Porsche Cajun to be Based on Audi Q5

Porsche has indeed confirmed rumours that it is working on a smaller version of their first ever SUV, the Cayenne. They have even let us in on a few more details.

The new baby Porsche SUV, to be called Cajun, will be based on the Audi Q5 (pictured above). While the Q5 is based on a front wheel drive platform, you can bet your knickers that Porsche’s iteration will not be front-wheel drive. The public may be able to tolerate a Porsche SUV, but front-wheel drive would surely cause riots in the streets even worse than in Vancouver. As such, Porsche has promised that the Cajun will be all-wheel drive only to tame the masses.

Power is expected to come from two engines: a 220 horsepower four cylinder and a 350 horsepower V6. Both diesels and hybrid versions are not out of the question either. A six-speed manual or a seven speed DSG will be transmission choices.

The Cajun is expected to go on sale in 2014 with its main competition being the Range Rover Evoque. In fact, Porsche hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a three-door Cajun being produced to battle the 3-door Evoque.

[Car and Driver]

That’s More Like It, Audi

I’ve reviewed the A3 TDI and while I think it’s a nice car, I can’t for the life of me understand why someone would spend the extra $10,000+ over the Volkswagen Golf TDI, since they are essentially the exact same car. I suggested that Audi needed to do something different to set it appart – or at least do more than adding leather and a premium badge. One of my suggestions was to make the diesel more available on other models and it seems Audi took that advice to heart (you’re welcome Audi, by the way).

Audi says the A4, A5, A6, A8 and Q5 will join the A3 and Q7 for diesel availability by 2015. That’s every model in Audi’s lineup. Well, almost every model. Audi was quick to burst our bubble of having a R8 V12 TDI any time soon. Anyway, Audi would be the first automaker in North America to offer a diesel variant in every model it sells. And if they’re smart they’ll also make TDI’s available with Quattro models (as I also suggested). Although apparently Quattro isn’t as good as we once thought.

Audi is hoping their diesel increase will gaim them 20% of the diesel market in the States. Currently they have about 5.5% of the market with the A3 TDI alone.

[Automotive News]

Quattro FAIL: BMW’s xDrive System Humiliates Audi’s System

The two German heavyweights are duking it out again and this time BMW is claiming victory.

It’s unclear where this event is or who is holding it, but judging buy the outcome, it’s safe to say this is BMW’s doing. They pitted Audi’s Q5 with Quattro AWD against their new BMW X3 with xDrive AWD. The results are actually quite surprising.

If you don’t know, Audi’s quattro system is world renowened, in fact Audi has been perfecting its system for over 25 years. As a result, quattro has helped Audi win many rally races over the years. Today, buying an Audi without quattro AWD is like cheating on Beyonce with Tara Reid. It just doesn’t make any sense.

BMW, on the other hand, has been using xDrive AWD for 25 years as well, but have had little to show for it – until now that is. It’s not that it was a bad AWD system, it’s just that Audi’s system clearly garnered the most attention.

Well BMW is hoping to shift that attention towards itself as the video above has the Q5 and X3 take on a metal ramp with some ‘slippery spots’ to test each AWD system.

The Q5 embarrassingly couldn’t even make it up the ramp! The X3 on the other hand had no problem at all, not even any wheel slippage and finished the small course without a hitch. Ouch.

As mentioned, since this is likely a BMW event, take the results as you will, but there is really no denying what you see with your own eyes. Check it outin the video above.

In any event, Audi will likely have to do a bit of damage control, but you can bet that they won’t take this sitting down.

The BMW vs. Audi rivalry continues.

[Youtube]

World Car of the Year 2010: Top Ten Entries Revealed

What is the best car in the world? It’s all relative and subjective and thus, impossible to determine. But that doesn’t stop automotive journalists from trying.

52 automotive journalists representing each continent in the world (except Antarctica – Penguins can’t legally drive yet) have gotten together and submitted their top ten choices for World Car of the Year in two categories: Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year. There will then be three finalists chosen for both categories.

Find out what car made the top ten and what our pics are for the finalists after the jump!

Read the rest of this entry »