Porsche's 2011 Boxster Takes Its Top Off

Motor Authority - blog Tag: Bluesport

  • Production Volkswagen Bluesport roadster still a possibility?

    Production Volkswagen Bluesport roadster still a possibility? July 13th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 13th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 6 Comments

    Production Volkswagen Bluesport roadster still a possibility? When it first appeared in Detroit back in January the Bluesport concept stirred talk of the revival of the roadster segment, and especially the Porsche 914 and 356. Unfortunately, the Porsche's rebirth was ruled out last month, and this had led to fears that the same fate may ensue for a planned production version of the Bluesport concept.

    The original bad news came from VW's communications manager Christian Haacke at the launch of the new 2010 Polo. "The state we are at right now regarding Concept Bluesport is we are carefully calculating how to earn money with a niche car,' said Haacke. "It is a niche product and especially in crisis... When it first appeared in Detroit back in January the Bluesport concept stirred talk of the revival of the roadster segment, and especially the Porsche 914 and 356. Unfortunately, the Porsche's rebirth was ruled out last month, and this had led to fears that the same fate may ensue for a planned production version of the Bluesport concept. The original bad news came from VW's communications manager Christian Haacke at the launch of the new 2010 Polo. "The state we are at right now regarding Concept Bluesport is we are carefully calculating how to earn money with a niche car,' said Haacke. "It is a niche product and especially in crisis times like this it will be a challenge to come up with a volume we could require to earn money with it." While this appears disastrous for fans, VW has once again hinted at the roadster’s production at an exclusive public outing for the concept. Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, Mario Fabiano, the concept’s project leader, said that a new mid-engine platform designed for the Bluesport could allow a production version to come to market with a price tag around the $30,000 mark. The Bluesport concept was not just a sporty two-seater - it had real eco-cred as well. Powered by a 2.0L four-pot turbodiesel, it cranked out 180hp (134kW) and a doubtless grin-inducing 260lb-ft (352Nm) of torque, nipping to 60mph in 6.2 seconds, all while managing 35mpg in the combined cycle. A production version could also feature the 265hp (198kW) 2.0L petrol engine destined for the Scirocco R, revealed Fabiano. To keep costs down, VW would share parts with a number of its other models. Take the concept for example, the brakes come from the Golf R32, the electromechanical steering system from the Polo and the suspension and 4Motion AWD system is a mix of both Polo and Golf components. Its current estimated release date is 2012.2009 Volkswagen Bluesport roadster concept Read More

  • Porsche exec rules out plans for ‘baby’ roadster

    Porsche exec rules out plans for ‘baby’ roadster June 26th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, June 26th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 5 Comments

    Porsche exec rules out plans for ‘baby’ roadster Though the lightweight, mid-engined Porsche 914 of the late 1960s and early 1970s 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. Many have longed for a new-generation of the car and reports suggesting such a model was in the works were all the buzz in the recent past, even as recently as the 15th of this month.

    However, the cold truth of the economic crisis and Porsche’s own desire to remain exclusive means plans for a new entry-level roadster have been dropped. Speaking with The Daily Telegraph, Porsche’s executive vice-president... Though the lightweight, mid-engined Porsche 914 of the late 1960s and early 1970s 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. Many have longed for a new-generation of the car and reports suggesting such a model was in the works were all the buzz in the recent past, even as recently as the 15th of this month. However, the cold truth of the economic crisis and Porsche’s own desire to remain exclusive means plans for a new entry-level roadster have been dropped. Speaking with The Daily Telegraph, Porsche’s executive vice-president for sales and marketing, Klaus Berning, said the company has no plans to introduce another new model to its range and that this fifth model line has been shelved indefinitely. "Another model line is not something we are concentrating on at the moment,” Berning explained. "We may start looking at that after the launch of the Panamera but my gut feeling is that we do not need one. Original speculation that Porsche was working on a new roadster was brought about by the company’s impending merger with Volkswagen through a planned share buyout. The keystone was production of VW’s recently revealed Bluesport roadster concept. Virtually every mainstream VW Group brand, from Seat, to Skoda, to Audi, and VW, have been rumored to be working on their own versions of the car and Porsche, too, was reportedly planning to build one. To keep costs low, the roadster was to share parts with a number of existing VW models. Elements unique to the cars would have been an aluminum-spaceframe chassis, a mid-engine and RWD layout, and a range of high-output 2.0L forced-induction engines. While a new entry-level model may be out of the question, a new four-cylinder model, either in the Boxster/Cayman line or possibly even the 911, could be in the works. When quizzed on the topic, Berning teased: "You never say never, but we have not made any decision to go that way.” He went on to explain that it "could be possible to have a four-cylinder again in a 911 but it would be a Porsche four-cylinder. The 911 is the core of the brand and it follows different rules to the rest of the brand models.”Porsche 914 and 914/6 Read More

