German Car Zone

Giannis · 06-15-2009, 09:51 AM

Report: Entry-level Porsche roadster still on the table

Porsche’s current financial troubles are no secret, which is why it’s understandable that the company would welcome any additional sources of income. One suggestion is the introduction of a new entry-level roadster positioned below the current Boxster and built along the lines of the Porsche 914 of the late 1960s and early 1970s. While Porsche research and development chief Wolfgang Dürheimer recently denied claims the company was working on such a car, German media is today reporting that it is still a possibility.

Though the lightweight mid-engined Porsche 914 was far from a perfect machine, it has developed a cult following that keeps it active in the streets and on tracks around the world to this day. With Volkswagen now sitting on a new mid-engined platform developed for its Bluesport roadster concept and eventual production version, as well as Porsche’s strengthening links with the German auto giant, the case for a new baby Porsche roadster is made even stronger.

Speaking with Automobilwoche, Porsche production manager Michael Macht said the car could be as priced as low as €33,000 to €35,000. However, he explained that this would not fit in with the company’s current market position but it could if a fifth model line was added.

If built, the baby roadster would be a joint effort between Porsche and VW though the basic mechanicals would likely be drawn primarily from VW's massive corporate parts bin. The two engines with the most potential are the 1.4L turbocharged/supercharged TSI unit that's good for 170hp (126kW) and the 125hp (93kW) diesel four-cylinder. Though the diesel would likely be more fitting of an economy-version of the car than a Porsche-badged model.

Expect it to come sans-LSD, however, in order to keep the car from vying too closely with the lower end of the Boxster range. At an estimated 2,200lbs (1,000kg) and 170hp (126kw), the baby roadster could be expected to give the standard Elise a run for its money, especially considering it is likely to benefit from Porsche's legendary suspension tuning and steering design.

There remains no official confirmation of any such joint project as yet - it's still purely in the realm of speculation, and optimistic at that - but it does make sense. Tight fuel economy requirements make production of a quick, nimble and miserly car an appealing maneuver, and tying the car into established enthusiast history could help Porsche side-step issues that such a car might create for its image. Not that the Panamera, soon to be available in diesel and hybrid forms, or the Cayenne in its many guises do much to keep with the company's tradition of sports car-focused performance.

Source: Motor Authority

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
0-200km/h Times	CarGuy	Test Data	5	09-08-2009 11:31 AM
Paris debut for Mercedes-McLaren SLR Roadster '722 Edition'	PanterroR	SLR McLaren	43	11-03-2008 08:17 AM
Factory 0-60 and 1/4mile Times	Choleric	Test Data	3	07-14-2007 03:39 PM
Porsche Rennsport Reunion III	drronh	The Porsche Lounge	6	01-09-2007 06:24 AM
Porsche says it does not want to acquire Audi.	Yannis	Automotive Sales & Business News	32	12-30-2006 02:57 PM