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Rumours on the next-generation Cayenne
By Yoann Besnard on 5 December 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
It is rumoured that the next-generation Cayenne might be the symbol of a strategic move for the German car maker. Indeed, the SUV would be smaller in every dimension than the current model and would be engineered for on-road manners rather than off-road abilities.
Likely to be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the future Cayenne would be based on the Audi Q5 platform in order to cut cost and share components with the Volkswagen Group. Secrecy surrounds the engine range but it is said that the Cayenne will still feature V8 engines either naturally aspirated or turbocharged. Along the big block, the next-generation Cayenne would also receive smaller V6 units. It is also said that it will feature a hybrid engine which can reach an impressive 32 mpg.
Despite being an achiever on the road, the current Cayenne is an impressive off-roader, but it might change in the future. The next Cayenne would be road-biased and would likely be considered as a crossover. How would Porsche market it is an interesting question.
A smaller Cayenne would probably help Porsche meet the CO2 emissions limits of 120g/km due to come into force in Europe in 2012. But, it might also be a dangerous move as the Cayenne appears to be a symbol of opulence in the streets nowadays. A smaller Cayenne might cause the SUV to lose the interest of current customers unless other competitors follow Porsche and release smaller SUVs in the future.
Source: Motor Authority
