RUMOR: Fate Uncertain? All Signs Point To A Stall In Porsche Development Of A Mid-Engined Supercar

When you look at Porsche's product portfolio, it's pretty clear that there is a significant gap between the likes of the 911 and 918 Spyder. And although the 911 Turbo S is a monster performer, it's not given a lot of respect when compared to the likes of exotica from Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren.

For a little bit there's been a decent amount of chatter surrounding a mid-engined Porsche set to slot between the 911 and 918. That certainly would make things interesting, wouldn't it?

According to reports from abroad, its being said that the decision whether or not to build a mid-engined supercar set to go up against the likes of the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Huracan and McLaren 650S has been eerily mum.

Could it be because Porsche's all-new 911 armed with turbochargers gets the job done, or is this mid-engined sports car actually is going to be the 911 replacement? As of now it seems the 911 has been as pushed as far as it can be.

Reports suggested that a decision was due in mid-2014, but Porsche has yet to officially reveal if the project has a future or not. The model, dubbed 988, was expected to be powered by a 4.0-litre eight-cylinder engine producing in the region of 600bhp alongside more than 400lb ft of torque.

However, insiders recently told Autocar that the idea remains on the wish list, but full-scale design and engineering work is on ice while Porsche works on the new Panamera - which is due to come to market in 2016 - the new Cayenne, and new engines and transmissions, as well as refreshing the Boxster/Cayman and 911.

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MDarringer - 11/17/2014 7:08:08 PM

-1 Boost

Porsche doesn't need another supercar. It needs:

a 922 / mid-engined "MR2" / $25K base
a 922 turbo / $30K base
a 944 / front engine RWD coupe / $35K base
a 944 turbo / $40K base
a Paprika / crossover / $40K base

Products like that would double Porsche's sales. Porsche should NOT be duplicating what Lamborghini and Bugatti do.

chewy - 11/18/2014 4:25:41 AM

+1 Boost

Porsche does not need a 25k base model, nor a 30k or a 35k or a 40 k anything. Porsche does 25K in options for colored seat belts and Porsche crest stickers on wheels and slightly nicer wheels and ugly sport "sport chrono" bs packages. No one does 25k mid engined cars period, that's not even a price for a V6 Camry and somehow you expect a mid engine Porsche for that? How is that reasonable. Regardless, it doesn't look like there is really enough room between a top 911 (turbo or GT3 or whichever in your book) and a limited edition halo 918 type model. The 911 in its highest form isn't that far off performance wise from the 458 and Huracan but once all is set and done you will double the price and only raise the bar a ittle performance wise because of diminishing returns.