Whats the point. The new 2004 models are going
to be mostly cabs. I dont understand
the point of turbo cabs. Most guys are looking
to delete sunroofs, back seats, rear wipers
and here is a ton of turbo cabs coming. I understand
the cab and I understand the TT but I dont understand
the combo. I mean even Chevy doesnt offer a
Z06 convertible or coupe with a sunroof. Is it
just the 'look at me' factor or what is it? Its
a huge compromise. Any enlightement here
would be a great help.

 

Scary isn't it, you read Rennlist and you forget that most of the people buying new Porsches are the "look at me I have the latest Porsche" brigade
(Rennlist members most obviously accepted )

 

I think that the entire 996/Boxster lineup (with the exception of the GT2/GT3) are designed to appeal to a different market than previous Porsches. That strategy has paid off, and the new models are selling very well. Cabs are probably the most common 996, and there are tons of turbos. So combining the two is probably a smart marketing decision. It may not be the car for you, me, or the majority of 993 owners, but we're not the market that Porsche is after with the turbo cab.

Cupholders? Bah. Humbug.

 

Me thinks so too,
Perhaps to target the new rich...
If you think about it, the crowd that values torsional and longtitudinal rigidity mostly applies to the trackies and hard core enthusiasts.
Since Porsche got the fanatics covered, the next logical step is to combine all the spare part bins and remarket the car as something else...
afterall, the sport/luxury convertible market has been well developed by other marques already (SL AMG, M3, 360 modena)

Perhaps they figured they had too much spare parts lying around and decided to make a lunge at that segment too. Afterall, developing a Chasis jig cost alot of money... retooling the secondary and tertiary processes are relatively cheaper.

Just my .2

 

I agree that most new Porsche buyers are in the "comfort" and "look at me category". IMHO, the best Porsches ever made for a quality and fun factor were the "air cooled" cars.

With that said, and although I might get flamed with what I am getting ready to say, I wished they had made a Turbo Cab in the 993 or 964 lineup. I like the look and living in Florida, I enjoy a cab. I have had three cabs in the past and they have been great. Now with owning a 993tt, I only wished the previous cars had that performance factor.

I also want to go on record... I am not a "look at me" or "garage queen" kind of guy. I drivemy cars. I just like the lines of the 1989 Turbo Cab, and the performance of the 993tt.

Also, for the comment about "sunroof delete" and "hard back seats" as an option, I know several people with 996tt that will never see a track or an autocross. There again, I believe most of the buyers today want have Lexus with a Porsche crest.

The 996 buyer is different and as far a maketing ploy, it might be smart.

For what its worth, I sold my 996 street car and bought a 993tt. I haven't look back once!

 

I would have also loved a 993tt cab. It just seems like a gaping hole in history after the Carrera turbo cabs that the 964 and the 993 did not have a turbo cab. At least the 964 had a widebodied cab!

 

Actually there was a 993 turbo cab with the 964 3.6 turbo engine.

 

It was the 3.3 litre engine. There were around 9 produced. Done after hours so old Ferd wouldn't find out(if he was alive???)

 

Noony,

3.6 litre engine
http://www.porsche.com.hk/en/approve...id=9109&typ=GW

 

Actually there were 14 of them.

 

You have to remember, if you are hanging out daily on Rennlist, you are of a completely different breed than 98% of the car buying population.

 

They sell more ordinary 996 cabs than coupes, it wouldn't make sense for them NOT to have a turbo cab.

 

Thanks Guys I understand the marketing point of it
but it strikes my little engineering brain as the same
sort of thing as buying an SUV then lowering it and
putting low profile tires on it. I just dont get it.
But I do understand there are other ideas out there!!

 

Maybe got to realise that Rennlist members probably make up a VERY SMALL percentage of new Porsche buyers - how many 996 owners/buyers log onto a web forum every day???

Of that small percentage on the rennlsit, only a fraction are into sunroof delete/rear wiper delete/rear seat delete. There are a load of rennlisters, particularly on the 996 boars, who are very keen on cup holders, a sof tride, cruise control etc etc.

WE just got to remember that we rennlisters are not a truly representative sample of the average new Porsche buyer.

 

Who cares really, enjoy what you have. Sounds like many of you are envious of other peoples cars. I have a 993 and am very happy with it. If a neighbor of mine gets a 996 TT Cab, I'm happy for them. If you can afford a 996TT Cab great get one and mind your own business.

I always think of the days when I couldn't afford a car let alone a P-Car...just dreamed about driving and owning a Porsche. So please people enjoy what you have and remember most of us here are very very lucky.

OG:

Drive your car and enjoy it!