Porsche chief drops plan for entry-level model - aka possible modern day 944
05-13-2012, 04:13 PM
#1
Administrator - "Tyson"
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Thread Starter
Porsche chief drops plan for entry-level model - aka possible modern day 944
Since this has been discussed in great detail in the 944 forums, felt it was appropriate to post here.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0477773c-9...#axzz1umLC2uis
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0477773c-9...#axzz1umLC2uis
BERLIN, May 12 – German sports car maker Porsche has dropped plans to build a two-seater vehicle which would have been smaller and cheaper than its Boxster model, Stuttgarter Zeitung reported on Saturday, citing Chief Executive Officer Matthias Müller.
Such plans would risk diluting the brand and alienate traditional customers, according to Mr Müller.
“We would do no good to the brand if we were to lose traditional Porsche customers” by pursuing a smaller Boxster model, the CEO was quoted as saying in an interview.
Mr Müller said Porsche also has no immediate plans to develop a smaller version of its four-door Panamera sedan, though he indicated that such a model could become an option in five or six years.
Porsche is aiming to increase annual deliveries to about 200,000 sports cars and SUVs by taking advantage of resources at Volkswagen. Europe’s largest auto manufacturer owns 49.9 per cent of Porsche’s core business and is currently examining ways to purchase the remainder.
Such plans would risk diluting the brand and alienate traditional customers, according to Mr Müller.
“We would do no good to the brand if we were to lose traditional Porsche customers” by pursuing a smaller Boxster model, the CEO was quoted as saying in an interview.
Mr Müller said Porsche also has no immediate plans to develop a smaller version of its four-door Panamera sedan, though he indicated that such a model could become an option in five or six years.
Porsche is aiming to increase annual deliveries to about 200,000 sports cars and SUVs by taking advantage of resources at Volkswagen. Europe’s largest auto manufacturer owns 49.9 per cent of Porsche’s core business and is currently examining ways to purchase the remainder.
05-13-2012, 04:20 PM
#2
Rainman
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Such plans would risk diluting the brand and alienate traditional customers...
its four-door Panamera sedan,
Porsche is aiming to increase annual deliveries to about 200,000 sports cars and SUVs by taking advantage of resources at Volkswagen. Europe’s largest auto manufacturer owns 49.9 per cent of Porsche’s core business and is currently examining ways to purchase the remainder.
its four-door Panamera sedan,
Porsche is aiming to increase annual deliveries to about 200,000 sports cars and SUVs by taking advantage of resources at Volkswagen. Europe’s largest auto manufacturer owns 49.9 per cent of Porsche’s core business and is currently examining ways to purchase the remainder.
the fail is strong with this one
05-13-2012, 07:05 PM
#3
Porsche needed a Savior back in the 70's-80's it was hard times, they have continued to have an entry level car (Boxster and Cayman) if you can call then entry level they are both great cars, but the 911 will continue to be their flag ship and until they need $$$ (Cayenne is a great money maker) they will not re visit the 944 remake, I would love to see a "retro" 944 remake (Mustang, Camaro, Challenger....), not much to do to it, bump up the 3.0 engine to 3.5 and 300hp, keep the weight down and give it all the Porsche stuff it should have, awesome balance, great power to weight, and name it the "944 s4" price it around $40-50k I would be there tomorrow cash in hand.
05-13-2012, 07:59 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
all i see on threads so far about this news of an entry model porsche is gossip and speculation. they have released very little detail, just a 'smaller, cheaper boxster.' just last week they were talking about a mid-engined 4 door!
with continuous threads of people dreaming of a modern 944, I'm not believing anything until they roll out a concept car and spy photos from the 'Ring.
with continuous threads of people dreaming of a modern 944, I'm not believing anything until they roll out a concept car and spy photos from the 'Ring.
05-13-2012, 08:05 PM
#5
Today I got
My Custom Title
Rennlist Member
My Custom Title
Rennlist Member
05-13-2012, 10:30 PM
#6
" Europe’s largest auto manufacturer owns 49.9 per cent of Porsche’s core business and is currently examining ways to purchase the remainder. "
So, if VW does acquire a majority stake would a lower entry-level Porsche gain approval or have even less of a chance..?
So, if VW does acquire a majority stake would a lower entry-level Porsche gain approval or have even less of a chance..?
05-13-2012, 10:48 PM
#7
Team Owner
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: one thousand, five hundred miles north of Ft. Lauderdale for the summer.
Posts: 28,705
Received 212 Likes
on
153 Posts
ftw.....
They are belittling the boxster and cayman just to make the 911 superior and basically going against common sense. I feel as if the boxster and cayman may share the fate as the 928/944 if the company ever were pinched financially. In that case, they deserve what they get.
Porsche could have been one amazing company if they went with a proper base instead of over-engineering a flawed one.
this.
Trending Topics
05-13-2012, 11:35 PM
#8
Three Wheelin'
This is something that has always bothered me, and it's so obvious Porsche does it. I feel it's something Porsche will never get over and they will take it to the grave with them. I like the silly Cayenne, and the Panamera I wish stayed as a concept. It no doubt is a very impressive car, but the Macan is just way to Porsches avaible to buy that aren't sport cars. And please Lamborghini don't make the Urus, or whatever it is.
05-14-2012, 12:36 AM
#13
I miss the days when Porsche raced every model they offer - entry level or not. Good move by Porsche not to have another model they won't race.
05-14-2012, 01:42 AM
#14
Late Porkchops
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Porsche was not likely to really do the lesser priced car anyway with the VW tie in and even more coming.
What does matter the most is that without the Cayenne, and the Panamera next, then there is likely no Porsche, certainly not as we know it.
The heffies at the dealer say that too. If they had to make it on Porsche sports cars alone they would be down applying at the Hyundai dealer.
The 944 did its job and kept them in business and got the factory modernized. The 911 has done its part. But now in this market if they had not got the Cayenne going, then this would be academic as a major brand consideration.
I am impressed with both Ford and Mazda as far as their race programs for regular guys. Porsche not so much. And my old time star, Datsun which is Nissan now of course, has faded badly.
What does matter the most is that without the Cayenne, and the Panamera next, then there is likely no Porsche, certainly not as we know it.
The heffies at the dealer say that too. If they had to make it on Porsche sports cars alone they would be down applying at the Hyundai dealer.
The 944 did its job and kept them in business and got the factory modernized. The 911 has done its part. But now in this market if they had not got the Cayenne going, then this would be academic as a major brand consideration.
I am impressed with both Ford and Mazda as far as their race programs for regular guys. Porsche not so much. And my old time star, Datsun which is Nissan now of course, has faded badly.