a myriad of engine options that may be available on the Cajun such as

• A supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 generating around 300 hp
• 2.0-liter TFSI which will be good for 220 hp
• 3.0-liter V-6 making 350 hp
• A hybrid power train consisting of 2.0 TFSI producing 208-hp and a 44-hp electric motor.
• Audi’s 3.0-liter V-6 TDI in 2 versions – 250 hp and 310 hp.
• 2.0-liter TDI with 200 hp is also possible.

All the engines will be either be mated to six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission; the hybrid will get an eight-speed automatic. There are also plans to launch a sportier 3 door version.

The reason why we are so much interested in this SUV is because its big brother Porsche Cayenne is the best selling Porsche in India. There is absolutely no reason why the Cajun will not be appreciated over here. We are ready to bet on the fact that the Cajun will see the lights of Indian cities.

The Cajun is expected to be launched in late 2013 and early 2014. Until then, we will get you all the dope on its testing phase.

[Source - AutoBlog.com]

Fiat is working on reviving the Panda and in the next few months it’ll be out on some international markets. There’s huge demand for the Panda in Europe and Fiat manufactured the 1,500,000th Panda back in July 2009. It has been in production since 1980 and we can’t wait for it here in India with the 900cc TwinAir petrol and 1.3-liter Multijet engine.

[Head over to steeringnews.com to read about the new Panda]

Porsche meanwhile is downsizing some of its cars starting with the Cayenne. The Cayenne Junior or Cajun will touch down in mid 2013. Based on the Audi Q5, the Cajun is a perfect car for Porsche to run down the likes of the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. But will the Cajun be an overpriced product due to the anti-import duty structure?

[Head over to steeringnews.com to read about the Porsche Cajun]

Dacia is working on a Mahindra Xylo in Romania. Codenamed J92, the Dacia Monospace MPV could bear the Popster nameplate when it comes out next year. Like other Dacias (Logan, Sandero and Duster) its should be great value and can help Renault occupy the MPV space in India that will see so many new players over the next 12-18 months.

[Head over to steeringnews.com to read about the Dacia J92]

The front seats are trimmed in black partial leather and it has a sports steering wheel. Climate control and cruise control are handy features on long journeys. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM), Porsche’ way of saying “satellite navigation” is available and the black audio interface plays MP3 files. The system is also Bluetooth compatible.

The black color scheme of the Cayman S Black Edition is consistent throughout. This is stretching the limited edition status a bit too far as everything from the dashboard, gear lever, seats to the alloys are painted in black.

Sitting behind the passenger cell is a 6-cylinder, 3.4-liter boxer engine capable of generating 330hp at 7400 rpm and a peak torque of 370 Nm at 4750 rpm. This rockets the Cayman to 100kph from a standstill in just 5.1 seconds. Equipped with PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) dual-clutch gearbox, the car accelerates till 279km/h.

One will argue that there are not many roads in India to explore all of the Cayman model’ capabilities but customers will counter argue that they are tired of waiting for the government to give them the facilities. Moreover the Cayman driver is more concerned about making a statement than a 279kmph speed dash.

We are not Ford or Tata and this is how we retain our exclusivity. Having said that, we know that India is primarily a chauffeur-driven market and back in Germany, the company recognizes the fact that very often a customer is not willing to wait long before buying a vehicle.

In an interview with Carwale, Mr. James Bourne, Regional Operational Manager, Porsche Middle East talks about the exclusivity of Porsche cars.

Source – Car Wale

All prices are ex-showroom Mumbai

Cayenne – 65.82 lakh (3.6 liter V6 – 296 hp)

Cayenne S – 78.62 lakh (4.8 liter V8 – 395 hp)

Cayenne Turbo – 1.27 crore (4.8 liter twin-turbo V8 – 493 hp)

Cayenne DIESEL – 59.22 lakh (3.0 liter V6 TDI – 237 hp)

Cayenne S Hybrid – 75.46 lakh (3.0 liter V6 – 375 hp)

Press Release

Eagerly anticipated new generation Porsche Cayenne makes its national debut

New Porsche Cayenne arrives at Porsche Centre Mumbai

Mumbai. A long awaited model has finally arrived. Precision Cars India, the official Porsche importer for India, unveils the second generation Porsche Cayenne at Porsche Centre Mumbai today.

As a premiere for the Porsche brand this model is offered as a hybrid version, the Cayenne S Hybrid. A highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive ensures fuel consumption of just 8.2 litres/100 kilometres with CO2 emissions of just 193 g/km. The Cayenne S Hybrid combines the performance of an eight-cylinder with the economy of a six-cylinder running on much less fuel.

