The maker of the 911 has evolved from a one-trick pony into a company that sells more SUVs and sedans than anything else. We don't really have a problem with that, but it's relevant for this story because it explains why they made this car, the Macan.
First rumored as a sportier version of the Cayenne, the Macan SUV is being revealed to be what we always thought it was, a gap-filler. It's been developed from the Audi Q5 platform to be cheaper than a Cayenne, in much the same way that the Cayman is a cheaper sportscar than the 911.
However, for slightly less affluent customers looking to pick up a Porsche SUV, this is good news. So what's it going to look like, this budget Cayenne?
DrGumoLunatic has pick up on this test prototype in Stuttgart. It's barely disguised with only the headlights and taillights covered up. This baby SUV definitely looks the part, having a sporty sloped rear and the precise design of a typical Porsche.
The Macan will make its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. It will be powered by either a 3.0-liter or a 3.6-liter bi-turbo V6 engine, depending on the model, both coupled as standard with a PDK gearbox, with prices starting around $52,000.
From this test vehicle, we were able to determine that the Macan will be available with adaptive cruise control system, which actively intervenes in the braking process in hazardous situations. A camera-based system mounted in the front of the car will detect traffic signs and monitor if the vehicle is maintaining lanes.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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