Volkswagen was eventually chosen to be a partner.
The Porsche Cayenne, now in its third generation is undoubtedly the most significant model in Porsche’s modern history. The luxury SUV was launched 20 years ago. It had the goal of saving Stuttgart-based Porsche from bankruptcy. Thankfully, it succeeded after a tough first half. The automaker considered five vehicle options before the Cayenne was released to the public. In the end, however, only a luxury minivan or a premium SUV was chosen.
The second idea was more popular and Porsche launched a performance-oriented SUV. Initial contact was made with Mercedes-Benz to help develop the new model. The first ML was scheduled to be launched in 1997. Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert (VP for the Cayenne, 1998-2010), explains that the Porsche SUV was envisioned as a high performance offshoot from the Mercedes.
Although the cooperation between the companies made good progress in 1996, it was not finished before the end. Mercedes had “differing views about the two companies’ economic relationship”. A new partner was required to complete the Porsche project. The partner was located in Wolfsburg. Although Porsche and Volkswagen weren’t yet part of the same automotive group as each other, VW executives saw great potential and decided that they could use a car similar to this.
In June 1997, Porsche, Volkswagen and other companies joined forces to create what was known internally as the Colorado Project. These two large SUVs were built on a Porsche platform. Both the Stuttgart engineers were responsible for their development, and Volkswagen was responsible for producing the models. Although the two large SUVs had similar body components, they never shared powertrains. The Touareg was powered by a Porsche engine and the Touareg used a Porsche engine. The 2002 Paris Motor Show saw the unveiling of Porsche’s first five seater, four years after its initial decision. As they say, the rest is history.