Porsche Cajun to launch in a 3-door body style First, will be based on the Audi Q5

Porsche have announced that the Leipzig plant would be the site at which their junior SUV would be made. AutoBild reports that the compact SUV would be a three door model with a sporting look to differentiate this one from the Audi Q5.

Named Cajun, the project was initially aimed at giving it a five door feature but later decision was changed to go for the three door option as it was felt there was going to be an effect or fall out on the sales of the Q5 model.

There was also apprehension felt on the effect the Cajun with a five door body would have had on the sales of the Cayenne. The decision was therefore settled upon a smaller size SUV with a more dynamic appearance while the five door version has been shelved for future use.

To differentiate between the Cajun and the Audi Q5, Porsche is placing unique body panels and a coupe like profile, a wider and lower body, shorter wheelbase and smaller overhangs at the front and rear on the Cajun. AutoBild reports, the Cajun would be big enough to seat four passengers in comfort.

The features otherwise on the technical side would be similar to that of the Audi Q5. There would be the same steering, transmission, axles and the four wheel drive system as in the Audi Q5. To give the sporty touch the suspension, braking and dynamic control systems will be developed by Porsche separately for the Cajun.

The Cajun would be launched in four variants of engine. One would be a 2.0 liter turbo petrol developing 240 HP. The other a 3.0 liter turbo petrol V6 delivering 290 HP, a 2.0 liter diesel with 190 HP and a 3.0 liter diesel V6 with 265 HP.

Performance upgrades for the diesel engine would be offered later on by Porsche and this would up the power by 204 hp and 300 hp respectively. The V6 gasoline driven engine would deliver 350 hp. There are also plans afoot for the hybrid model in line with the Audi Q5 hybrid. Launch dates of the Cajun is expected in 2012 or early 2013.

Source: carscoop