In the old days, there was everyone else and then there was Porsche.
Their brand had a mystique and they lived up to their slogan, 'There IS no substitute'.
But the more I see what they're doing today, I see them missing the boat in the sweet spot that they compete in and I'm not so sure I see a bright future for the brand.
Today's announcement of Peter Schwarzenbauer heading over to Audi only reinforced my theory.
I've had the chance to spend some time with him at Porsche and I can tell you he is a smart dude.
You don't leave the position he had for Audi unless what he saw coming over the next few years was less than impressive in his eyes.
The Boxster/Cayenne sales are weak, the Cayenne isn't exactly flying off the shelves and people I've talked to who have seen the upcoming Panamera say its nice but not mind-blowing compared to cars like the M5, E63, S6, etc.
Sure they have some great rides like the GT2 but I'm referring to the everyday cars in the volume segments like the Boxster/Cayman/Cayenne/911's.
I don't see the future for them looking so rosy there.
What's happening there is the antithesis of what's going on at BMW.
In every segment where the two are competing against each other BMW is simply kicking their asses.
In products and in consumer mind share.
If you ask me, BMW is the NEW Porsche.
Right now, BMW could carry the moniker 'There is no substitute' better than Porsche in my opinion.
M5, 650, 135i, 335, M Coupe, X6...and the list keeps growing.
Across the board and sales and street cred will back me up.
Do you agree?
Is the Porsche magic diminishing?
Is it more impressive to own a BMW today than a Porsche?
What recommendations would you make to the next Exec that takes over for Schwarzenbauer?