German Car Zone

^ Coolraoul. Exactly.

Why change something which has its uniqueness and intrinsic appeal inextricably linked. If product strategists at Porsche did a SWOT analysis I feel that they could come up with something like this:

Strengths:
Unique
Timeless
Pedigree
Character
Driver Appeal
Handling
Performance
Usability
Traction
Weight
Practicality
Versatility
Boxer Engines
2+2 Cabin space
RWD / AWD options
NA / Turbo options
Cachet
Class
Lack of a true, direct competitor
Styling
Recognition
Motorsport spin-offs
Profitability on options

Weaknesses
Rear-engined...
... results in limited scalability
...and limited engine choice
High polar moment of inertia
Short-wheel base
Over familiar styling

Opportunities
Hybrid tech
Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems
Electro-magnetic valve-trains
Advancements in turbocharging
Build-down trend in engine size and number of cylinders
Emissions legislations

Threats
Competitor Models (e.g. GT-R, R8)
Cayman
Panamera
Legislation
Porsche's financial situation
Hybrid Sports cars
Electric Cars

There you have it, the very essence of driving for fun.

Given what Porsche has accomplished with the 2 ton Panamera, I have no doubts in my mind that the new 911 will be equally as illogically astounding in its performance and dynamics. Thus I wouldn't say that the 911 has reached its limits yet as I expect the new one to be as revolutionary as the transition from 993 to 996.

This will be very interesting.

If Nurburgring times are only a pis contest, then why was Porsche so pissed off on Nissan with the whole racing tires or not thing.

And I actually don't quite grasp the purity thing.

The purest sportcar in Porsche's stable is held back from fulfilling its potential due to an inherently inferior rear-engined sportscar.

I do agree the Porsche 911 will never be replaced by either a Vette or a GT-R in the hearts of many.

LOL I figured, but hey you started an entire conversation based off of your misjudgment! That counts for something!

^^^ Of course not. Just_Me was the only one thinking this, the conversation is not about stopping the 911 altogether.

It will be. 998 will kick everybody's butt. Japanese butt in particular

Uhm, where did you get that from? As far as I know, Cayman is kept lower and slower than 911 artificially. Cayman is a better car than 997....
Also, 2+2 cabin space in a 911 is an illusian. No person can sit in the back seats, they are purely cosmetical.

Yes it's a 2 + nothing. But these are biased 911 fans you're talking too. It's nostalgia vs. logic, the Cayman is the better sportscar.

Cayman is better than 997 yes, but only in theory because 911 still gets the great engines and Cayman not. 998 will end that though, because I think it'll have even more potential than Cayman...

You mean to tell me Porsche are incapable of building a new Cayman/Boxer platform with the same potential as a 998 ?!