Our trusty scoopers caught Porsche’s development team working on a test mule of the new Cajun junior crossover before it entered the German firm’s test facility at the Nürburgring.
Hiding under the Audi Q5 body is a modified version of the crossover’s platform with wider tracks that will form the base for the new Porsche Cajun.
The Audi SUV is also believed to loan its powerplants to the Cajun. According to the German grapevine, the Porsche model will be offered at launch with 2.0-liter turbo petrol delivering around 240HP, a 3.0-liter turbo petrol V6 with 290HP, a 2.0-liter diesel with 190HP and a 3.0-liter diesel V6 with 265HP.
There’s also talk about a hybrid model which will be mechanically identical to the Audi Q5 Hybrid that features a 2.0 TSI four-cylinder gasoline unit working alongside a 33-kW (44 HP) electric motor, regenerative braking, and start/stop tech.
And while the Cajun will most likely share key components like steering, transmission, axles and the four-wheel-drive system with the Q5, Porsche is believed to develop the braking, suspension and dynamic control systems.
As for the Cajun’s looks, apparently, there’s nothing to comment about these spy photos of the test mule as the body is identical to the Q5. However, the production model will feature unique exterior panels and a sportier stance thanks to wider and lower body, shorter wheelbase and smaller front/rear overhangs.
Recent reports suggest that Porsche will launch a three-door version of the Cajun before the five-door model.
The baby Porsche SUV will debut towards the end of 2012 with production to take place at Porsche’s Leipzig facility in Germany, alongside the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan model.
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