Volkswagen Chairman Martin Winterkorn has already confirmed that VW will be showing a mid-engine roadster at this November’s Los Angeles Auto Show, but a new report indicates that the new model might not be solely reserved for the VW badge. Thanks to Porsche’s close ties with VW, the German sports car maker is reportedly eyeing a return of the 914 based on the upcoming VW model.
According to Motor Trend, Porsche is seriously considering offering a version of VW’s upcoming sports car – which would likely carry the 914 nameplate. As with the original 914, the new model would serve as Porsche’s entry-level car, slotting in below the Boxster.
While VW’s version is slated to use the company’s 1.4L Twincharger powerplant, Porsche’s version would likely use a 2.7L flat-six – the base engine in the Boxster. However, as previously reported, Porsche is prepared to offer a four-cylinder engine, which could see its first duties in the 914.
Lightweight will be the key for the new roadster, with VW eyeing a 2,200 pound or less curb weight. Because of weight limitations, VW is rumored to be exploring the possibility of using Audi’s aluminum space frame technology. Not only would an Audi tie-up help VW get the lightweight frame it needs, but would also open the door for Audi’s long-rumored R4.
The Porsche 914 has yet to officially get the green light, but the baby Boxster has Lady Luck on its side. The original 914 was championed by Dr. Ferdinand Piech, the very same man now at Porsche’s helm. If the new age 914 does get the go ahead, expected it to hit the market in 2011.
09/11, 1:17 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
This a segment they should never have abandoned in the first place, but then they’re no less guilty than anyone else for getting greedy the past couple of decades.
09/11, 2:25 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Very cool. I have some friends that will be extremely excited for this news.
09/11, 3:19 PM
posted by:
olav
I have a 1970 914-6 and love the car. I hope this news increases the value of the originals!
09/11, 3:47 PM
posted by:
Jazz
Yeah bring back the greats like the 944 and 928. 914.. eh.
Leave the 924 at the door.
But seriously how slow can they make a new 914 be and still retain the Porsche heritage?
The same issue with the Cayman. Its almost as fast as a 911 and with a few tweaks can matche it for a few thousand dollars less.
Buit since thay may do the 4pot then I definetly can see a 944/914 revival
What is the in-house ‘9′ designation for the Cayman?
09/11, 3:49 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
So your telling me that it’s an Audi TT I-4 turbo with a Boxter like skin…. If it’s price undre $40k, you got a winner!!!!
09/11, 4:06 PM
posted by:
driven
I was never a fan of the poor mans Porsche. They should leave it as a VW. The 914 degraded the Porsche line when it was in production. Porsche should never have a sister/similar car in another make. Porsche’s arent GM/Chevy’s and shouldn’t be slapping different badges on the same car in the same market.
09/11, 4:06 PM
posted by:
golf4me
While it would be really cool, I really doubt they can really make a case for this program, even if they spread it over the three brands. VW can’t even make a decent Golf/GTI for less than 25k, so an aluminum-framed low volume roadster is going to have to come in around 35k, then you have the Audi which will have to be 30% more expensive, brings you to 45k, then the Porsche will have to be 10k higher than that, getting you to 55k, which is the same as a Boxster…
Now if Porsche can do a version for 35k with a flat-4 with Miata-like acceleration (which is all anyone needs anyway) and superb handling, then that would be really great, especially if the other brands are cheaper…I say do it, but then again it’s not my money being played with here…
09/11, 4:38 PM
posted by:
A4
the porsche number for the cayman is the 987c, with the boxster being the 987
09/11, 5:19 PM
posted by:
golf4me
Oh, and while Porsche purists will frown, Porsche might NEED to make this as a “high” volume, relatively inexpensive, efficient (with an H4) will help their CAFE #’s a bit. And whatever the Euro equivalent is…
09/11, 6:42 PM
posted by:
neptronix
This is pretty exciting.
We need more high mpg sport compacts… a 2.7l will probably be pretty heavy in the rear though.
09/11, 7:22 PM
posted by:
olds307
Who wrote this? Audi IS VW. Talkin like theyre seperate companies……?
09/12, 7:41 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
I think Porsche needs the 928 right now.
09/12, 11:19 AM
posted by:
Boxster2.7L
Oh No! What’s going to happen to my beloved Boxster? Surely there can’t be room for ANOTHER mid-engined roadster in the lineup.
DeansterTJ, I agree that Porsche needs a 928 variant. A two-door version of the Panamera would suffice, perhaps?