Report: Entry-level Porsche roadster still on the table
December 31st, 1969
Porsche’s current financial troubles are no secret, which is why it’s understandable that the company would welcome any additional sources of income. One suggestion is the introduction of a new entry-level roadster positioned below the current Boxster and built along the lines of the Porsche 914 of the late 1960s and early 1970s. While Porsche research and development chief Wolfgang Dürheimer recently denied claims the company was working on such a car, German media is today reporting that it is still a possibility.
Though the lightweight mid-engined Porsche 914 was far from a perfect machine, it has developed a cult following that keeps it active in the streets and on tracks around the world to this day. With Volkswagen now sitting on a new mid-engined platform developed for its Bluesport roadster concept and eventual production version, as well as Porsche’s strengthening links with the German auto giant, the case for a new baby Porsche roadster is made even stronger.
Speaking with Automobilwoche, Porsche production manager Michael Macht said the car could be as priced as low as €33,000 to €35,000. However, he explained that this would not fit in with the company’s current market position but it could if a fifth model line was added.
If built, the baby roadster would be a joint effort between Porsche and VW though the basic mechanicals would likely be drawn primarily from VW's massive corporate parts bin. The two engines with the most potential are the 1.4L turbocharged/supercharged TSI unit that's good for 170hp (126kW) and the 125hp (93kW) diesel four-cylinder. Though the diesel would likely be more fitting of an economy-version of the car than a Porsche-badged model.
Expect it to come sans-LSD, however, in order to keep the car from vying too closely with the lower end of the Boxster range. At an estimated 2,200lbs (1,000kg) and 170hp (126kw), the baby roadster could be expected to give the standard Elise a run for its money, especially considering it is likely to benefit from Porsche's legendary suspension tuning and steering design.
There remains no official confirmation of any such joint project as yet - it's still purely in the realm of speculation, and optimistic at that - but it does make sense. Tight fuel economy requirements make production of a quick, nimble and miserly car an appealing maneuver, and tying the car into established enthusiast history could help Porsche side-step issues that such a car might create for its image. Not that the Panamera, soon to be available in diesel and hybrid forms, or the Cayenne in its many guises do much to keep with the company's tradition of sports car-focused performance.Porsche 914 and 914/6
Porsche’s current financial troubles are no secret, which is why it’s understandable that the company would welcome any additional sources of income. One suggestion is the introduction of a new entry-level roadster positioned below the current Boxster and built along the lines of the Porsche 914 of the late 1960s and early 1970s. While Porsche research and development chief Wolfgang Dürheimer recently denied claims the company was working on such a car, German media is today reporting that it is still a possibility.
Though the lightweight mid-engined Porsche 914 was far from a perfect machine, it has developed a cult following that keeps it active in the streets and on tracks around the world to this day. With Volkswagen now sitting on a new mid-engined platform developed for its Bluesport roadster concept and eventual production version, as well as Porsche’s strengthening links with the German auto giant, the case for a new baby Porsche roadster is made even stronger.
Speaking with Automobilwoche, Porsche production manager Michael Macht said the car could be as priced as low as €33,000 to €35,000. However, he explained that this would not fit in with the company’s current market position but it could if a fifth model line was added.
If built, the baby roadster would be a joint effort between Porsche and VW though the basic mechanicals would likely be drawn primarily from VW's massive corporate parts bin. The two engines with the most potential are the 1.4L turbocharged/supercharged TSI unit that's good for 170hp (126kW) and the 125hp (93kW) diesel four-cylinder. Though the diesel would likely be more fitting of an economy-version of the car than a Porsche-badged model.
Expect it to come sans-LSD, however, in order to keep the car from vying too closely with the lower end of the Boxster range. At an estimated 2,200lbs (1,000kg) and 170hp (126kw), the baby roadster could be expected to give the standard Elise a run for its money, especially considering it is likely to benefit from Porsche's legendary suspension tuning and steering design.
There remains no official confirmation of any such joint project as yet - it's still purely in the realm of speculation, and optimistic at that - but it does make sense. Tight fuel economy requirements make production of a quick, nimble and miserly car an appealing maneuver, and tying the car into established enthusiast history could help Porsche side-step issues that such a car might create for its image. Not that the Panamera, soon to be available in diesel and hybrid forms, or the Cayenne in its many guises do much to keep with the company's tradition of sports car-focused performance.
