Sharpie: you’re on the ball

People are stupid.

CA36: Where would you rather live?

….. “Genießen Sie bitte den Weihnachten, arme VW-Mitarbeiter, aber komm Januar werden wir Euch ficken.”

In fact, if Porsche did acquire Lamborghini by acquiring the VW group it would be a pretty nifty way for them to get out of having to build an improved 911. I mean, it’s pretty common knowledge that the rear-engined design is less than efficient, and I also know that with the 997 they were pretty much at the end of the line for their flat-six engine, as well. So it seems that a rethink is in order, whether it’s in the form of a complete redesign of the 911 (it would be the first in like 40 years) or a model that slots above the 911. If they wanted to do the latter they could do it fairly easily with Lamborghini. Simply end Porsche where Lambo begins. But I dunno… they’d have to swallow their pride and let Porsche take a back seat, which might prove impossible.

Also, at the risk of droning on for way too long, I would like to suggest that BMW has a lot to be worried about if this arrangement goes through. Porsche’s already building a sports sedan, but imagine if they took control over the entire Audi lineup. They could give the world’s biggest sport/luxury car manufacturer a serious run for their money. That being said, I don’t see why BMW can’t rise to the challenge of fighting off Porsche-Audis.

What will Porsche do with Lambo though?

I think nowei has it right with the NAFTA reference. The US scrambled after it saw what the EU was doing and cobbled together CAFTA.

Since progress is inevitable, I hope that EU will be better Union then our own. They certainly have enough population and intelligence to make it happen. They probably will get their resolve as well. There is nothing new in those laws. I think it is time for US on this side of pond adopt some better practices from Europe. We should learn as well.

Although personally, I think I feel more comfortable under the authority of a court of law.

Except in this particular case its a little different because it’s not actually the government supporting an independent business, but rather the government using its own powers as a legislative body to exert an increased level of control over a public corporation that it owns. Or at least that’s the way I see it. I can’t say I know too much about German/European politics or economics.

I agree autonut. Saxony should buy more shares if thery want more control. I say go Porsche go.

It is my opinion that Porsche is the driving force on the cool products coming out of VW now.

Tuareg, A5, R8, Q7 can all be attributed to Porsche
1) Tuareg/Q7 making sure the cost to manufacture Cayennes was lowered
2) Tuareg/Q7 — Gas mileage average could be driven down further by more diesel platforms
3) R8 – continue development on mid-engined designed cars for the eventual successor to the 911 (maybe – not totally sure here but its not that much of a stretch)
4) A5 – come up with an operating chassis and driving dynamic test bed for eventual 928 return.

Enough of my fanboy optimism though.

and yes, it is scary. i mean, i wish that the US listened to the UN more, but i couldn’t imagine the UN coming in and telling us how to run our businesses. dang.

It’s not fascinating, it’s downright scary since a lot of people are against this kind of influence.

Also, Porsche’s number one reason for doing this is to be able to meet emission regulations? Wow