Speaking of Names, Add 'Macan' to the List of Dustbin Contenders

After creating ripples throughout the automotive community by announcing an all-electric next-generation Macan small crossover, Porsche might go a step further and ditch the model’s name altogether.

Talk about severing links to the past…

Speaking to Australia’s Wheels (h/t to Motor Trend), Blume laid out his brand’s electrification strategy — a product plan which must tread carefully, lest it raise the ire of motoring purists. While the upcoming Taycan and its offspring were designed from the ground up around a fully electric powertrain (and dedicated platform), Porsche isn’t about to start building EV versions of existing models willy-nilly.

“We have the idea to offer in each segment three options of engines (high performance petrol, plug-in hybrid and pure electromobility),” Blume said. “In the limousine segment, we will have the Panamera as petrol and hybrid and the Taycan as electric. In the SUV segment our ideas is a fully electrified Macan, petrol Cayenne and a hybrid Cayenne. Our idea for the Macan is to continue with some updates as long as possible and then to come round about 2020 with the electrified Macan.”

Once that occurs, the model might warrant a new name, Blume said. The executive describes the future SUV as having “the roots of the Macan,” but appearing “very different and future orientated.”

“When we develop a new car in the model range, it’s always a challenge to make it even better without losing tradition. We haven’t decided yet [to continue the Macan nameplate],” he said.

Blume was careful not to mention the 911, it appears, though he did say the Boxster could be the next Porsche model to ditch its internal combustion powerplant. “It depends on the development of the markets and the needs,” he said, adding that a decision on the model’s direction will come this year.”

If the Boxster does go electric, it won’t carry on with its existing platform. “Our opinion is that when you use a car that is designed for a petrol engine it doesn’t fit for an EV because of the construction of the body,” Blume said. “When you play in the segment like Porsche to develop very sporty cars, it has to be tailor made for each type of engine.”

[Images: Porsche AG]