Porsche's eagerly-anticipated Cajun small SUV was caught testing on Germany's Nurburgring, in preparation for an early calendar 2013 launch. But it takes a sharp eye to see that the mule pictured is not your run-of-the-mill Audi Q5.
We had reported earlier that the Cajun is well on its way to completion, and Auto Express managed to snap a few shots of a Cajun testing mule -- disguised as its platform-mate, the Audi Q5 -- driving near Porsche's testing center at the Nurburgring. They claim it is proof that the baby Cayenne is ready for a 2012 debut and a 2013 production date, right on schedule.
The Q5 mule wears a wider track and flared wheel arches, as well as very large wheels, which all but assures it's a Porsche underneath. Underhood, the upcoming Cajun will probably receive a number of engines we're familiar with: the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from VW/Audi, pumped up to 235 hp; a 3.0-liter V-6 engine from Audi (we believe it could be the supercharged 3.0T first seen in the A6) retuned to around 290 hp; and a Porsche-sourced twin-turbo V-6, producing more than 350 hp.
For people who are fans of Porsches and small carbon footprints, Auto Express also says the Cajun will receive a selection of four- and six-cylinder diesel engines, as well as the hybrid powertrain from the Audi Q5, which mixes the 2.0-liter turbo four and a 44-hp electric motor. No matter what the engine, we expect the Cajun to retain an all-wheel drive setup based on Audi's Quattro.
In any event, the Cajun (short for Cayenne junior) will offer either three- or five-door variants, with Porsche expecting the five-door model to drive most of Cajun sales. Prices haven't been announced, but expect the Cajun to command about a 15 percent premium over the Q5.