Based on recent spy photos of the next-generation 2011 Porsche Cayenne, our artist has created two computer illustrations of the revised SUV. As rumored nearly two years ago, the new Cayenne has a more wagon-like appearance, sitting lower to the ground with a slightly less traditional SUV stance. Highlights include a less upright windshield, a lower roofline, blacked-out B- and C-pillars, and sloping D-pillars.

Most recently, spy photographers were able to get quick shot of a prototype’s interior, revealing a very sporty new steering wheel. Though the interior was mostly covered, we can see the new wheel with integrated paddle shifters and a multi-tiered gauge cluster.

Porsche was first to the market with an SUV model based on the vehicle architecture developed jointly between Volkswagen, Audi and itself, with the original Cayenne being released back in 2002 – one year ahead of the VW Touareg and four years ahead of the Audi Q7.

Porsche has apparently succeeded to pushing VW to speed up development of shared projects – such as the replacement design for the SUV family.

Executives at Porsche hope to launch the new Cayenne by the first half of 2010, however, the second-gen Touareg isn’t due to make an appearance until late 2010 at the earliest. Germany’s Automobilwoche reports that Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking is using his ever-increasing control of VW Group to rush projects that would favor Porsche, even if it disadvantages VW. Audi, meanwhile, isn’t expected to replace its Q7 SUV with a new model until 2013.

Wiedeking made it clear to the VW board in January 2006 that he hopes to speed up development of the Cayenne because of fears of the worsening demand for thirsty SUVs and rising oil prices. The new model will be much more fuel-efficient and will feature a new hybrid model, as well as a diesel, in its revamped lineup.

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