The German marque’s product-line principle for making cars was also created during this time.
Undoubtedly, the Cayenne is one of the most significant models in the history of the German automaker. The Cayenne is Porsche’s saving grace, with the goal of bringing life back to a company on the verge of bankruptcy. The Cayenne succeeded in reaching its goal and, 20 years after the launch of the first Porsche SUV in 2002, we are now in the third generation model.
Porsche celebrates two decades of Cayenne and lets us in on a little bit about its birth. The automaker took great care to keep the Cayenne’s progress secret.
The Cayenne, also known as Project Colorado, was different from other Porsches of the time. It wasn’t built in Weissach. Porsche instead used an ex-computer assembly plant in Hemmingen as the head of the Cayenne’s product line.
The facility, which covered 3,800 square meters (4,545 yards) was empty of any company signs. It was also surrounded by fencing and had office windows that were mirrored. Before anyone could enter, they had to be registered under strict security. Everybody was required to be closely supervised while exploring the Hemmingen site.
This three-story building was home to 260 Porsche engineers, 40 from Volkswagen engineers and others who were all working to create the Cayenne.
Wolpert says, “The Cayenne product range was run like an independent company.” “I was the only boss and had all the budget and responsibility. Wendelin Wiedeking was my only boss.” Wiedeking, Porsche’s former President, was the Chief Executive Officer between 1993 and 2009.
Today, 700 people work at the Hemmingen location to create a breakthrough for Porsche: the Macan product line. This will be the company’s first all-electric SUV.