Porsche previews the new Macan

The new model – previously known with the name “Cajun” – will be based on the Audi Q5 platform.

The name Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and according to the company intends to combine the ideas of “suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics”.

As the fifth Porsche model line, the Macan is a central plank of Strategy 2018, by which the sports car manufacturer wishes to expand its model portfolio.

Porsche intends the Macan to emulate the success of the Cayenne.

The production of the SUV will start in Leipzig in 2013.

To that end, the site in this city in Saxony is being expanded into a fully-fledged production plant including body assembly line and paint shop – with 500 million euro of investment.

“The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of a SUV and is a genuine Porsche”, said Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG.

“The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations.”

Word names at Porsche have a concrete connection with the corresponding model and its characteristics: the name Boxster describes the combination of boxer engine and roadster, Cayenne stands for sharpness, the Cayman is snappy and agile and a Panamera is more than a Gran Turismo, capable also of winning the Carrera Panamericana long-distance race.

(Source: Porsche)