Porsche may be quietly developing a new combustion-powered successor to the Porsche Macan, and recent spy shots from Scandinavia suggest testing could already be underway.
A heavily camouflaged test mule believed to contain Porsche’s prototype powertrain was recently spotted undergoing winter testing in Northern Europe. Interestingly, the vehicle itself appeared to be a de-badged Audi Q5, raising speculation that Porsche is using the Audi body as a development mule for its next-generation Macan.
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Audi Q5 Used As Development Mule
The all-black Q5 seen in the spy photos appears to be a newer-generation model with a slightly wider stance and higher ride height than the outgoing version.
While it looks like a standard Audi at first glance, reports suggest the vehicle may actually be carrying early components intended for the next internal combustion version of the Macan.
This would not be the first time Porsche has used an Audi mule for development. A similar Q5 test vehicle was spotted last year. That earlier sighting sparked speculation that the vehicle was fitted with Macan internals. The latest prototype sighting strengthens that theory, suggesting development work may now be progressing into more advanced stages.
Shared Platform With Audi
The next-generation Macan is expected to be based on the Premium Platform Combustion, commonly referred to as the PPC architecture.
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Developed by the Volkswagen Group, it will underpin several new models across the group. It supports a range of powertrains including turbocharged four-cylinder engines, V6 units, and plug-in hybrid setups.
If Porsche adopts this platform for its new SUV, the next Macan could share underlying engineering with the latest Audi Q5 while retaining Porsche-specific tuning and performance characteristics.
Possible Engine Options
Porsche will likely offer several engine options on the new SUV. Entry-level trims could use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild-hybrid system. Higher trims would likely feature a turbocharged V6 similar to the ones currently used across the Porsche lineup. Plug-in hybrid versions are also possible.
Electric Macan Will Continue To Exist
Porsche already has an electric Macan on sale here. The EV will reportedly remain in production until at least 2029. There are also speculations that the new combustion-powered replacement might not carry the Macan name.
However, Porsche has indicated that a next-generation Macan could arrive around 2028, without confirming whether it will remain purely electric or include combustion engines.
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Combustion Macan Could Be Crucial For Porsche
The development of a new gas-powered Macan could play a key role in Porsche’s broader strategy. The Macan has historically been a major contributor to its global sales. Its combination of luxury, practicality, and performance has made it one of the most popular compact luxury SUVs worldwide.
At a time when the automotive industry is reassessing the pace of electrification, a new combustion-powered Macan could help Porsche maintain strong demand while it expands its EV lineup. For now, the prototype seen in Scandinavia remains unofficial confirmation. But if the Audi-based mule is indeed testing Porsche hardware, it could offer an early glimpse at the brand’s next major SUV program.
