by New gasoline Porsche Macan already under testing
Despite the success of the electric Macan, Porsche does not seem to be abandoning internal combustion engines. Spy photographers have captured a camouflaged car during testing, which externally resembles an Audi Q5 but is actually an early prototype of the new gasoline Porsche Macan.
At first glance, it’s an ordinary Q5, but upon closer inspection, key differences are visible: the car’s ground clearance is slightly higher, and the wheel arches are significantly wider. They appear temporary and are intended to conceal the wider track of the new SUV.
Our photo team noticed a team of Porsche developers testing a seemingly ordinary but camouflaged Q5 as early as last year, and now the testing has evidently entered a new phase.
Reasons for returning to gasoline engines
The decision to continue developing the conventional Macan has a logical explanation. When sales of the previous gasoline model were discontinued due to new cybersecurity regulations in Europe, the company hoped the electric Macan would fully replace it in all markets. However, the slow adoption of electric vehicles in key regions for the brand led to a 10% drop in Porsche’s global sales in 2025. This forced management to reconsider its electrification strategy.
Technical features and platform
The new gasoline Macan is expected to appear closer to 2028. It will be built on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion architecture, which underpins the current Audi Q5. This means the powertrain lineup will include 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engines. Furthermore, plug-in hybrid versions are planned for the Macan for the first time.
Questions of drivetrain and tuning
Sharing platforms within the Volkswagen Group is common practice. Porsche engineers have already proven with previous generations of the Macan and Cayenne that they can create a product with genuine Porsche character based on a “Wolfsburg” platform. However, according to reports, this time the company may forgo expensive proprietary modifications to the Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system, leaving it in its basic configuration. This system typically operates with a focus on the front axle for fuel economy but can instantly engage the rear wheels during active driving or when slip is detected.
Future of the model and its name
Currently, the test prototype has an interior from the Audi Q5, but during development, it will undoubtedly be replaced with a Porsche interior, which is likely to inherit many elements from the electric Macan and Cayenne. The question of the name remains open. While retaining the Macan name seems logical, alternative options, such as Cajun, are also being discussed behind the scenes. Whatever the new car is called, the message from Stuttgart is clear: the transition to electric power continues, but its pace will not be as rapid as initially planned.
The appearance of a new gasoline SUV in Porsche’s lineup demonstrates the manufacturer’s flexibility in responding to market conditions. This indicates that even for brands actively investing in electrification, traditional technologies remain an important part of the business in the medium term, especially in markets where EV infrastructure has not yet reached the required level. This approach allows them to meet the needs of different customer groups and maintain sales volumes while continuing the parallel development of the next generation of electric vehicles.