Report: Entry-level Porsche roadster still on the table
June 15th, 2009
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June 15th, 2009
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June 15th, 2009
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To mark the anniversary, Porsche will display an ultra rare 914/8 once owned by Ferdinand Porsche
Enlarge PhotoThough the lightweight mid-engined Porsche 914 was far from a perfect machine, it has developed a cult following that keeps it active in the streets and on tracks around the world to this day. With Volkswagen now sitting on a new mid-engined platform developed for its Bluesport roadster concept and eventual production version, as well as Porsche’s strengthening links with the German auto giant, the case for a new baby Porsche roadster is made even stronger.
Speaking with Automobilwoche, Porsche production manager Michael Macht said the car could be as priced as low as €33,000 to €35,000. However, he explained that this would not fit in with the company’s current market position but it could if a fifth model line was added.
If built, the baby roadster would be a joint effort between Porsche and VW though the basic mechanicals would likely be drawn primarily from VW's massive corporate parts bin. The two engines with the most potential are the 1.4L turbocharged/supercharged TSI unit that's good for 170hp (126kW) and the 125hp (93kW) diesel four-cylinder. Though the diesel would likely be more fitting of an economy-version of the car than a Porsche-badged model.
Expect it to come sans-LSD, however, in order to keep the car from vying too closely with the lower end of the Boxster range. At an estimated 2,200lbs (1,000kg) and 170hp (126kw), the baby roadster could be expected to give the standard Elise a run for its money, especially considering it is likely to benefit from Porsche's legendary suspension tuning and steering design.
There remains no official confirmation of any such joint project as yet - it's still purely in the realm of speculation, and optimistic at that - but it does make sense. Tight fuel economy requirements make production of a quick, nimble and miserly car an appealing maneuver, and tying the car into established enthusiast history could help Porsche side-step issues that such a car might create for its image. Not that the Panamera, soon to be available in diesel and hybrid forms, or the Cayenne in its many guises do much to keep with the company's tradition of sports car-focused performance.
Porsche 914 and 914/6
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Comments (9 total)
Meet the top commenters on the LeaderboardBy Laz #1, Posted: 9/11/2008
Bring em back! I always thought they were cool little cars...
By oldscoob #2, Posted: 9/11/2008
why even bother. the cars were kept alive for a real four cylinder called a boxer. You stupid sh**heads. will they ever grow up? How long is the pedophile fantasy going to stay in charge of automobiles that ONCE were? I hope I never meet this mentality defended out loud...so help me...
By NoNameDenton #3, Posted: 9/11/2008
oldscoob, you obviously have some weird isues to work out. Anyways this is a smart idea, would give Porsche an entry level sports car before you trade up to a 911 or Boxster/Cayman
By Laz #4, Posted: 9/11/2008
HAHAHA! Introduce a sub brand which would be an entry level Porche as NoNameDenton mentions and get a customer base that will graduate into a Porche later in life. Sounds like a smart move to me.
By rickybobby #5, Posted: 9/11/2008
Thsi could be good...a lotus elise competitor from porsche, but if it will compete with the elise is needs to be lighter
Ricky - lighter? not necessarily, as long as the dynamics are there and suspension setup along with the perky engines sourced from VW then it will be more than a match for the Elise. The major factor will be the price.
Price it to high and it is competing with the Boxster (arguably one of the finest driving machines on the road).
Price it too low and you start to devalue the Porsche brand name by saturating the market with a badged car for a once exclusive car maker.
Me? i would love it if it came in reasonably cheaply. As it would mean i coudl afford a Porsche and then get in the family tree (albeit at the bottom), so as to graduate eventually as my income increases !
To me the release of this car is a no brainer....it has to be done. But there are alot of factors that could impact its success or failure and i dont believe the mechancicals have anything to do with that !
If Porsche does commit to a 914 revival of sorts, firstly they might need to hire a proper designer 'cause if they don't I can tell you now it will definitely be another 911 clone.
If Porsche does commit to a 914 revival of sorts, firstly they might need to hire a proper designer 'cause if they don't I can tell you now it will definitely be another 911 clone.
that isnt really a bad thing though is it ? its tails on the success of the m ost endearing shape in automotive history. And one that is intantly recognisable in shaded silohetteas opposed to most other cars. It needs to say Porsche, while being slightly different !
A few weeks back a 914Club member was busting around in the Swiss Alps on vacation and ran across VW filming the Bluesport and a 914 "playing". He stopped and chatted up the film crew and VW marketing people. He took some shots and they let him ride in the restored 914 they were filming. From what he was told, there is only one Bluesport right now, but it looks like ALL systems GO for the production of the little car (why would they be out shooting commercials?) Visit 914Club for more info and pics!!
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