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New CEO At Porsche Could Mean Entry-Level Sports Car Is Go

 
5 1,936 views Jul 9, 2010
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Entry-level Porsche Roadster rendering

HI-RES GALLERY: Entry-level Porsche Roadster rendering

Rumors of an entry-level Porsche sports car have been making the rounds for years, varying in intensity and credibility, but persisting nonetheless. Now it looks like the possibility of a 914-esque car making production may be better than ever, thanks to a new CEO at Porsche.

Matthias Mueller replaces Michael Macht at the helm of the sport car-heavy yet Cayenne-supported brand as Macht moves over to head up Volkswagen production. Mueller is tasked with boosting sales volume at Porsche, with the upcoming redesigned Boxster being the first step on the ladder.

That car may itself more closely approximate an entry-level car, with rumors of a turbocharged four-cylinder base model circulating. But as light and compact as the new Boxster may prove to be, it won't be truly entry-level without a complete overhaul. And moving it that far down-market would either leave a big gap in Porsche's lineup, or potentially tarnish the higher-end Boxster models like the Boxster S and Spyder.

So an entry-level car makes sense--especially if Porsche intends to make its target of roughly doubling its sales in the medium-term future. The Cayenne is currently Porsche's best seller, thanks in part to its utility, but also to its more competitive pricing in its base versions--it's actually Porsche's least expensive vehicle.

What might a less-expensive but still Porsche-badge-worthy sports car might look like? Start with the Volkswagen Bluesport Concept and re-skin it with Porsche styling. Like the 914 before it, a shared-platform car with high sales volume in other brands could be just the ticket to an inexpensive yet capable car. Unlike the case of the 914, however, Porsche should be better able to keep its branding unique and differentiate the car with performance and handling improvements. Instead of 914, think reborn 356.

At this point, it's all speculation, but looking at the indicators, the timing, and Porsche's plans, Mueller's appointment as Porsche CEO could be the catalyst that kicks the long-brewing plans into action.

[via Auto News -- sub. req.]





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Comments (5)

  1. By  gazzed Posted: 7/9/2010 8:41pm PDT

    It is going to happen because Volkswagen says so it will and not Porsche.. and that is the truth.
     
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  2. By NC2000 Posted: 7/10/2010 9:21am PDT

    I am not sure I see the value in an "entry level" car in the line if VW and Audi already will have a similar version. If it will be little more than a Porsche crest on the hood and Porsche-like appearance design and some Porsche fiddling of the tuning, what is the purpose? Extraordinary engineering cost money, so Porsches should cost far above entry level.
     
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  3. By btlh2oguy Posted: 7/10/2010 10:09am PDT

    The value(more sales) is offering Porsche Owners a lesser expensive car to purchase as a 2nd car. Porsche drivers prob dob't drive the 911 everyday.
    Rather than go buy a BMW or Ford.
     
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  4. By NoNameDenton Posted: 7/10/2010 2:40pm PDT

    Long as it keeps the boxer engine I am ok with this, better then a Porsche SUV
     
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  5. By  lamborghini hire Posted: 9/13/2010 7:00am PDT

    The entry level car as a second option seems like a sensible move, as long as the specs are right and the finish does not feel cheap.
     
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