Porsche/VW

[limoncello]

anybody else get the PCA news blurb on this -

Entry-Level Porsche Roadster Rumors Hint at Reborn 356
Talk of an entry-level Porsche, possibly based on a collaborative platform with Volkswagen's Bluesport roadster, has been circling the web for over a year now. With Porsche's renewed focus on making not just limited-volume, purist sports cars--see Cayenne, Panamera--the entry-level, sub-Boxster idea makes a lot of sense.

hmmm...

[jmatta]

I think it makes all the sense since VW's calling the shots these days...

[Dragonwind]

A few years ago I saw a picture of a concept VW/AUDI that looked very much like a 356. I've been trying to find this pic again but haven't had success. If Porsche released a car that looked like it again I think it would be extremely popular.
Chris

[RandallNeighbour]

It will be nice to no longer own the "poor man's porsche" when it comes out.

[Lordblood]

A sub Boxster roadster would probably compete with MX5's, correct?
If it's sophisticated like a Porsche should be, I'm all in on this idea. We could be seeing some revenue coming in for Porsche this way.

[Brucelee]

One downside could be that VW sees the Box as expendable.'


I can see the cost accountants now.

[941MXVET]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

I can see the cost accountants now.

I can too, she's in the living room with me now. (My wife's a senior cost accountant)

OTOH,
I don't see VW axing the Box, it could be quite a money maker for them, plus, it carries the Porsche name well as it can be seen as a modern 550.

[pcs5978]

The senior leadership at Porsche made a calculated business decision in attempting to take over of the biggest car company in the world - VW. They gambled, and lost. They may however have the last laugh. If the NTSB ever figures out how to issue a recall associated with the failures of the the M96 engine, VW will wish they'd let Porsche AG have their way. Retro-fitting 1.1 - 1.3 million cars, built between 1996 and 2008 with an 9A1 motor is going to cost a bundle! For those of you with 986/987, 996/997's, out of warranty - save your receipts!

[70Sixter]

I think the reference to the 356 as an entry model is interesting as it was the 911 model of its day. The Speedster was conceived as the entry model for the US against Porsche's better judgment since it was thought that such a car was not a real Porsche.

I guess the entry level VW-engined 914 or Audi-engined 924 will never be officially mentioned again, altho there was that VW/Audi/Porsche platform that some called the new 914 in Porsche configuration.

By the way, the new Boxster "Speedster" is very, very interesting and not cheap at all.

[pbanders]

Like 70Sixer, as a 914 owner, I would love to see a revival by Porsche of a 914-like flat-four, mid-engined configuration. What would be really great would be a car with these features;

* sub-2000 lb weight (1750 lb would be great - extensive use of aluminum and other lightweight materials)
* 2-seater, mid-engined configuraton
* Targa roof
* 2.0L normally-aspirated direct injection water cooled motor, optimized for a good compromise of fuel economy, low emissions, torque and HP. 7500 rpm redline, 225 HP / 175 lb-ft
* minimalist cockpit, a la Lotus
* focus on handling and responsiveness
* focus on rigid chassis and safety

A turbo option or model would be desirable. Plenty of 914 owners have been making their own FrankenPorscheSubarus which aren't far from this concept, and the results are pretty impressive. No reason why Porsche couldn't make a car like this that could deliver 30 mpg on the euro or the EPA combined cycle, cost less than a Boxster (not very hard these days!) and help jack up Porsche's EPA mileage levels to meet coming standards. Price target of $30K to $35K would also be great, and would pull in a new generation of Porsche owners. Lots of possibilities for a great racing model of a car like this, too.