Porsche Cayenne Gets V-6

Porsche AG's contract with Volkswagen AG to develop the Cayenne and Touareg cross/utility vehicles includes a provision that calls for Porsche to install VW's 3.2L V-6 engine, used in the base Touareg, for the Cayenne.

VW says Porsche has delayed the introduction of the Cayenne V-6 because sales of the CUV have been brisk since its introduction. However, Porsche is expected to begin installing the 6-cyl. engine in the Cayenne in the near future, VW says.

The V-6 powered Cayenne was to be reserved for the European market only, however, it may make its way to U.S. showrooms during the '04 model year, sources say. Porsche AG management in Stuttgart reportedly is pushing Porsche Cars North America Inc. executives to sell V-6 powered Cayennes in the U.S. market to help it meet future volume goals. A Porsche North America spokesman refuses to comment on speculation.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen remains open to selling a 12-cyl. version of its Touareg SUV in the U.S. market, Ward's learns.

VW will launch a version of the new SUV in Europe with its W-12 powertrain within the next 12 months. The 6.0L W-12, currently an optional powertrain in Europe on the Phaeton, will be available there on the Audi A8.