  • Cadillac Converj, Fisker Sunset, VW Bluesport win SEAMO Concept Car of the Year Awards

    Cadillac Converj, Fisker Sunset, VW Bluesport win SEAMO Concept Car of the Year Awards June 24th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 24th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Cadillac Converj, Fisker Sunset, VW Bluesport win SEAMO Concept Car of the Year Awards Concept cars are not the lifeblood of the industry, but they often determine what that lifeblood will look like 5-10 years down the road. This year, the Cadillac Converj, Fisker Karma Sunset and Volkswagen Bluesport Roadster were each pegged as the best in their respective categories by the Southeast Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO).

    The Cadillac Converj took the honors for 2009 Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year, slotting into that category on the back of its Chevrolet-Volt-inspired extended-range electric powertrain.

    Fisker's gorgeous Karma Sunset Concept won the 2009 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year for its near-ready... Concept cars are not the lifeblood of the industry, but they often determine what that lifeblood will look like 5-10 years down the road. This year, the Cadillac Converj, Fisker Karma Sunset and Volkswagen Bluesport Roadster were each pegged as the best in their respective categories by the Southeast Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO). The Cadillac Converj took the honors for 2009 Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year, slotting into that category on the back of its Chevrolet-Volt-inspired extended-range electric powertrain. Fisker's gorgeous Karma Sunset Concept won the 2009 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year for its near-ready design and flawless styling. "A company run by a designer should have beautiful cars, concepts and prototypes. Henrik Fisker's firm certainly does the Fisker Karma Sunset is just drop dead gorgeous," said SEAMO juror Michael Bettencourt. Finally, the Volkswagen Bluesport Roadster Concept took home the overall 2009 Concept Car of the Year award for its efficient, fun and stylish packaging - plus a diesel drivetrain. The SEAMO North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards have been handed out for the past 8 years, recognizing the most innovative and attractive concept vehicles of the preceding year.2009 Volkswagen Bluesport roadster concept2009 Cadillac Converj plug-in hybrid coupe conceptFisker Karma plug-in hybrid convertible Read More

  • Report: Entry-level Porsche roadster still on the table

    Report: Entry-level Porsche roadster still on the table June 15th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, June 15th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 9 Comments

    Report: Entry-level Porsche roadster still on the table 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... 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 Read More

  • Porsche considering 356 Speedster revival

    Porsche considering 356 Speedster revival March 23rd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, March 23rd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    Porsche considering 356 Speedster revival Looking back on some of the cars that made sport driving great, and built the legend that has become today's Porsche, you'd wonder how we ever got to 3,500lb, 500hp twin-turbo monsters. The 356 Speedster, for example - considered by many to be one of the first modern sports cars - weighed a mere 1,670lb (760kg) and managed just 40hp (30kW) in some guises.

