Porsche will reintroduce 944 in 2005!
11-13-2002, 04:03 PM
#31
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Here is picture I found of what is supposed to be the new 928 Concept. From the proportions it sure looks like a front engine V8.
Word is a 2 seater with a cayenne V8 and 180mph top speed.
Still looking for any 948 information....
Word is a 2 seater with a cayenne V8 and 180mph top speed.
Still looking for any 948 information....
11-13-2002, 04:04 PM
#32
Race Director
Porsche AG is having a difficult time selling new Boxsters: that's why they offered coupons for PCA members ($500 off a 986, $1000 off a 986S).
Porsche's "entry level car" isn't really an entry level car with a $42k+ price tag, IMHO.
Let me gaze into my crystal ball: IF Porsche decides to make a true entry level car, this is what I predict it will be:
1. It will probably be some sort of sporty-hatch, like the defunct BMW 318ti, and the new Mercedes C-coupe. (The Mercedes C-coupe, the AudiTT, and the VW Golf will probably be it's biggest competition.
2. It will most likely have the 1.8t engine from VW. By using an engine that's already around, Porsche will save literally millions of dollars on engineering R&D, as well as emissions certification. As stated above, that little 1.8t ain't a bad engine: 225hp is MORE than a stock 951, and is plenty of power to propel a sub-3000lb car around!
3. It will probably be built on a shortened Boxster platform, possibly a VW Golf platform. (Don't forget: the Cayenne shares the same platform with it's VW counterpart) RWD or AWD (later), and HOPEFULLY it will have a 50/50 weight distribution, with the transaxle in the back.
4. IF they want the car to be successful, it needs to be priced in the low to mid $20k. If they sell it for over $30k, it will be considered an overpriced, underpowered car! Wouldn't you rather get a 350Z for that money? (And the 350Z can outperform a base Boxster!)
Bottom line: would you buy this car? That thought intrigues me. While I could probably buy a couple of 951's and a 944S2 with the price of this supposed new Porsche, if I got the 'NEW 944,' I wouldn't have to worry about things like: oil leaks, tranny failure, H2O pump problems, electrical gremlins...etc. That makes it pretty attractive.
But then again, a 968 would sure look nice in my driveway...
Just my $0.42.
-Zoltan.
Porsche's "entry level car" isn't really an entry level car with a $42k+ price tag, IMHO.
Let me gaze into my crystal ball: IF Porsche decides to make a true entry level car, this is what I predict it will be:
1. It will probably be some sort of sporty-hatch, like the defunct BMW 318ti, and the new Mercedes C-coupe. (The Mercedes C-coupe, the AudiTT, and the VW Golf will probably be it's biggest competition.
2. It will most likely have the 1.8t engine from VW. By using an engine that's already around, Porsche will save literally millions of dollars on engineering R&D, as well as emissions certification. As stated above, that little 1.8t ain't a bad engine: 225hp is MORE than a stock 951, and is plenty of power to propel a sub-3000lb car around!
3. It will probably be built on a shortened Boxster platform, possibly a VW Golf platform. (Don't forget: the Cayenne shares the same platform with it's VW counterpart) RWD or AWD (later), and HOPEFULLY it will have a 50/50 weight distribution, with the transaxle in the back.
4. IF they want the car to be successful, it needs to be priced in the low to mid $20k. If they sell it for over $30k, it will be considered an overpriced, underpowered car! Wouldn't you rather get a 350Z for that money? (And the 350Z can outperform a base Boxster!)
Bottom line: would you buy this car? That thought intrigues me. While I could probably buy a couple of 951's and a 944S2 with the price of this supposed new Porsche, if I got the 'NEW 944,' I wouldn't have to worry about things like: oil leaks, tranny failure, H2O pump problems, electrical gremlins...etc. That makes it pretty attractive.
But then again, a 968 would sure look nice in my driveway...
Just my $0.42.
-Zoltan.
11-13-2002, 04:37 PM
#33
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is that a blue ferrari? 
the 928 concept looks like the body lines of a ferrari maranello with the fascia of the current 996.
and zoltan, you are right on the money. i really think it is impossible for porsche to sell a car in the low to mid $20's. if this concept does make it, low to mid $30's sounds a little more realistic. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
the 928 concept looks like the body lines of a ferrari maranello with the fascia of the current 996.
and zoltan, you are right on the money. i really think it is impossible for porsche to sell a car in the low to mid $20's. if this concept does make it, low to mid $30's sounds a little more realistic. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
11-13-2002, 04:43 PM
#34
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I think they should do it. Why not make a car to compete with the likes of the 350Z? One other thing about using the 1.8T that goes along with the aftermarket support-availability of used engines to build up! <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
11-13-2002, 05:03 PM
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Ummm, doesn't that look like a big RSX?
