Should Porsche Answer The Tesla Threat With An All Electric Pajun?

Porsche has been rumored to be working on a smaller counterpart to the Panamera for nearly four years now, but we have yet to see any sign of the model dubbed Pajun coming to fruition beyond a digital rendering hidden in the background of another Porsche design. Apparently Stuttgart has been having trouble making the business case in an already crowded market segment. But that doesn't mean the project is completely off the table.

According to the latest from Germany's own Auto Motor und Sport, Porsche is now planning to launch the so-called Pajun (shorthand for Panamera Junior just like the Macan project was previously called Cajun) purely as an electric vehicle.

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PUGPROUD - 1/29/2015 5:05:27 PM

+1 Boost

It's not a matter of should or shouldn't...it will. The auto industry
like others is comprised of followers too scared to miss a trend and be left behind. Four door coupes(sic) became all the rage after the first one was introduced. Now everyone is introducing coupe SUV's because the BMW X6 caught them by surprise. Hybrids are spreading everywhere. Nissan introduced and then withdrew an ugly SUV convertible...but the new Evoque SUV convertible is coming in 2015 and may lead to others to follow. Its an industry of followers like so many others...movies, tv, phones, golf equipment, etc. The innovators or first to market always has an advantage and rightfully so...risk is rewarded. Porsche is playing catch up.

MDarringer - 1/29/2015 7:51:24 PM

-2 Boost

Tesla is no threat to ANYONE. That said, plug-in hybridization cannot come quickly enough. Build EVs for the dimwits who want to be stranded.

TauronB2G - 1/29/2015 9:24:37 PM

+1 Boost

Bad move, Porsche makes sports cars. They are trying to spread the cost over the range. They'd get more traction basing the Pajun on the A6 and using an improved version of the Panameras hybrid system. Making a Tesla competitor from scratch will not solve the problem. If they do it their going to have to make an Audi version, a VW version and a Bentley version which will dilute the design, the performance and the brand.
T

vdiv - 1/30/2015 10:47:09 AM

+1 Boost

Without a question. And if not Tesla's "threat" at least make an SLS AMG ED competitor.

klipprand - 1/30/2015 10:49:52 AM

+1 Boost

How about follow the success of the 918 and implement that hybrid powertrain in the Pajun? An all-electric option, might be a good testing ground. But reality for a lot of us long-distance commuters still means gas.

chewy - 1/31/2015 12:45:36 AM

+1 Boost

Obviously a ground up design is necessary as there is limited benefit to a 20 mile EV range as a Tesla competitor. The performance boost in a sedan configuration is quite limited one again making the exercise a bit pointless. The 918 makes at least a bit of sense because there is a performance improvement and some fuel economy benefits even if a couple of turbos could probably deliver higher ultimate performance.

runninglogan1 - 1/31/2015 5:37:10 AM

+1 Boost

From what I gather, they don't want to go head to head with the E class, 5 series, A6 etc. Instead why not carve out a new niche - a mid size German all electric sports sedan with Tesla like instant acceleration and Porsche handling. Sounds irresistible!