Does Porsche Need A NEW Icon OR Should It Stick To The Same 'Ol Game Plan?

Porsche likes to tout some little oddball fact that runs along the lines of the 911 being the most instantly recognizable car.

Well, considering it's general body style has been in production for 30 or so years, you'd certainly hope that its left a lasting impression.

And it always seems to draw two differing opinions:

1) The 911 is boring and it's "new" designs are SO predictable.

2) Why fix something that isn't broken?

Given that the 911 is a mainstay in the brand this has me wondering...

Rumors have circulated previously that Porsche was debating axing the 911. In addition, with the expansion of the brand's line up, could it produce something more exciting and just as versatile as the 911? What do YOU think it could be?

With that said, we're curious. Does Porsche need a new ICON to replace the 911, or should it continue building the legendary 911?

lv_vl - 9/21/2011 11:00:29 PM

+5 Boost

They've already created a new icon - Panamera.

quizz - 9/21/2011 11:25:59 PM

+1 Boost

Nope, keep the 911, it's an icon.

t_bone - 9/21/2011 11:38:54 PM

0 Boost

You mean like create a new model and call it the Qwikster? May want to think about that one.

Steve - 9/21/2011 11:55:09 PM

+8 Boost

What they DON'T need, is to listen to arm-chair quarter-backs on Autospies telling them how to run the show. But that's just *my* opinion.

Joe_Limon - 9/22/2011 1:30:44 AM

-5 Boost

so... ignore your advice and pay attention to the others posts? lol sorry, I found it funny/hypocritical to be giving advice about not listening to advice.

mini22 - 9/22/2011 12:38:52 AM

+1 Boost

Actually in 1976/1977 Ernst Furhman was pushing the 928 to ultimatally replace the 911.Further the Porsche team had felt the 911 had reached it's developmental potential. However the 928 failed to sell in the volumes hoped for. Further the 911 crowd did not accept the 928 as a proper Porsche so there was also very little customer loyalty towards that car.Peter Schutz became CEO and he revived the 911 and had Porsche continue it's development.This move basically secured the 911 as the company icon. Even the still born 989 sedan looked like an elongated 911. Every model since that time including the Boxster and Cayman etc. take their DNA styling from the 911. The Cayenne,which is now a better looking vehicle also looks more 911ish now then before.You would have to say that Porsche is pretty locked in to the 911 because their buying public demand it.

Agent001 - 9/22/2011 12:40:32 AM

+1 Boost

I think they need to add MORE icons, namely a cooler R8.

001

MorePower - 9/22/2011 12:43:49 AM

-3 Boost

Keep the 911 for the 50 yr olds who need a fine German 2+2 to get the attention of early thirty year old women and recent divorcees.

Create a new car based on the Gallardo/R8, they have the engine in the right place. It's time Porsche.

dbtk - 9/22/2011 1:38:08 AM

+2 Boost

Isn't having "911" and "Carrera" on the rear redundant?

1c3am5 - 9/22/2011 6:42:26 AM

+8 Boost

If we get rid of the 911, the terrorists have won.

PUGPROUD - 9/22/2011 8:53:47 AM

+2 Boost

Keep 911. Performance great but add a bit more interest/excitment to design...getting a little stale. Also new entry model could be next great icon like old 356..keep it light, keep it simple and make it come alive in your hands at normal speeds. Provide a high level of customization( colors, stripes, hot exhausts, etc) not luxury and electronic add ons !

jtz7 - 9/22/2011 10:10:39 AM

+1 Boost

It's a good Icon. Just redesign the Icon totally.

Joe_Limon - 9/22/2011 10:15:08 AM

0 Boost

Allow the Cayman breathing room :) or cross breed the 911 and Cayman.

xjprou - 9/22/2011 12:41:03 PM

+1 Boost

Talking about customization, I guess that no other sports car manufacturer in the world, offers what Porsche's exclusive and tequipment departments do for its customers. Simply, it is an endless list of options available to choose from. And if what you want is not listed, a few bucks might change that rule as well.-

cp911s - 9/22/2011 1:51:37 PM

+2 Boost

Absolutely Not. The Porsche 911 is one of the most prominent car icons of all time. It's performance and design are legendary. The design of the car has not changed since 1963. Getting rid of 911 as the front for Porsche is blasphemy. However, I would love to see Porsche bring back the 356. Definitely a car that should be revived.

mini22 - 9/22/2011 6:03:59 PM

+2 Boost

The icon 911 has worked for Porsche. This is reflected in their overall sales. The public in general accepts the 911 as the heart and soul of Porsche. It would be bad business sence to change it.

skytop - 9/25/2011 6:16:29 PM

+1 Boost

To the true Porscheholic (over 30 years), the video was FABULOUS.
The 911 series is THE Porsche car icon. It is one of the most recognizeable and respected automobile icon in the industry and amongst the public.

The newly released series is yet another high water mark in sportscar design and engineering in the long, rich heritage of 911.

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 9/26/2011 1:51:33 AM

+1 Boost

OMG I just orgasmed and I am a perennial "Italian" only fanatic. How can you change so much with so little. This car is just the best car ever. I said it!