Centurion

Porsche was first to the market with an SUV model based on the vehicle architecture developed jointly between Volkswagen, Audi and itself. The original Cayenne was released back in 2002, one year ahead of the VW Touareg and four years ahead of the Audi Q7. The sports car brand is now reported to pushing VW to speed up development of projects that are shared in common, namely, the replacement design for the SUV family.

Execs 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 last year 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 in its lineup.

Source: Motor Authority

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Merc1

Well I think we can get used to this type of thing with Porsche folks calling the shots. It makes sense though. He can see that the thirsty SUV party is nearing an end so....

M

Centurion

Yupp Porsche is definetly using their influence and power here. The Cayenne, Tourage and Q7 platform sharing has been one of the best. All three cars are so different that one can't even notic that they have anything incommon.

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