Based on the manufacturer’s principle of “Porsche Intelligent Performance”, all Cayenne vehicles offer more power on less fuel, greater efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. Compared with the former generation, fuel consumption is down by up to 23 per cent making the new models to trendsetters in their respective segments.

These objectives result from the introduction of the new Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic transmission with Auto-Start-Stop and a wide spread of gear ratios, thermal management on the engine and transmission cooling circuit, on-board network recuperation, variable engine cut-off and intelligent lightweight construction.

Thanks to its special combination of materials for optimum weight as well as changes in the overall concept of the vehicle such as the Cayenne’s new active and extra light all-wheel drive, weight is down considerably, for example on the Cayenne S by 180 kilos. The lighter body weight did not prevent further improvements in product substance and an even higher standard of safety.

Benefiting from these features and new technologies, the new Cayenne offers even more driving pleasure both on-road and off-road, combined with even greater everyday driving qualities as well as enhanced comfort. The completely new, sporty yet elegant design of the new model integrates the 2010 Cayenne even more closely into the overall range of Porsche cars.

Extra space inside and greater variability is ensured by the wheelbase now 40 mm longer. In all, the new Cayenne is 48 mm longer than its predecessor. The eye-catching cockpit-like interior clearly derived from the Porsche Panamera, can now be also found in the new Cayenne with a centre console between the two front seats. For maximum comfort also in the back, the rear seat bench now moves fore-and-aft by 160 millimetres, with the backrest angle adjusting to three different settings.

The range starts with the 3.6-litre V6 Cayenne with an increased engine power to 300 bhp. With its eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission fuel consumption is down from the former model by no less than 20 per cent to 9.9 ltr/100 km

The Cayenne Diesel with its 240 bhp three-litre V6 likewise reduces fuel consumption by 20 per cent, down from 9.3 to 7.4 ltr/100 km.

Fuel efficiency is also up significantly on the high-torque Cayenne S with its 4.8-litre V8 power unit, in this case by 23 per cent to 10.5 litres/100 kilometres. At the same time the new engine delivers 400 bhp maximum output instead of the former 385 bhp.

The most powerful Cayenne Turbo, with its 500 bhp 4.8-litre V8 biturbo consumes now just 11.5 ltr/100 km representing also a reduction in fuel consumption of 23 per cent.

At 193 g/km, the Cayenne S Hybrid is the cleanest version of the Cayenne with the lowest level of emissions. In the intelligent interaction of the three-litre supercharged V6 and the electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid focuses on maximum efficiency from the overall system. Depending on driving conditions, the vehicle operates with one drive unit by itself or with both drive units working together. In this context the 47 hp electric motor is of course the ideal partner for the 333 hp compressor engine with its high torque at low speeds. Together, the two drive units deliver maximum system output of 380 bhp and peak torque of 580 Nm at just 1,000 rpm, with the same kind of performance as the Cayenne S with its V8 power unit.

The two drive units are connected to one another by a separator clutch. Given a desired slow speed, for example in a residential area, the driver can cover short distances on electric power alone at a speed of up to 60 km/h, free of emissions and hardly any noise.

To ensure fast acceleration when setting off, the electric motor also serves as an additional boost. Intelligent management of the separator clutch makes the transition among the hybrid-specific driving modes comfortable and quick. When no further power is required, the combustion engine may be fully disengaged from the drivetrain at speeds of up to 156 km/h. In this so called sailing mode the drag forces exerted by the combustion engine and their braking effect are eliminated in the interest of lower drive resistance and fuel consumption.

“The new Cayenne features a completely new exterior and newly defined luxury interior. Yet in today’s world, it’s clearly not enough to pour on more power; there must be a clear, simultaneous improvement in fuel consumption. We have optimized this objective to a maximum by reducing CO2 emissions of up to 26% and a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 23% less. This car clearly brings a new dimension to the SUV market”, said Deesch Papke, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa.

Ashish Chordia, Director, Porsche India, emphasized on the new features that meet the customer’s demand in the local market. “We are extremely proud to launch the new Cayenne. This model represents the perfect balance between elegant design, powerful driving dynamics and a high level of comfort. Despite all of this, efficiency has significantly improved making this model an outstanding trendsetter in its segment.”

“We already have a strong order bank for the new Cayenne and with new Porsche Centres set to open in Chandigarh, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, we expect it to grow even more”, added Chordia.

The ex-showroom prices, excluding all local taxes and duties, for the new Cayenne models in India are:

Cayenne – 65,82,000 INR

Cayenne S – 78,62,000 INR

Cayenne Turbo – 1,27,10,000 INR

Cayenne Diesel – 59,22,000 INR

Cayenne S Hybrid – 75,46,000 INR