I think the term you are looking for is “change” or “expand”. It is rather troubling that anyone should think that a company apparently as large as PORSCHE Could get that way, should be that way, would remain that way by building only one line of cars, the 911, as good as they are. PORSCHE Execs, I’m sure, carefully considered the next products they were going to build.

As I recall their was a huge moan-fest and cries PORSCHE was demeaning itself when they rolled out the Boxster. But those have gone by. Then their were complaints about the Cayenne. I’m not partial to it myself but then, I am not in the market for a $70K SUV, even if the Sport is a serious component in this machine. Still those complaints have passed.

PORSCHE is growing and as such they are doing so by making machines that are NOT 911s. Only a person with a seriously limited view of a company would think that the company can not make anything but what that person knows them for or else they are making a “serious mistake”.

If the company can afford to take the chance, then why the deuce not?

the only body style they dont use it on is the Boxster/Cayman, which doesnt have much in the way of choice as it is.

MERCEDES-BENZ still is one of the big names in luxury automobiles. But they are to Europe what GM or FORD are to America. They make more units of any one model than FERRARI or LAMBORGHINI does for their entire Vehicle line up. FERRARI and LAMBORGHINI also demand enormous prices for a car most other automakers could build just as well for half the price, but they carter to, on average, a far more affluent clientèle and as such, can afford to be much more focused.

I can try to understand your aggravation that MERCEDES-BENZ does not appear to make only ROLLS and BENTLEY Competitors, but that has NEVER been their only goal or sole market. The B-Class is a typical European car for a typical European market meant for someone who wants a bit more than basic transportation. I doubt it will ever come to America to avoid clashing with the MINI COOPER.

Porsche never used FWD before. AWD is not the issue.

Moving down market a bit would entail something that costs very noticeably less than the Boxster and Cayman ($45K-$80K).

I would expect a “down market” Porsche to good for around $25K-$35K to avoid coming anywhere near the Boxster of Cayman. Anything less than that is very unlikely… but not impossible especially if PORSCHE decides to go a “purist” route and puts the emphasis on the driving hardware and not overly expensive interior materials. Cheap? Not even, just more cost conscious. Something most European automakers need some practice in.

A new 928 seems unlikely for a “budget” PORSCHE. The 928 went for the equivalent of the Boxster back in the day. The 944 would seem more like the car but even then it was twice the cost of comparable muscles cars of the day. It wasn’t as fast but was quicker and more maneuverable at speed. A modern 944 would have been pitted against the 350Z at roughly $5K-$10K more but would likely not fair much better against it. People would buy it because it was a PORSCHE not because it was actually better.

I would like to see a new 928, 944, and 914 but only two are likely anytime soon.

Do I care? Not really. It is interesting? When I have a few more pictures to go with the rumor, maybe.

Once upon a time Mercedes was synonymous with big luxurious stately cars for rich people. Now every asshole can cough up the $399 a month and drive the B-class, the ugliest compact in the world. All carmakers succumb to this ****ing bull**** at some point or another, with the exception of Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Also, Porsche made decision not to comply with corporate mileage standard and opting for its customers to pay premium tax for the pleasure to drive Porsche. They are doing it now anyway: gas guzzler tax.

This is a good business move as Porsche can purchase VW chassis and not have to carry the inventory of the chassis. Also they can influence the design more to fit their needs instead of buying of the rack or custom chassis made by smaller suppliers.

It’s not like Porsche hasn’t offered front-engine cars before (928, 924/944/968).

I’m not a hatch person so I wouldn’t buy a Porsche hatch personally but if it did compare to the performance of the above and was around the same price or not too much more then I don’t know.

I guess I am not a purist since I like the idea.