Cayman S
03-15-2005, 12:08 PM
#77
That's an interesting point. Alois Ruf calls the 3600S "a 911 roadster."
In reality, 911 is a brand. Almost every attribute of the "911" has changed over the years (longer wheelbase, power steering, altered roofline, water-cooling, headlights, etc.). Even engine placement hasn't been fixed--the Le Mans winning 911 GT1 was mid-engined.
A mid-engined GT3 would be an amazing car.
In reality, 911 is a brand. Almost every attribute of the "911" has changed over the years (longer wheelbase, power steering, altered roofline, water-cooling, headlights, etc.). Even engine placement hasn't been fixed--the Le Mans winning 911 GT1 was mid-engined.
A mid-engined GT3 would be an amazing car.
03-15-2005, 12:25 PM
#78
Intermediate
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Have Boxster S now; can't change screen name!
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Okay, I've been a 911 snob for years and thought the design was sacred and shouldn't be tampered with. But I think it's really funny to consider this: Imagine that the Boxster has been continually in production since 1960, having morphed from the 550 Spyder, the 718 RSK, the RS60 and RS61. Entire industries are set up to pay homage to this iconic car. Now, imagine the following announcement from Porsche about a new model: (and forgive me if you read this on another board where I posted something similar several weeks ago when someone was complaining about the new Panamera)
PORSCHE AG, STUTTGART, GERMANY
Today Porsche unveiled the long-awaited 911 Carrera, an up-market GT model the company hopes will mean larger profits and ensure their continued survival over the next decade. The design draws heavily on the legendary mid-engine Boxster, but several changes have been made to increase the 911's appeal to a broader market.
The Carrera will be longer than the Boxster. It will also be several hundred pounds heavier. And, in order to include a back seat, which the marketing department believes will double the car's potential market, the 3.6 liter engine will be located entirely behind the rear axle line.
The larger motor will make around 60hp more than its smaller sibling, and the interior will be finished in more upscale materials. Porsche expects pricing to start at $17,000 more than the Boxster S.
Would the Porsche faithful not be aghast??? A 4-seat version of our beloved Boxster with the perfect balance destroyed by an engine hanging out over the a$$ so we have room to stick a couple of crumb catchers in the new backseat!!!??? A funny thought, indeed!
Matt
PORSCHE AG, STUTTGART, GERMANY
Today Porsche unveiled the long-awaited 911 Carrera, an up-market GT model the company hopes will mean larger profits and ensure their continued survival over the next decade. The design draws heavily on the legendary mid-engine Boxster, but several changes have been made to increase the 911's appeal to a broader market.
The Carrera will be longer than the Boxster. It will also be several hundred pounds heavier. And, in order to include a back seat, which the marketing department believes will double the car's potential market, the 3.6 liter engine will be located entirely behind the rear axle line.
The larger motor will make around 60hp more than its smaller sibling, and the interior will be finished in more upscale materials. Porsche expects pricing to start at $17,000 more than the Boxster S.
Would the Porsche faithful not be aghast??? A 4-seat version of our beloved Boxster with the perfect balance destroyed by an engine hanging out over the a$$ so we have room to stick a couple of crumb catchers in the new backseat!!!??? A funny thought, indeed!
Matt
03-15-2005, 12:51 PM
#79
Pro
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Long Island,New York(Now in Orlando, FL)
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why not to be a 911? I think it’s entitled to be called 911M or 911MR if it can out handle a 911.
If that's the case why don't we call a Boxster/S a convertible 911M or 911MR. Doesn't make sense. It is was it is. A derivative of a Boxster( Boxster with a fixed hardtop).
03-15-2005, 01:28 PM
#80
It is was it is. A derivative of a Boxster
True, but they aren't calling it a Boxster either. For some reason, Porsche is choosing to create a whole new brand for the car.
I suspect there's an element within PAG that ackowledges the benefits (dare I say superiority) of the mid-engine platform for performance driving. But tradition and marketing dictate that the 911, as cash cow, must reign supreme.
I don't really care what they call it. I just hope they fully exploit the mid-engined coupe platform. If calling a dry sump, 3.8L mid-engine coupe a "911" keeps the marketing folks happy, then so be it. So long as they build the car!
True, but they aren't calling it a Boxster either. For some reason, Porsche is choosing to create a whole new brand for the car.
I suspect there's an element within PAG that ackowledges the benefits (dare I say superiority) of the mid-engine platform for performance driving. But tradition and marketing dictate that the 911, as cash cow, must reign supreme.
