The rumors mill has been churning at full speed at the prospect of an all-new Porsche model, but it appears as though the rumors might actually have a strong foundation in reality. A top Porsche executive has revealed that a new entry-level model is in the final discussion phases at Porsche’s Stuttgart headquarters — and our artists have now provided us with an illustration of what that new model might look like.
According to Porsche finance chief Holger Härter, the German sports car maker is contemplating a new entry-level model that would be co-developed with Volkswagen . Härter failed to shed any more light on the entry-level model, but did tell Motor Authority that discussions are at the top level and that Porsche and VW “will probably decide on this model this year.”
Speculations for the new model have run the gambit from a hot hatch to a compact SUV, but the most likely candidate for the entry-level model is a new version of Porsche ’s 914, based on VW’s Los Angeles-bound mid-engine sports car concept. The revived 914 would slot below the Boxster and Cayman, but would still likely use Porsche’s signature boxer-six engine.
As you can see from our illustration, Porsche could take a more radical design direction with the new roadster, with influences from the company’s Carrera GT supercar.
However, a hot hatch based on the VW Golf remains in the cards, but seems like a bit of a stretch at this point. Porsche may not have been trigger shy about producing an SUV, but the German automaker would likely be hesitant to put its badge on a front-wheel drive model. But with a hotter, all-wheel drive version of the GTI in the works, a hatchback Porsche is not completely out of the realm of possibility.
More details on the new model should trickle in over the next few weeks, but until then, the rumor mill will remain on spin cycle.
