Hot News: 2014 Porsche Cajun

Meet the baby Porsche with added spice! Our exclusive images preview a new SUV coupé that’s set to join the firm’s ranks.

Due to be called the Cajun, it slots into the range below the Cayenne and will go head-to-head with the Range Rover Evoque and BMW X4, which we revealed in Issue 1,137.

The Cajun is the first car to be developed under Porsche’s new owner, VW. And as the Cayenne was created alongside the VW Touareg and Audi Q7, so this model will have much in common with Audi’s Q5.

It will be slightly lower and shorter than the Q5, but around 90mm wider, giving an imposing, sporty stance. And it will tip the scales at around 1,700kg.

In a bid to distance the Cajun further from other models in the family, Porsche will offer it only as a three-door initially. Engines will be sourced from Audi, with buyers getting a choice of two petrol units, two diesels and a petrol-electric hybrid.

Kicking off the range will be a pair of four-cylinder variants: a 237bhp 2.0-litre petrol turbo and a 188bhp 2.0-litre TDI. Top-spec cars will get either a 3.0-litre TFSI petrol V6, producing 328bhp, or 3.0 TDI with 237bhp and 550Nm of torque. Flagship Cajuns are expected to cover 0-62mph in less than six seconds.

A six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed PDK twin-clutch auto will be offered, while the four-wheel-drive system is to be biased towards tarmac use, so off-road features will be limited to hill descent control and all-weather tyres. The hybrid model is based on Audi’s forthcoming green Q5, which features a 210bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a 47bhp electric motor, and gives a zero-emissions range of 1.8 miles.

Although the Cajun is heavily based on the Q5, Porsche will fit unique suspension, damper and braking set-ups. The firm will also recalibrate the stability control for a sportier drive, and offer Porsche Active Stability Management as an extra, to control the new dampers.

The Sports Chrono package will be an option, too. This brings a sports exhaust to increase engine power, as well as launch control on cars with the PDK gearbox. VW Group design chief Walter de’Silva has already expressed interest in working on Porsche’s new models, and aims to move away from the controversial design seen on the Panamera. But the Cajun will still be striking, with a low, swooping roofline and short overhangs.

Inside, the four-seater cabin promises more luxury than the Q5. The centre console will be set higher, to cocoon the driver and give the car a small and nimble feel. Plus, the Panamera-inspired dash design and switchgear, set to appear in the new Boxster and Cayman next year, will ensure the model looks like a true Porsche.

When it goes on sale in 2013, it will be priced between the Q5 and Cayenne, which start from £27,980 and £41,404 respectively. The entry-level Cajun is likely to be slightly more expensive than the base Evoque Pure, which will cost from around £30,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express