Spied: 2014 Porsche Macan

Soon-to-be baby brother to the Cayenne, the 2014 Porsche Macan has been spotted largely undisguised while testing at altitude in the western U.S. Although the 5-passenger SUV will share a good deal of platform architecture with its corporate cousin and de facto prime rival, the Audi Q5, Porsche‘s second crossover offering reportedly will be somewhat smaller and trimmer than the Audi and get its own Porsche-specific interior/exterior styling, powertrain and suspension tuning. Inside, the 5-passenger cabin of this test mule displays a good deal of current Porsche design thinking and also features the automaker’s enthusiast-oriented Sport Chrono Package.

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While the Macan’s powertrain choices have yet to be confirmed, they are expected to include Audi’s 2.0-liter TFSI, turbocharged/direct-injected 4-cylinder, the Cayenne’s 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, gasoline engines likely to churn out about 240, 290 and at least 370 horsepower, respectively. A 2.0-liter/4-cylinder TDI and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 also are tabbed to be part of the lineup, with a gas/electric Macan hybrid due at some point. However, it’s not yet clear which of these motivators will make it to America.

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In addition to the Audi Q5, the 2014 Porsche Macan will be facing off against other crossover SUVs like the BMW X3 and Range Rover Evoque. Set to go on sale in early 2014, the Macan is due to be unveiled  later this year at either the Frankfurt or Los Angeles Auto Shows. Pricing for the Macan is expected to start in the mid-$40,000 range.

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