Porsche trademarks GT5 name

Porsche has been granted the trademark ‘GT5’, suggesting that a new motorsports-developed version of one of its line-up may be in the works. 

Historically, the company’s flagship high-performance models have always featured numbers that correlate with the FIA class in which they are designed to race. For example, the Porsche 911 GT3 was designed for use in the FIA Group GT3 class. 

Given that there is no motorsports equivalent of GT5, however, it may be the case that the new GT version is unlike anything seen in the current motorsports environment. The new car may, as a result, take the form of a flagship version of the Porsche Panamera or Porsche Macan.

A Porsche spokesperson said: “There’s no comment on that [GT5] in relation to what our future product might be.”

The flagship versions of Porsche’s cars are developed by the company’s Weissach-based GT division, which applies its motorsport expertise to develop more focused and capable cars.

Andreas Preuninger, head of the GT division, had previously indicated that he thought there was room in the company’s line-up for more focused models. 

When asked whether the increasing sales of Porsche’s SUVs would be followed by more motorsports-developed cars in order to maintain the brand’s sporting spirit, he said: “Absolutely my suggestion.” 

Production of GT models is usually limited but interest in the line is growing, in part thanks to the recent launch of the more affordable Cayman GT4. Widening the range would allow Porsche to further capitalise on its appeal. 

The German trademark office received the company’s request for the GT5 trademark in August 2014, at the same time that it applied for the GT4 name. Approval was later granted, in October 2014.

Porsche has since applied for the GT5 trademark at the European office. This application, which was submitted on 13 January 2015, is still under examination.

“In this increasingly competitive world it makes sense to cover any bases,” said Porsche’s spokesperson.

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