Porsche plots low-end SUV
Rumours swirl round sub-Cayenne off-roader
Is Porsche planning yet another SUV? The Weissach-based company is, according to Autocar, serious enough about the idea to develop a clay model of the three-door off-roader. And insiders suggest that a prototype is being built.
The machine would slot in under the Cayenne, which would head upmarket in a hurry sporting a base price in the mid-£40ks. The new SUV could cost around £33,000, speculates Autocar.
Engine placement is, though, as yet unknown, with all three main locations still possible. Instead, it could be based on the Audi Roadjet platform, which will underpin the next A4. Adding fuel to the rumours, renewing links with Audi is a scheme close to the heart of Porsche boss Wendelin Wiederking; in the 1970s, the company used Audi components in the 924, which was built at Audi's Neckarsulm plant.
Porsche has done this sort of thing before of course, with the cross-country 959, with its four-wheel drive and raised suspension, and which won the Paris-Dakar Rally. We've heard this rumour before of course (see link below) but this time, it appears to have more than a degree of substance.
What will it look like? Imagine a 911 with raised suspension, add a few chunky-looking air ducts and you're there...
more porsche pictures at www.porschecarfans.com
If it's a lightweight, sporty Dakar-style 2-door with a smallish, fizzy, turbocharged engine, switchable 4WD and adjustable suspension that allows it to hunker down again and be a proper sports car, it'll be the best thing since sliced bread - just think, B-road performance and handling, but at the flick of a switch it becomes the ultimate dune buggy.
However, it'll probably be an ugly, over-priced, over-heavy, over-assisted VAG-based lump of a thing, and yet another sign that one of the world's greatest sporting marques with centuries of racing and innovation heritage has just become another 'brand', like Nike or Adidas, but as cars, for the rich and not-very-discerning.
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I completely agree. For the type of climate and weather and roads I drive here in western Canada it would fit my needs and desire perfectly.
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sums up 4x4s. They all remind me of bloated hatchbacks on stilts. Apart from the X5 and XC90 - estates on stilts. 


Saw one just the other week, piller box red. And it worked.
