Porsche dusts off the 2002 Cayenne Cabriolet that by no means was

Porsche added a second physique model to the Cayenne lineup when it launched the Coupe variant of the third-generation mannequin for 2020, however the concept of increasing the vary is as previous because the SUV itself. The corporate make clear a convertible that would have made it to manufacturing.

Launched in December 2002, the unique Cayenne was completely provided as a four-door SUV. Executives thought of three extra physique types: a coupe, a three-row mannequin prolonged by eight inches, and a convertible. Whereas the trio had been finally canned, Porsche constructed a life-sized mannequin of the droptop in order that its designers may test whether or not the physique model was comfy and sensible, mess around with totally different prime choices, and decide on a rear-end design. This explains why the again finish is fitted with two distinctly totally different appears.

Visually, the Cayenne Cabriolet appears near the regular-production SUV when seen from the entrance. It is a totally different story from the facet: It has two doorways, and it is fitted with a black mushy prime designed to fold into the trunk because of a mechanism much like the one fitted to the 911 Targa. Out again, nicely … it is dependent upon which angle you are viewing it from. The motive force facet is extra 911-like, whereas the passenger facet is extra angular and SUV-like. A lot of the inside components forward of the driving force are customary Cayenne bits, just like the three-spoke steering wheel.

Porsche explains that it canceled the Cayenne Cabriolet as a result of it could not make a good enterprise case for the mannequin. Design-related issues additionally performed a job within the mannequin’s demise, nevertheless.

“An SUV as a convertible is a problem each aesthetically and formally. An SUV all the time has a big and heavy physique. You mix this with a small prime half after which lower off the roof — you get very unusual shapes rising from that,” stated Porsche head designer Michael Mauer.

Apparently, the Cayenne Cabriolet is not the one oddball in Porsche’s archives. It almost constructed a minivan within the Nineteen Nineties, and the Renndienst idea van, beneath, was an intriguing look.