    A return to those motoring roots is thought to be in the works at Porsche, and the latest reports peg the arrival date at sometime in 2013, says Auto Zeitung. Work on the next-generation Boxster and what has been thought of as a 914 revival may be a sort of cover for the even more secret... Looking back on some of the cars that made sport driving great, and built the legend that has become today's Porsche, you'd wonder how we ever got to 3,500lb, 500hp twin-turbo monsters. The 356 Speedster, for example - considered by many to be one of the first modern sports cars - weighed a mere 1,670lb (760kg) and managed just 40hp (30kW) in some guises. A return to those motoring roots is thought to be in the works at Porsche, and the latest reports peg the arrival date at sometime in 2013, says Auto Zeitung. Work on the next-generation Boxster and what has been thought of as a 914 revival may be a sort of cover for the even more secret work on the 356's modern spiritual successor. But tying a design ethos that first hit the streets in 1948 in with modern safety regulations will doubtless prove difficult. Volkswagen's Bluesport roadster concept, unveiled at this year's Detroit Auto Show, is an example of what might come of such a design premise, and the Porsche-VW tie-up could be strong enough to share the platform for both applications. That would mean finding a new entry-niche for the Porsche brand without stepping on toes at Audi or VW, however, itself a tricky task. If such a car were green-lighted, it would likely fall on VW to debut the car, followed by Audi, with Porsche's version - the most expensive, highest-performing - saved for last, at least partially explaining the four-year wait time. Spy photos and details of the next-gen Boxster in winter testing captured earlier this year hint at some of the possible avenues Porsche might take with a new, light-weight, lower-power Speedster-type vehicle, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine borrowed for VW's extensive cache of powerplants. Beyond the historical and romantic notions of reviving the 356 and Porsche's motoring heritage, there is the very real practical consideration that a small, lightweight, low-power - and therefore highly fuel-efficient - car would have a positive impact on the VW Group's fuel efficiency and emissions situation with regard to both European and U.S. regulations.Next-generation Porsche Boxster spy shots2009 Volkswagen Bluesport roadster concept Read More

  • Preview: Mid-engined Skoda roadster

    Preview: Mid-engined Skoda roadster March 14th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, March 14th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 4 Comments

    Preview: Mid-engined Skoda roadster Volkswagen-owned Skoda doesn't get much press in the U.S. but over in Central and Eastern Europe it is one of the most popular automotive brands. Having launched new versions of its mainstream Octavia and Superb sedans in the past year, the company last week took the covers if its all-new Yeti compact SUV and is still planning the reveal of even more models.

    One model confirmed for production is a wagon based on the Superb flagship but according to latest reports Skoda will also launch a compact, mid-engined roadster based on the VW Bluesport concept car from January’s Detroit Auto Show.

    Skoda’s traditional strength has been... Volkswagen-owned Skoda doesn't get much press in the U.S. but over in Central and Eastern Europe it is one of the most popular automotive brands. Having launched new versions of its mainstream Octavia and Superb sedans in the past year, the company last week took the covers if its all-new Yeti compact SUV and is still planning the reveal of even more models. One model confirmed for production is a wagon based on the Superb flagship but according to latest reports Skoda will also launch a compact, mid-engined roadster based on the VW Bluesport concept car from January’s Detroit Auto Show. Skoda’s traditional strength has been its affordable image but in more recent years, thanks to the infusion of design and engineering from VW, the company has grown to match the quality of the likes of Honda, Volvo and even its German parent. A sporty and affordable roadster built along the lines of the Bluesport could finally help cement Skoda’s placing among these rivals. This computer generated rendering gives us a possible look for the new roadster model, revealing trademark Skoda features such as the descending character line on the flanks, sweeping headlights, and a horizontal bar grille. If given the green light, the car likely wouldn’t appear until after 2011. To speed up development, powertrain options would likely include current VW Group TSI and TDI four-cylinder engines mated with manual or DSG dual-clutch transmissions.2009 Volkswagen Bluesport roadster conceptSeat small roadster previewSkoda mid-engined roadster preview Read More

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