Audi R4, Vw BlueSport and Porsche 356 delayed for several reasons

Less expensive and more capable? It's not hard to figure this one out:
1. Smaller car = less weight = cheaper to manufacture
2. Less weight = better performance from smaller/cheaper engine
3. Porsche's version of the Miata (0-60 in 6.0 seconds) at under $40,000 would destroy sales of all "premium" convertibles in the $40K-$60K range, which would include Z4, Boxster, TT and 370Z.

I THINK PORSCHE SHOULD DO IT. Shake things up a bit, and make up for lost Boxster sales by volume. Here's how you differentiate:

1. The 356 would be a stripped car, very little options (similar to a Spyder model). The only things standard is A/C and basic CD/radio. Furthermore, options are minimal: full leather, PDK, "sports" appearance package. There are no other options! No ceramic brakes, no PASM, no automatic windows, only manually adjustable seats, etc.

2. People who want a convertible with luxuries like climate control, auto-adjustable seats, upgraded stereo, ceramic brakes, PASM will have to buy a Boxster.

This would give the models enough separation to make it worthwhile.

"The 356 would be a stripped car, very little options (similar to a Spyder model). The only things standard is A/C and basic CD/radio. Furthermore, options are minimal: full leather, PDK, "sports" appearance package. There are no other options! No ceramic brakes, no PASM, no automatic windows, only manually adjustable seats, etc."


Uhmmm...why don't you just call it a Volkswagen then.

"1. The 356 would be a stripped car, very little options (similar to a Spyder model). The only things standard is A/C and basic CD/radio. Furthermore, options are minimal: full leather, PDK, "sports" appearance package. There are no other options! No ceramic brakes, no PASM, no automatic windows, only manually adjustable seats, etc."

Low option content is a complete anathema to Porsche execs. Their whole business model is based on making EVERYTHING optional. "Oh, you want a steering wheel? That'll be an extra $1300." That's how a $59,000 Cayman S will end up costing you $75,000. And precisely why Porsche was the most profitable auto company in the world when independent.

Brand engineering.. some you win, some you loose.. in this case, probably the consumers loss.

Need4Speed, keep in mind that Porsche was founded on the virtues of performance and simplicity, which is the principle behind the Spyder model as well as the Speedster series released in the 80's.

A bloated Porsche full of luxurious appointments is a departure from the spirit of Porsches past. Further, a Porsche is way way more reliable than any VW, bar none. As a matter of fact, Porsche's now are more reliable than either Honda or Toyota.

Imagine that, a reliable true sports car that is simple without electronic gizmos, just great engineering and a reasonable price. Porsche's version of the Miata.

well Porsches past is actually more based in a reshaped Beetle with the same motor and a much higher price tag......lol sorry it was just to tempting

For 2009, the Boxster had subtle exterior/interior changes, but an entirely new and improved engine. A new Boxster is due for 2012 which, while still evolutionary, will see more changes than last years car. Why drop something that ranks at the top of every review of cars in its class? The reason the Boxster isn't selling as well as before is price creep - - - it has just gotten to expensive the volume Porsche wants to move.

the 2012 with share some of the ASF and that should help pricing and cost
not to mention make it a better car

IMHO whatever they do, the "356" designation should be respectfully left in the past.

Forget about pursuing this with Audi and Porsche for now. Let VW go ahead and build it under the VW badge and as soon as Audi and Porsche sees their numbers they'll jump on very quickly. I like it, it looks like an affordable Z4.