Entry-level Porsche (identical to Boxster but cheaper) put on hold

[thstone]

Lots of problems with launching a new car into this segment, namely;

1. Miata. The Miata owns the inexpensive roadster market and there is a new model already on the way.

2. Audi TT. Porsche has to worry about cannibalizing TT sales.

3. Nissan Z. The Z has more power and performance. Yes, the Porsche name carries a premium but ...

4. Porsche 924. A lot of people will associate the 551 with the infamy of Porsche's last attempt to create an inexpensive entry-level car and stay away.

5. Branding. Does Porsche really want think of any Porsche as "entry level"? That is what BMW's are for.

Thus, Porsche would actually have to deliver a better car than the competition at the same price point and this simply isn't Porsche's forte - and especially not when they are focused on selling $80,000 trucks to soccer moms, $100,000 sedans to Chinese businessmen, and $120,000+ varients of the new 991.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by thstone

Does Porsche really want think of any Porsche as "entry level"? That is what BMW's are for.

This will dilute the brand. I'm sorry they want to follow BMW's business model. BMW used to be exclusive and high-end. Now, thanks to entry level BMWs, they're everywhere. What used to be a nice car that you worked and saved to achieve is now something I probably see fifty of every day when I commute to and from work. Here's hoping Porsche eventually abandons the entry-level.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Snowman

This will dilute the brand. I'm sorry they want to follow BMW's business model. BMW used to be exclusive and high-end. Now, thanks to entry level BMWs, they're everywhere. What used to be a nice car that you worked and saved to achieve is now something I probably see fifty of every day when I commute to and from work. Here's hoping Porsche eventually abandons the entry-level.

There are two trucks and a huge sedan in Porsche's lineup now. Clearly, dilution isn't a concern to Porsche as the diluters are the cars that they actually make money on

Having said that, I totally disagree that a small true sports car would do anything but improve the portfolio. There's always been entry level Porsches. 914, 912, 924, 944 and the original Boxster were all compeditors with the entry level contemporaries. The Boxster has bloated into a GT that is just an artificial step below the 911. If anything, Porsche abandoned the entry level with the 986.2 and 987. With a real sports car, Porsche could bring the brand a car more true to the marque's heritage. If it's the buyer's goal to achieve exclusivity through purchasing a Porsche, they are already fooling themselves.

.

[Snowman]

I was speaking to the exclusivity of the brand, not of the people who drive them (people can't be exclusive). Perhaps the persona of the brand would have been more to my point. If Porsche wants to stay a luxury brand, then bringing out a $25,000 version will take away from that. If Omega wanted to sell more watches and have them become commonplace, they would make some that cost less than $3,000.

I was wrong about the Porsche SUV diluting the brand, so it's very possible I'm wrong about the Baby Boxster. In fact, I have a friend who has had a Cayenne for four years and she loves the thing. It's everything she wanted in a daily driver. She'll replace it with a second one when the time comes.

*edit*

The Boxster has bloated into a GT that is just an artificial step below the 911.

I agree with you about the size of the Boxster, by the way. True crow-eating will be when I buy the smaller Boxster a few years from now. I'll be sure to say goodbye as I move to whatever owners forum comes into existence for it. ;-)

[fivepointnine]

Originally Posted by Snowman

I was speaking to the exclusivity of the brand, not of the people who drive them (people can't be exclusive). Perhaps the persona of the brand would have been more to my point. If Porsche wants to stay a luxury brand, then bringing out a $25,000 version will take away from that. If Omega wanted to sell more watches and have them become commonplace, they would make some that cost less than $3,000.

I was wrong about the Porsche SUV diluting the brand, so it's very possible I'm wrong about the Baby Boxster. In fact, I have a friend who has had a Cayenne for four years and she loves the thing. It's everything she wanted in a daily driver. She'll replace it with a second one when the time comes.

*edit*



I agree with you about the size of the Boxster, by the way. True crow-eating will be when I buy the smaller Boxster a few years from now. I'll be sure to say goodbye as I move to whatever owners forum comes into existence for it. ;-)

Omega makes lots of watches for between $1500-$2000

but anyway............they are coming out with alot of models lately!

[Ghostrider 310]

I think this will happen and here's why. A new Boxster S with all the goodies my car has as options (forget about the alacantra seats just options) PSE, PDK sport chrono, etc would list for more than 70K. Given the upward movement of entry level a lower less powerful segment is being created.

[fivepointnine]

Originally Posted by Ghostrider 310

I think this will happen and here's why. A new Boxster S with all the goodies my car has as options (forget about the alacantra seats just options) PSE, PDK sport chrono, etc would list for more than 70K. Given the upward movement of entry level a lower less powerful segment is being created.

good point....a Boxster is far from entry level anymore! heck, my 02 S had a sticker of 59k!

[NoGaBiker]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

The Boxster has bloated into a GT that is just an artificial step below the 911. If anything, Porsche abandoned the entry level with the 986.2 ...

??? Do you really see a big enough quantitative difference between a 2002 and 2003 986 to warrant moving the latter into the "bloated GT category?" Seriously?

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by NoGaBiker

??? Do you really see a big enough quantitative difference between a 2002 and 2003 986 to warrant moving the latter into the "bloated GT category?" Seriously?

Weight and price. BTW, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a GT. It's actually what most people want when they think they want a sports car. But there's significant weight differences between the first 2.5s and the last 986s.

[.lovemy986]

If you want to enter the contemporary Porsche car market a used 986 will do. It gives you a lot of bang for the buck if you find a good one. Plus the platform allows you to upgrade the motor and with the mid engine design gives you an uncanny feel of thenroad. The ims problems have made the boxster a very affordable car in this current market. And because they cranked out a lot of them the price point is ridiculous right now. You can buy one with a blown motor for peanuts. I bought a 98 boxster about 8 months ago with a factory hardtop and have put over 45k on it with just regular maintenance and a ball joint. Most people think my car is worth between 30 and 40k. If you want something you can upgrade and stay pretty much current with a liquid boxer motor an early 986 or 996 provide the ultimate Pcar platform for peanuts. Add some litronic headlights and 18" rims and your driving a solid Looking car. Who knows maybe one people will clue in and you won't be able to get into a 986 or 996 so easily. I bought a mint 928 once in the late 90s for $7500 and that car today is probably worth 20k. It couldn't be a better time to drive a Porsche when you can pick up the late 90s models for chump change.