The Porsche name was once reserved for top-tier sports car, but the German automaker is reportedly considering a move down-scale to combat slumping sales and growing debt. Porsche’s new entry-level model could be based on the current Boxster, or possibly even the Volkswagen BlueSport Concept.
According to a report by Auto Motor and Sport, Porsche is mulling the idea of fitting the base model Boxster with a version of the Audi TTS’ 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. Using the Audi-sourced four-pot would not only increase the base Boxster’s output – with horsepower growing from 255 to 265 – but would also lower the car’s price of entry. According to the report, the TTS-powered Boxster would retail for around €40,000 ($55,000), compared to the €46,500 ($64,000) flat-six Boxster.
Discussions are said to be ongoing between Porsche an Audi about the use of the TTS engine in the Boxster, but Porsche hasn’t completely ruled out a new model to fill the entry-level niche. Porsche’s reborn 914 was said to be DOA, but the VW BlueSport-based roadster might have a shot at production yet.
Although no official decision has been made on Porsche’s move down-scale, the move is probably forthcoming. The German automaker racked up quite a debt trying to takeover VW and is now in desperate need of a volume model to help pay the bills.
