VW-sized Porsche hatchback

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Mazdaspeed 3 is the obvious budget choice in this segment, but it does not have the refinement of the A3/S3 or GTi. A RWD Porsche hatch would fill a unique niche, but I wonder if they could make a good business case for it? Hatchbacks in the USA have not typically been home runs, and we are one of Porsche's most important markets. I could see them taking the same approach as BMW, offering a hatchback elsewhere, and a sedan model here. I happen to like hatchbacks, as they are more practical than a comparable sedan, but they never seem to be hot sellers.

Regardless, I could see a lightweight, affordable, back to basics Porsche coupe or hatchback being a huge hit. Commuter car/track weapon? Essentially the exact same thing as the USA 1 series, which I believe is guaranteed to be popular.

Agreed. If Porsche built an 83 VW GTI, it would be a home run. and it would indoctrinate thousands of new buyers into the Porsche family.

[legion]

I'm hoping this rumor is about the rebirth of the 944.

[scottmandue]

Did someone say Porsche hatchback?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by legion

I'm hoping this rumor is about the rebirth of the 944.

Especially if it were in the form of the dp "wagon" seen in Excellence a few issues ago.

[hytem]

My impression is Porsche and the other German companies are way ahead of the American companies on the issue of fuel efficiency. Probably because of the high price of fuel in Europe. They are better equipped to deal with the changing market conditions where much lower carbon emissions will be needed in the next few years. I can see that just in my Boxster: In normal driving up to the mountains, mostly highway, I get 35 mpg. That's with average speed in the 60-65 mph range. No ac. Way ahead of the EPA highway number of 29 mpg.
I've had the same experience with BMWs. They were usually ahead of the EPA ratings as well. You also don't get much of a mileage penalty traveling faster in the 70-80 mph range (at least in bursts of speed)--maybe because of the higher speed limits in Europe.

I understand Porsche is already hybridizing their Cayenne and 4 door sedans.
Their other cars are relatively low carbon and fuel efficient, so they are in good shape for the future. And I do expect some clever synergies with VW with regard to VW's fuel efficient cars.