Not that I don't find it "attractive", but it is kinda a BTDT.
I'm imagining a Porsche-lotus elise type car with a 1.8T.
Make is rather bare bones, light as hell and affordable but will SPANK cars twice its size and price. Geez, if it's "simple" enough, it may be allowed to be faster than other porsches as it doesn't tap into the "refinement" aspect of the current Porsche models.
Who knows... Whatever it may be, I'd like it to be suitable for DEs and club racing as a project car in say 7-8 years. Then I be happy!
Not that I don't find it "attractive", but it is kinda a BTDT.
I'm imagining a Porsche-lotus elise type car with a 1.8T.
Make is rather bare bones, light as hell and affordable but will SPANK cars twice its size and price. Geez, if it's "simple" enough, it may be allowed to be faster than other porsches as it doesn't tap into the "refinement" aspect of the current Porsche models.
Who knows... Whatever it may be, I'd like it to be suitable for DEs and club racing as a project car in say 7-8 years. Then I be happy!
11-13-2002, 05:09 PM
#36
Race Director
Z-man & PSUice Good thinking! <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
Doing more research I have found that the Boxster is slated for a Major Update in 2005. What does this mean?? It opens up room for Porsche Below the Boxster. Right now $42K "entry level" is quite pricy. You can't realisticly drop the sale price of Boxster down to $32k base without tones of complaints from existing owners and talk about making car that is not as good. Nobody will complain about pushing it up market some. This leaves room for 948 concept both in cost and performance. Using the 1.8T motor means they would not need to develop a new engine program.
Now if the base cost is 30K optioned up to 40k then I think you could have a real winner. True it may not out power a 350Z, but Porsche has never been about power and the 350Z is heavy at 3500lbs.
My concept for the 948
Lightweight Coupe (ideal weight 2500lbs)
Small displacment energetic 4cyl motor 2.0L or smaller
Spartan Interior (Simple with no leather or anything fancy think 914 or old 911 style)
2+2 seating with hatchback
$35k max price.
Alternatives
Subaru WRX, Toyota Celica GTS, Acura RSX,
Of course I could be wrong.
Doing more research I have found that the Boxster is slated for a Major Update in 2005. What does this mean?? It opens up room for Porsche Below the Boxster. Right now $42K "entry level" is quite pricy. You can't realisticly drop the sale price of Boxster down to $32k base without tones of complaints from existing owners and talk about making car that is not as good. Nobody will complain about pushing it up market some. This leaves room for 948 concept both in cost and performance. Using the 1.8T motor means they would not need to develop a new engine program.
Now if the base cost is 30K optioned up to 40k then I think you could have a real winner. True it may not out power a 350Z, but Porsche has never been about power and the 350Z is heavy at 3500lbs.
My concept for the 948
Lightweight Coupe (ideal weight 2500lbs)
Small displacment energetic 4cyl motor 2.0L or smaller
Spartan Interior (Simple with no leather or anything fancy think 914 or old 911 style)
2+2 seating with hatchback
$35k max price.
Alternatives
Subaru WRX, Toyota Celica GTS, Acura RSX,
Of course I could be wrong.
11-13-2002, 05:11 PM
#37
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Perfectly worded Zoltan. I couldn't agree more.
I do think they should make it Lotus-like as PSU said .. it would definately cut down cost, and be a blast to drive!
I do think they should make it Lotus-like as PSU said .. it would definately cut down cost, and be a blast to drive!
11-13-2002, 05:51 PM
#38
I have been wondering for some time why Porsche hasn't made a great lower priced car then the Boxter. As has been mentioned, make it very lite, the options list should be few, a Sunroof and keep it RWD! If they could get around 200 HP it would be a hit. I prefer an all Porsche engine, but at this point I am open for more people to be able to fall in love with a Porsche as well! Make it happen!
11-13-2002, 06:39 PM
#39
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[quote]Originally posted by M758:
<strong>Here is picture I found of what is supposed to be the new 928 Concept. From the proportions it sure looks like a front engine V8.
Word is a 2 seater with a cayenne V8 and 180mph top speed.
Actually if you look at the lines of this car it looks like they took a 550 Marranelo and grafted on a 911 front end in photoshop and then added the turbo wheels....
But all the magazines are only guessing anyway.... rumors are so wide ranging I have no idea what to belive.
There is the hard top boxster, there is the TT boxster, there is the front engined rear drive hatch w/ boxster motor and the one with the 1.8T, the V8 front engied coupe, the v8 powered 911, the Flat 8 powered 911..... Now we know porsche does not have the resouces to produce all of those, but we shal see
Still looking for any 948 information....</strong><hr></blockquote>
<strong>Here is picture I found of what is supposed to be the new 928 Concept. From the proportions it sure looks like a front engine V8.
