The Porsche Macan used to be one of the brand’s best-selling products, but after it was turned into an EV with no combustion-powered offering, sales plunged. But Porsche is working on a solution to its mistake, and as new spy shots reveal, it’s making significant progress. While the development mule in these images may look like an Audi Q5, it’s actually a test bed for the gas Macan’s replacement, and Porsche may have settled on a name for it; while our spies have previously overheard the names ‘Cajun’ and ‘Octan’ in reference to the gas Macan’s successor, they now only refer to the latter, which may remind some in the audience of the fictional gas station created by Lego.
Porsche Octan Will Be Better Than An Audi Q5
Autoblog/SH Proshots
We’ve seen Porsche crossover development mules masquerading as Audis before, but this one has evolved from the prototypes we’ve seen before, sprouting a new grille design that certainly looks more Stuttgart than Ingolstadt. The front end of the Octan mule has two grille openings, one above the other, each segmented in the middle. Porsche may add mesh to these portholes to prevent the radiators and other cooling elements from being pepper-sprayed by road rash, but as high-dollar premium offerings like BMW’s CS models show, buyers may be happy to put up with an open design if it looks special. Elsewhere, the only other hints we have of the Octan’s final look are tacked-on wheel arch extensions and a dual exhaust outlet setup. The former elements seem to confirm Porsche CEO Michael Leiters’ comments claiming that, while the Macan replacement will continue to share a platform with Audi, it’ll be a “real” Porsche, with a wider track improving handling ability.
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Speaking of the platform, the new luxury crossover will be built on the Premium Platform Combustion architecture, capable of accommodating a range of electrified engines. Four-cylinder engines and V6s alike are expected to be offered, all with all-wheel drive, and some with a plug-in hybrid setup. The PHEVs are expected to be capable of over 62 miles of all-electric driving, so buyers may eventually be tempted by the Macan EV. At least, that’s what Porsche hopes so it can recoup some of its hefty losses. Another measure Porsche may take to increase profitability is to introduce another body style, potentially similar to the Q5 Sportback.
Porsche Macan/Octan Coming Soon
Autoblog/SH Proshots
The relatively quick development of the Macan replacement and rumors heard in regions in which the Octan has been spotted testing have led our spies to believe that nearly finished prototypes will be spotted “by winter at the latest.” The fact that this mule is undergoing hot-weather testing in Spain with a new front end also supports that theory, which should translate to a full debut sometime in the first half of 2027, though it’s also possible that the Octan will only launch later next year for the 2028 model year. We’ll bring you more information as we get it.
Autoblog/SH Proshots
