Porsche ’s sales have taken a significant hit over the past few months – thanks in large part to the downtrodden global economy – but the German automaker is planning a bevy of new models to bolster sales in the coming months and years.
An all-new Cayenne SUV is on tap for 2010, promising both more performance and better styling than the current ‘ute. Look for plenty of 911 influences, including a 911-esque hood and taillights. Underhood the Cayenne will be receiving a significant boost, thanks to Porsche’s new direct-injection V8 engines.
The all-new Panamera sedan is just now rolling into dealer showrooms, but Porsche has plans to expand the model range in 2010. The Panamera lineup will grow to include gas and diesel V6 models next year, says Autocar. Intended to serve as the model range’s entry-level offerings, the V6 Panamera models won’t offer such extras as all-wheel drive. Expect a price cut of at least $15,000 for the V6 models, although it’s highly unlikely we’ll see the diesel model in the United States.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Porsche will offer a new hybrid Panamera model in 2011. Expected to carry a hefty premium over gas-only Panamera models – save for the range-topping Turbo model – the Panamera Hybrid will borrow its hybrid system from the Cayenne Hybrid, also due out in 2011. However, the Cayenne uses a vastly different all-wheel drive system than the Panamera, so the four-door hybrid coupe will only be offered with rear-wheel drive.
Porsche will follow up its hybrid launch with an all-new 911 in the summer of 2012. Although the 911 will retain its iconic styling, virtually every body part will be completely new. The next 911 will grow in width and length, but an all-new suspension should be up to the task of keeping the larger footprint glued to the road.
Beyond 2012 things start to get murky, but Porsche’s smaller “Roxster” SUV could finally hit the market in 2013. Intended to slot beneath the Cayenne, the Roxster would likely be based on the Audi Q5 . However, the Roxster would have more of a sporting flare than the Cayenne, offering three and five-door bodies styles with even more styling influences from the 911.
Coupe and convertible models of the Panamera could also hit the market in 2013 – likely under the 928 nameplate – giving Porsche a rival to the Bentley Continental GT and Maserati GranTurismo.