I don't really care what they call it. I just hope they fully exploit the mid-engined coupe platform. If calling a dry sump, 3.8L mid-engine coupe a "911" keeps the marketing folks happy, then so be it. So long as they build the car!
03-15-2005, 01:38 PM
#81
Pro
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Long Island,New York(Now in Orlando, FL)
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
True, but they aren't calling it a Boxster either. For some reason, Porsche is choosing to create a whole new brand for the car.
The name is for marketing reasons, but we all know what it is.
03-15-2005, 01:55 PM
#82
4th Gear
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Technically it will never be a boxster (Boxer engine+roadster) so it might as well join the 911 family. To me 911 had died after 964 so might as well give it a new start with mid engine 911. Yea a 3.8 dry sump will be exciting.
03-15-2005, 03:05 PM
#83
Originally Posted by AllBlack
Technically it will never be a boxster (Boxer engine+roadster) so it might as well join the 911 family. To me 911 had died after 964 so might as well give it a new start with mid engine 911. Yea a 3.8 dry sump will be exciting.
3.8l dry sump mid engine....now we are talking. Heck I would be happy with a 3.4l dry sump with a sub 2800 lbs. curb weight.
03-15-2005, 03:05 PM
#84
Pro
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Long Island,New York(Now in Orlando, FL)
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Technically it will never be a boxster (Boxer engine+roadster) so it might as well join the 911 family.
03-16-2005, 12:07 AM
#89
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by NoPorscheRightNow
Okay, I've been a 911 snob for years and thought the design was sacred and shouldn't be tampered with. But I think it's really funny to consider this: Imagine that the Boxster has been continually in production since 1960, having morphed from the 550 Spyder, the 718 RSK, the RS60 and RS61. Entire industries are set up to pay homage to this iconic car. Now, imagine the following announcement from Porsche about a new model: (and forgive me if you read this on another board where I posted something similar several weeks ago when someone was complaining about the new Panamera)
PORSCHE AG, STUTTGART, GERMANY
Today Porsche unveiled the long-awaited 911 Carrera, an up-market GT model the company hopes will mean larger profits and ensure their continued survival over the next decade. The design draws heavily on the legendary mid-engine Boxster, but several changes have been made to increase the 911's appeal to a broader market.
The Carrera will be longer than the Boxster. It will also be several hundred pounds heavier. And, in order to include a back seat, which the marketing department believes will double the car's potential market, the 3.6 liter engine will be located entirely behind the rear axle line.
The larger motor will make around 60hp more than its smaller sibling, and the interior will be finished in more upscale materials. Porsche expects pricing to start at $17,000 more than the Boxster S.
Would the Porsche faithful not be aghast??? A 4-seat version of our beloved Boxster with the perfect balance destroyed by an engine hanging out over the a$$ so we have room to stick a couple of crumb catchers in the new backseat!!!??? A funny thought, indeed!
Matt
PORSCHE AG, STUTTGART, GERMANY
Today Porsche unveiled the long-awaited 911 Carrera, an up-market GT model the company hopes will mean larger profits and ensure their continued survival over the next decade. The design draws heavily on the legendary mid-engine Boxster, but several changes have been made to increase the 911's appeal to a broader market.
The Carrera will be longer than the Boxster. It will also be several hundred pounds heavier. And, in order to include a back seat, which the marketing department believes will double the car's potential market, the 3.6 liter engine will be located entirely behind the rear axle line.
The larger motor will make around 60hp more than its smaller sibling, and the interior will be finished in more upscale materials. Porsche expects pricing to start at $17,000 more than the Boxster S.
Would the Porsche faithful not be aghast??? A 4-seat version of our beloved Boxster with the perfect balance destroyed by an engine hanging out over the a$$ so we have room to stick a couple of crumb catchers in the new backseat!!!??? A funny thought, indeed!
Matt
Course when i think of the boxster i think 914, not 550
03-16-2005, 12:57 AM
#90
Race Director
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: KC ex pat marooned in NY
Posts: 13,005
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
14 Posts
Boxster sales suck and I think the Gayman will have an initial surge followed by a deep lull in US sales. Basically, if you want an entry level porsche, most would get the boxster and if you're willing to spend a little more, go for the real deal, the 911.
Porsche has tried many a entry level coupe in the past, none did well sales wise and none survived. Why should this be any different?
Porsche has tried many a entry level coupe in the past, none did well sales wise and none survived. Why should this be any different?