Rendering Speculation: Porsche 356 Speedster. Does Porsche Have Room For an" Entry-Level" Roadster?

In the run-up to the Volkswagen Bluesport's unveiling, the business case for the mid-engine roadster was being hashed out in the blogosphere. In order for VAG to make a profit on a production version of the Bluesport, the chassis would need to underpin at least new two models: one from VW and another from Audi. But a variant from Volkswagen's new parent – Porsche – was always in the background. German auto pub AutoZeitung decided to cobble together its own interpretation of the Porsche version and came up with this: the Porsche Speedster.

If Porsche decides to adapt the Bluesport's platform for its own model, expect it to slot in below the current Boxster sometime in 2013. Power could be provided by a either a 1.4-liter four-pot or, more likely, a variant of the Audi TT's 2.0-liter TFSI putting out around 250 hp to the rear wheels through a dual-clutch gearbox. Weight distribution would be a thoroughly entertaining 45:55 front-to-rear, with an overall curb weight of around 2,600 pounds. Porsche could employ its PASM active suspension system and offer carbon-ceramic brakes as an option, but as the kit list expands, the Speedster's price would get dangerously close to the Boxster's -- one reason this project may never see the light of day.


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t_bone - 3/24/2009 1:49:11 PM

+3 Boost

I don't see this happening at all, they seem so ambivalent to low pricing. If Porsche was interested in moving more cars then the Panamera would be more in the 60-80K+ range instead of starting at 90K and moving well up from that. I find it puzzling that they don't price it around the Cayenne range, especially in this economy.

Interestingly the Boxster has been quietly moving up since 1997 and it is no longer the $40K car it started as. But I'd give a higher likelyhood they'd come out with a lower engine spec on that than a new model.

inspirion7 - 3/24/2009 2:19:22 PM

+1 Boost

t-bone the market will not stay like this forever. The Panamera is unique and priced accordingly. Porsche isn't hurting for money neither their clients, so exlusivitly is name of the game . An entry level coupe would get Porsche the $40k once occupied by the Boxster.

JMB1013 - 3/24/2009 5:11:21 PM

0 Boost

I'm with t-bone that it won't happen, but more for the reason inspirion noted:

When you think Porsche you think 911. The 911 is set at a high price and gives the brand the reputation for style, etc. but also exclusivity in its price range. Porsche already has two sports cars lined up beneath the 911 and they DO NOT need a third.

SmokeEm - 3/24/2009 3:07:24 PM

+2 Boost

I think there is room. It would be totally cool if they built one.

dlin - 3/24/2009 3:48:08 PM

0 Boost

What's the point? Porsche can just shorten the wheelbase of boxter's platform and throw in a smaller engine and call it a day. It doesn't and 'shouldn't' share anything w/ VW.

Veeracer - 3/27/2009 10:46:00 AM

+1 Boost

At 6'3" I can't fit in a Boxster. Don't make this thing smaller!!!

gregorythegr8 - 5/17/2009 10:07:26 PM

+1 Boost

Actually, they're merging.

mini22 - 3/24/2009 5:07:51 PM

+1 Boost

From a cost perspective and the fact that they essentially own VW it would be crazy for Porsche to spend the R & D to develop a cheaper Boxster alternative on their own.The mid engined concept that VW just came out with and will probably share with Audi ,if it is produced, makes the most sense.I have not read the article yet but my guess is they would use the VW turbo 4. I wish they would use a flat four that has been developed from the flat 6 in the Boxster but I'm sure Porsche would feel it would cut into progits.

LauderdaleDriver - 3/24/2009 11:55:05 PM

+2 Boost

Between the various Audi and Porsche sports cars, there is already a serious risk of canibalization. I'd buy a "356" in a heartbeat, but I bet it would be a bad move for Porsche.

Airliner - 3/25/2009 12:24:00 PM

0 Boost

No, the world has not gone mad. With all due respect Whatthe and others (not all) on this string, you are a Car enthusiast Rookie. Porsche has made entry level cars in the past. They were ridiculed for a while and then eventually developed a cult following. Look up Porsche 914 & 914-6. If they go through with this, it might seem as cannibalization however, Porsche AG is simply going after Market Share. They want a bigger piece of the pie across their brands. The individual who cant afford this new "TT" like model will go over to Audi and try to capture that essence of Porsche in his or her new TT. This in fact would be a brilliant move on Porsche's part regardless of how we feel over a rebadged product. Remember that when the idea of the Cayenne was being tossed around, car magazines and critics criticized that too... What did Porsche end up with? A money maker.

Airliner - 3/26/2009 1:58:01 AM

0 Boost

Are they? Have they moved on?? No. Stop thinking about your wants and needs as a consumer/enthusiast. Porsche, just like the rest of them are in it to make money, now, more than ever. Panamera, Cayenne... trust me if the all the higher end brands were producing a 3 wheeled vehicle... So would Porsche. At the end of the day, like any other company in the world, they have a board to keep happy. In this case Happiness=Money.

Airliner - 3/28/2009 11:57:18 AM

+1 Boost

My opinions are just that, opinions. They don’t make me an idiot any more than your uniformed opinions make you seem silly. If you have paid attention to the brand in question or any other manufacturer over the past several decades you would have noticed that most stay true to their core, but you will find that most if not all will tamper with the recipe from time to time to cash in on some additional opportunities (money). And yes, for them, not me, it sometimes is just about the money. Porsche has built cars for the masses before you were born and they will continue to do so from time to time long after your death.

Veeracer - 3/27/2009 10:54:30 AM

+3 Boost

If you look at Porsche's past when they built cars to cater to the middle class (912, 914, 924) you see some cars that were nothing to write home about with a Porsche badge on it. The 924 led to the development of the 944 and 968 which are both great cars. When Porsche stepped into the SUV fray with the Cayenne, I thought it was the second sign of the apocalypse. That tells me they'll build, within reason, something that the masses want. I think there's a good chance they will make this car but many have pointed out here...why? Who really needs a Porsche TT roadster?