Porsche confirms seventh model line in the works

PORSCHE AG is poised to further expand its product range beyond the just-launched Macan compact SUV, according to president and CEO Matthias Muller.

Speaking at last week’s Macan launch in Germany, Mr Muller addressed rumours that the brand was looking to move into even more segments, telling media – including GoAuto – that seven models would be the optimal size of Porsche’s product portfolio.

The company currently offers six product lines including the 918 hypercar, as it considers the Cayman and Boxster one model despite the different badges.

Having seven models would allow Porsche to launch a new-generation car every year, based on a typical model cycle.

“If you include the super sports car, the 918, (our range) adds up to six,” said Mr Muller. “In our opinion, seven model series would be perfect.

“The typical lifecycle of a vehicle is seven years… by way of calculations we would have a major launch event every year.” The hot favourite to join the Porsche range around 2016 is a BMW 5 Series-rivalling large sedan to sit beneath the Panamera, in much the same way as the Macan sits beneath the Cayenne.

As with the Macan, expect this new sedan – codenamed by some as ‘Pajun’, short for Panamera Junior – to use partial Audi underpinnings, likely the updated MLB architecture sourced from the A6. But also as with the Macan, expect a major mechanical overhaul.

The ‘Pajun’ would give Porsche an answer to Maserati’s new Ghibli, and offer a more sporting alternative to executive cars from fellow Germans BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

A range expansion beyond its core sportscar market is crucial for Porsche as it seeks to grow global volume well beyond the circa-160,000 vehicles it sold in 2013.

That figure will eclipse 200,000 this year, and with a volume sedan – likely to be especially big in China – this figure would likely push 300,000 units within a few years.