Porsche's vehicles have been absent from the Detroit Auto Show since 2007, but the automaker appears to be setting itself up for a triumphant return with today's announcement. The automaker recently said it will be unveiling a "spectacular" vehicle at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show next month.
"We'll have something spectacular to show there," Porsche spokesman Hans- Gerd Bode told Automotive News today. "You'll have to wait and be surprised.
"The Stuttgart-based automaker made a similar cryptic announcement prior to the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, which was later followed by the unveiling of its Cayman R. This time around, we are left with more questions than answers, but earlier this week, the automaker's board of directors gave the go ahead to a small SUV currently dubbed the Cajun. While the baby Cayenne isn't expected to go into production until sometime late next year or early 2012, Porsche's return to the Detroit show could be an excellent place to debut an early concept.
Conversely, Porsche has recently been seen testing a scantily-clad next-generation 911. With Porsche rolling out the 911 Speedster at the Paris Motor Show in September -- signaling the end of the 997 series -- the next 911 is due anytime now. A new Boxster as well as a production version of the 918 Spyder concept from Geneva, are also said to be in the works.
Unveiling a major model at a United States auto show signals just how important the market is for Porsche. Last year, 25 percent of Porsche's 85,903 deliveries went to U.S. buyers. Through the first eleven months of the year, Porsche has delivered 22,753 vehicles in the U.S., a 29-percent increase over last year's sales. The automaker has set a goal of selling 150,000 units globally by 2013, and with its Cayenne SUV and Panamera sedan leading the way, the introduction of another volume model -- Cajun -- will help it achieve its ambitious goal.
Thanks to: Motor Trend