Porsche said to target Mercedes with sixth model
LONDON, May 11 — Porsche will go head-to-head with Mercedes-Benz by introducing a new sedan model, according to reports.
The project, codenamed Pajun, will see Porsche tackle the Mercedes-Benz E-Class luxury sedan and will be the latest step for the automaker in its quest to become a more wide-ranging lifestyle brand.
A first sketch of the Porsche Macan. — Picture courtesy of PorscheThe Pajun will be a smaller version of the current Panamera sedan with four doors, Germany’s Auto Bild publication reported May 10, and would likely cost between €65,000 (RM260,000) and €100,000.
It’s said to be set for an introduction before 2017 at the latest, although Porsche executives have denied any firm decisions have been taken on the introduction of a sixth model.
Porsche is dramatically widening its once-selective lineup by introducing more variants — earlier this year it confirmed plans to produce the Macan, a small SUV aimed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz GLK and the Range Rover Evoque.
This week, the first pictures of the Macan surfaced in Germany, showing a vehicle that bears a significant resemblance to the Cayenne, albeit with a sharply raked windshield, a tapered roofline and a flattened bonnet, sitting over a large centre grille.
It’s expected to be launched next year, adding a fifth model to the lineup of the 911 sports car, the Boxster/Cayman series, the Panamera and the Cayenne SUV. — AFP-Relaxnews