Word is a 2 seater with a cayenne V8 and 180mph top speed.
Actually if you look at the lines of this car it looks like they took a 550 Marranelo and grafted on a 911 front end in photoshop and then added the turbo wheels....
But all the magazines are only guessing anyway.... rumors are so wide ranging I have no idea what to belive.
There is the hard top boxster, there is the TT boxster, there is the front engined rear drive hatch w/ boxster motor and the one with the 1.8T, the V8 front engied coupe, the v8 powered 911, the Flat 8 powered 911..... Now we know porsche does not have the resouces to produce all of those, but we shal see
Still looking for any 948 information....</strong><hr></blockquote>
11-13-2002, 07:08 PM
#40
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[quote]Originally posted by Dan in Pasadena:
<strong>Get a clue, the TT does not "suck" as you so maturely put it.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Let me first apologize, I wasn't in my "mature" mood. Although I do think everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Relax.
My main point was why on earth put a 1.8L Audi engine YET AGAIN into a Porsche? Haven't we already tried that? I think it's great they can pull 180/225 HP out of a 1.8L engine, good for them. Yes emissions make it tough but keep in mind technological increases, and they seem to cancel each other out. Not bringing down Audi's hard work, just don't think it's that big a break through as you seem to.
My original point, WHY put a Audi 1.8L engine from the Audi TT (which, IN MY HUMBLE [immature] OPINION, sucks compared to a bone stock 951) into a Porsche again? No doubt folks had the same discussion when the 924 came out, but in it's defense that was a completely different situation. It was going to be a VW/Audi/Porsche, not a Porsche until they backed out and Porsche purchased the rights. So with this supposid "948" being developed by Porsche for Porsche, WHY oh WHY put an Audi engine in it? Just doesn't make sense to me. And Dan, if I wanted a Camero I would have got a Camero.
Of course, I'm not in the market for a $35k car anyway, just don't want to see a repeat of the 924 when we could just cut to the chase straight for the 944.
<strong>Get a clue, the TT does not "suck" as you so maturely put it.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Let me first apologize, I wasn't in my "mature" mood. Although I do think everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Relax.
My main point was why on earth put a 1.8L Audi engine YET AGAIN into a Porsche? Haven't we already tried that? I think it's great they can pull 180/225 HP out of a 1.8L engine, good for them. Yes emissions make it tough but keep in mind technological increases, and they seem to cancel each other out. Not bringing down Audi's hard work, just don't think it's that big a break through as you seem to.
My original point, WHY put a Audi 1.8L engine from the Audi TT (which, IN MY HUMBLE [immature] OPINION, sucks compared to a bone stock 951) into a Porsche again? No doubt folks had the same discussion when the 924 came out, but in it's defense that was a completely different situation. It was going to be a VW/Audi/Porsche, not a Porsche until they backed out and Porsche purchased the rights. So with this supposid "948" being developed by Porsche for Porsche, WHY oh WHY put an Audi engine in it? Just doesn't make sense to me. And Dan, if I wanted a Camero I would have got a Camero.
Of course, I'm not in the market for a $35k car anyway, just don't want to see a repeat of the 924 when we could just cut to the chase straight for the 944.
11-13-2002, 07:57 PM
#43
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I think we should all try to get in contact with Porsche itself, and order them to make a new 951!!!, This is pathetic, that 928 looks like a 911 mixed with an RSX!, I hope to GOD that that is not the future 928. TO PORSCHE: " Please make a new updated version of the 951 with the same classic looks but a modern beast like look that it had and give it around 390-400 Hp stock! Then you'll see how you will make money!" Guys, we better do something about this. Every single porsche coming out looks like a 911! I'm afraid they're losing their touch. That's just MHO of course 
11-13-2002, 08:00 PM
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looks like a hyundai tiberon with 996 front end... the suv looks alot like the hyundai suv too....
[quote]Originally posted by M758:
<strong>Here is picture I found of what is supposed to be the new 928 Concept. From the proportions it sure looks like a front engine V8.
Word is a 2 seater with a cayenne V8 and 180mph top speed.
Still looking for any 948 information....</strong><hr></blockquote>
[quote]Originally posted by M758:
<strong>Here is picture I found of what is supposed to be the new 928 Concept. From the proportions it sure looks like a front engine V8.
Word is a 2 seater with a cayenne V8 and 180mph top speed.
Still looking for any 948 information....</strong><hr></blockquote>
11-13-2002, 08:00 PM
#45
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What issue of AutoWeek was this in? I just reviewed my Nov 11 issue cover to cover with no "948".
Mike R.
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Mike R.
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />