Porsche approves the Cajun, a junior 4x4

Porsche's supervisory board today confirmed it would build the Cajun, a junior SUV to slot beneath the Cayenne in its range.

The announcement from Stuttgart confirmed the 'working name' Cajun and said the new model would increase growth. Critics will surely say that the Cajun represents yet another move away from Porsche's sports car roots, but don't forget the effect that Cayenne sales have had on the company's balance sheets.

The Cajun is pitched as an 'efficient and sporty model' and a smaller 'SUV'. Porsche promises light weight, ease of handling and agility.

The brief statement from the supervisory board also revealed that Porsche would target younger buyers with the Cajun. Look out for a raft of VW Group bits and pieces underpinning the Cajun, which is destined to share much of its 4x4 architecture with the Audi Q5.

Too early to call at present, although we did scoop what we thought could have been the 'Roxster' back in 2008 (see related articles left).

The image above right was an early design sketch for the Cayenne; put it through the photocopier at 80% and you might get a good idea!

By Tim Pollard