Porsche's impending takeover of Volkswagen through a planned share buyout may have the larger and more pedestrian vehicle maker sweating, but if news of the collaboration on a new 914 holds true the Porsche-VW tie-up could prove to be the best of both worlds. Earlier this week reports broke that Porsche is considering adding a four-cylinder engine to its 911 and Boxster lineups. Now Motor Trend is talking of a Porsche-branded version of the previously announced VW sports car to be revealed in Los Angeles two months from now.
If it is built, 914 would once again be a joint effort between the two makers, 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 entry-level coupe/roadster, the VW car might feature both. Of course the new seven-speed dual-clutch DSG would find its way into the car, though entry level models might still feature a standard manual transmission.
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 2,200lbs (1,000kg) and 170hp (126kw), the 914 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 is 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.
The original 914 came from a need at Porsche to replace its 912 entry-level sports car and at Volkswagen to replace the aging Karmann-Ghia, which was essentially a re-bodied Beetle turned out by legendary German coach-builder Karmann. In Europe, the four-cylinder variant of the 914 was sold as a Volkswagen, while the six-cylinder was sold as a Porsche. Fearful of the effects such a move might have on the brand's image in North America, Porsche secured a deal with VW that allowed both cars to be sold under the Porsche badge in the New World.
Reader Comments
Thu Sep 11 2008 9:26 AM
Laz says
Bring em back! I always thought they were cool little cars...
Thu Sep 11 2008 11:03 AM
oldscoob says
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...
Thu Sep 11 2008 3:03 PM
NoNameDenton says
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
Thu Sep 11 2008 3:06 PM
Laz says
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.
Thu Sep 11 2008 6:01 PM
rickybobby says
Thsi could be good...a lotus elise competitor from porsche, but if it will compete with the elise is needs to be lighter
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