Porsche will build out its crossover lineup with a smaller, aggressively styled model

Porsche’s Cayenne crossover all but saved the performance automaker from the brink of bankruptcy in 2003. A lineup of only two-door sports cars had put the German automaker in the red while competing manufacturers had built vehicles in other segments.

Though Porsche was an enthusiast brand, purist buyers were too small a segment of the consuming public to keep the brand afloat. Then, with the introduction of the Cayenne, those who wanted a utility vehicle with performance pedigree swarmed over the model. The Cayenne grew to be a status symbol and introduced the brand to buyers who may never have considered a Porsche before.

With a serious injection of cash, Porsche has been able to not only survive, but thrive since the mid-2000’s, attributing more development dollars to expanding its performance vehicle lineup and moving into new vehicle segments.

It took over a decade, but Porsche finally introduced another crossover, the compact, sleek Macan. Predictably, the attractive model has been an instant sales success and now Porsche is reportedly considering yet another crossover.

Auto Bild is reporting that a sub-compact crossover, to slot below the Macan is being planned for production before the end of the decade. The new model will be previewed by a concept in a couple years that should boast more aggressive styling than both the Cayenne and Macan, including a more steeply raked roofline.

Rear-wheel drive will be standard, but higher spec versions will be available with all-wheel drive. Chances are, the new model will borrow a platform from Volkswagen or Audi, likely the same that underpins the new Audi Q3. The crossover will be powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines, though a range-topping model may use a twin-turbocharged V6 paired with a dual-clutch transmission.

Priced affordably (for the luxury segment), the new crossover should introduce another crop of customers to the Porsche fold, though the automaker runs the risk of losing brand pedigree if prices dip too low.

from Planet GS via John Jason Fallows on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1GPCaKH
Miles Branman