Loser article: Future Of The Porsche 718 Boxster And Cayman Isn’t Looking Too Good
01-27-2018, 03:00 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Loser article: Future Of The Porsche 718 Boxster And Cayman Isn’t Looking Too Good
I don't like this fear/speculation that they will drop this model, must be trying to generate readership?
Worse yet, the comparison to BRZ/FRS ....
https://carbuzz.com/news/future-of-t...oking-too-good
Worse yet, the comparison to BRZ/FRS ....
https://carbuzz.com/news/future-of-t...oking-too-good
01-27-2018, 05:04 PM
#2
01-27-2018, 05:47 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
The 718 isn’t selling... it’s not a secret.
01-27-2018, 06:01 PM
#4
01-27-2018, 10:25 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
I rarely comment on other media, but what a fantastically erroneous statement:
"Porsche became the famed automaker it is today all thanks to the 911. It later began offering a distilled version of its performance car, the Cayman and Boxster, in order to take a larger share of the performance market."
It's hard for me to believe that something like this got published by a name-brand automotive title. Even if the author tried to wiggle by suggesting the 993-based 911 turned the tide before the 986 Boxster changed the ocean, the "all thanks to the 911" clause counters that. Not to mention, you know, the 356, 912, 914, 924, 928, 944, etc etc. Or the 550, 718, 904, 906, 910, 907, 908, 917, 936, 956, 962, GT1, etc etc. Nah, they had nothing to do with Porsche becoming a famed automaker. Nor did the Cayenne...especially in a market like China.
"Porsche became the famed automaker it is today all thanks to the 911. It later began offering a distilled version of its performance car, the Cayman and Boxster, in order to take a larger share of the performance market."
It's hard for me to believe that something like this got published by a name-brand automotive title. Even if the author tried to wiggle by suggesting the 993-based 911 turned the tide before the 986 Boxster changed the ocean, the "all thanks to the 911" clause counters that. Not to mention, you know, the 356, 912, 914, 924, 928, 944, etc etc. Or the 550, 718, 904, 906, 910, 907, 908, 917, 936, 956, 962, GT1, etc etc. Nah, they had nothing to do with Porsche becoming a famed automaker. Nor did the Cayenne...especially in a market like China.
01-27-2018, 10:43 PM
#6
GT3 player par excellence
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
^ LOL, as u know, anyone who can type without typo is a journlkist now days.
01-27-2018, 10:52 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
With that said, the Boxster/Cayman IS in an interesting place. Given the platform share with the 991/992, I think the 982 can bump along for a while. But, as much a mid-engined guy as I am, I wouldn't cry if the Boxster/Cayman was discontinued (though I would be a bit bummed for those who are into these Porsches). Why? They handle even better than my GT4 did, but the flat four is anathema after 20 years of flat sixes in the 986/987/981…and the 718 styling is beat down imo.
Meanwhile, I am starting to wonder what a small, pure electric sports car from Porsche might be like. Keep thinking back to a drive in a 918 in E-Power mode with a friend in a Boxster Spyder chasing. It was a new world to me...feeling like re-harnessed energy redirected and it was definitely fun. You know the road, too, from when you were chasing me in a 4.1 when I was driving your 4.0. All sorts of new noises to consider in the 918, noises you just don't hear in IC sports cars. Tires, bearings, anti-roll bars, etc. Haven't decided if I like that or not, but the experience opened my mind to wonder IF I could like that experience. Reminded me of the sounds of wind in the sails paired with the sensation of those forces...and I do like those noises and feelings in a sailboat. A modern 550E, Speedster E, or 912E might also be nice for use around town, especially if it is achingly beautiful and sized right. Could also be awful. At least it would be interesting. The 718, to me, is not.
Last edited by stout; 01-28-2018 at 01:02 AM.
Trending Topics
01-27-2018, 11:08 PM
#9
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
The 718 was specifically made for the Chinese market and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s not doing well in the US. The Boxster and Cayman used to be the affordable Porsche that was accessible to a larger buyer pool but that no longer applies. The remaining buyer pool are the enthusiasts which covet the, sound, feedback and overall driving experience and that’s the issue. The 718 doesn’t really appeal to either of the primary buyers anymore so sales have stagnated. I’m really curious if the 718 is doing well in China, if not it was a major marketing mis step by Porsche.
01-28-2018, 01:05 AM
#10
Rennlist Member
The 718 was specifically made for the Chinese market and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s not doing well in the US. The Boxster and Cayman used to be the affordable Porsche that was accessible to a larger buyer pool but that no longer applies. The remaining buyer pool are the enthusiasts which covet the, sound, feedback and overall driving experience and that’s the issue. The 718 doesn’t really appeal to either of the primary buyers anymore so sales have stagnated. I’m really curious if the 718 is doing well in China, if not it was a major marketing mis step by Porsche.
01-28-2018, 02:55 AM
#11
Rennlist Member
Another source saying the same thing. I’m sure based on speculation derived from the release of the 2017 sales presss release.
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/91...718s-not-much/
01-28-2018, 03:46 AM
#12
Regardless of the US sales, global sales for the 718 seem to be up 6% y/y, IIRC. 25,000 units compared to 32,000 for the 911. Doesn't sound like it's time for a requiem yet.
The article seems to be trolling.
(Edit: Sadly it looks like the author of the Carbuzz article read another speculative article from Automobile Magazine and then just created a new piece without doing any additional research. Lazy ****)
The article seems to be trolling.
(Edit: Sadly it looks like the author of the Carbuzz article read another speculative article from Automobile Magazine and then just created a new piece without doing any additional research. Lazy ****)
Last edited by Semitone; 01-28-2018 at 04:01 AM.
01-28-2018, 05:33 AM
#13
Racer
Oh pu-leeezze. You don't expect online journos to actually research their articles do you?
They just quote what they're fed. It's why the acceleration times/speeds are all identical to the Porsche handouts except for one or two of the prestige mags that actually did the tests.
Most of the online stuff counts as entertainment, not reportage.
They just quote what they're fed. It's why the acceleration times/speeds are all identical to the Porsche handouts except for one or two of the prestige mags that actually did the tests.
Most of the online stuff counts as entertainment, not reportage.
01-28-2018, 09:21 AM
#14
I don’t recall them even trying the “back to basics” approach as an homage to their roots in the 356. Not that it would have mattered to me.
I am on “the list” for a 718 Spyder, but only if the (good) engine rumors are true. I told my GM not to bother calling if it’s a Turbo 4.
01-28-2018, 10:50 AM
#15
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: On a pygmy pony over by the dental floss bush
Posts: 3,286
Received 606 Likes
on
415 Posts
Exactly my thought. I read the Automobile piece first yesterday, and reading the Buzzkill version immediately struck me as a ripoff with bad imagination added. Echoing Stout's thoughts, the 718 is anathema to me as well. Seems like I read the real-world fuel economy of the 981 Boxster 3.4L is better than the 718 BS Turbo, with same transmissions. I got 31.4 average MPG over 5,800 miles of driving from DFW to Jay Peak VT (2016 Parade) and back in my 981 BS with PDK, and good fuel economy was not my goal at any point of that drive. I've wondered if the 911 RSR being mid-engine design could lead eventually to a production mid-engine 911 sized platform that would make the Cayman/Boxster redundant. Heresy to both 911 and Cayman/Boxster fans, I know.