Test drove a 981 today...

[southernstar]

Many of the switches and other parts on the original 986 were also sourced from VW and frankly, I find the quality of the switches (and the interior materials in general) in the 981 to be far superior. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to me the 981 is a very attractive car. Yes, it loses the historical references to the original 550 Spyder that existed in the 986, but to my eye it is a beautifully executed, modern design for a mid-engined sports car. Not as unique, but certainly attractive.

Brad

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by southernstar

Many of the switches and other parts on the original 986 were also sourced from VW....

I'm finding that out. My first hint at that was when I was told my ignition switch was an Audi part. I was kind of surprised at first, but then I realized just how much of the car is VW-sourced here and there, and saw that throughout their history they've had no qualms about dipping into VW/Audi for hardware (914, 924, etc.). At least hopefully now if they about sourcing even more of the car from the other two brands, it doesn't do much to compromise the quality. If it improves it though, sweet!

[Perfectlap]

^ last I checked VW's ranking on reliability was pretty lacklustre. Unlike Porsche, they have many models that are daily drivers. Though priced similarly to Honda's and some nicer Toyotas and Nissans they were well behind those Japanese cars.
Porsche got a high ranking, right behind Lexus, but that's only because the surveys typically track only the first three years of ownership and other than the Cayenne most Pcars are not primary vehicles. If there's a lot of VW in the 981, I don't think that's a good thing.