Porsche Pajun exclusive

Porsche is taking on the BMW 5 Series with a striking new sports saloon that will sit below the Panamera. It’s called the Pajun (as in Panamera Junior) and will rival top-end 5 Series, Audi A7 and Mercedes CLS models. Insiders say it will be more of a “911 with a boot” than the Panamera.

We’ve produced these illustrations to give you an idea of how it will look, and it’s set to be lower and shorter than the Panamera. Under the skin will be a cut-down version of the next-generation Panamera’s platform. Styling cues will be drawn from that car and the 911.

The narrow rear lights are inspired by Porsche’s iconic sports car, while the angular headlights and more rounded shape are both features of the latest Panamera.

The Pajun’s dynamics will also be a mix of the two models. Engineers aim to deliver a sharp and agile driving experience that’s suitable for everyday use, too.

And the company is keen not to sacrifice practicality – it has been reported a shooting brake estate is under development, alongside the Pajun saloon.

Under the bonnet, Porsche will offer the four-door coupe with a range of diesel and petrol engines, including a version of the 310bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel used elsewhere in the VW Group.

Petrol options will comprise a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo with 414bhp and a single-turbo version of the same engine with 318bhp. The latter will also be available in a plug-in hybrid model that will deliver an extra 100bhp 

from an electric motor, and be capable of fuel economy of around 100mpg.

All cars will come with a choice of the new 911’s seven-speed manual gearbox or a dual-clutch PDK system. Rear and four-wheel drive will be available.

As with all Porsche models, a range of performance-boosting options will be offered, such as carbon-ceramic brakes, active suspension and torque vectoring.

A price of around £50,000 is expected for entry-level models, while top-of-the-range turbos could cost closer to £90,000.

The Pajun is likely to go on sale in 2016. In the meantime, Porsche’s biggest priority is to build a Ferrari 458 Italia rival, in the shape of the £160,000 961 supercar.