20 yrs of Boxster, the car that saved Porsche

[masraum]

Some interesting tidbits.

A Look Back at the Car that Saved Porsche: 20 Years of the Boxster

A few interesting excerpts

Porsche's annual sales had fallen from over 50,000 units in 1986 to 14,000 in 1993, and only 3000 of those sales were in the U.S. Among the chief causes for this decline were a faltering U.S. economy and Porsche's bloated production process. The latter of which was steadily driving prices higher at the worst possible time.

In 1992, Porsche turned to former Toyota engineers to help implement the Japanese company's "just-in-time" production method. Dictating the complete elimination of waste, the philosophy promotes building only what is needed, when it's needed, and in the exact amount needed.

According to a 1996 New York Times story, engineers would have to sift through parts bins and climb ladders to search shelves while building a single car. The impact of the Toyota team was swift and evident. After instituting leaner production methods, Porsche said it had reduced the assembly time for one car from 120 hours to 72, and the number of errors per car had fallen an astounding 50 percent.

Between 1996 and 2003, the Boxster was Porsche's best-selling model until the Cayenne came along.

Ironically enough, once the car tasked with saving the company, the Boxster is now one of Porsche's lowest volume sellers. Shifts in consumer demands and industry trends has seen it far surpassed in sales by the Cayenne—the vehicle now largely responsible for fueling the Porsche engine—and even its 911 sibling. Big people movers are what's selling, and interest in roadsters is waning. But Porsche as a whole is thriving, a far cry from the company once on the brink of bankruptcy, when it decided that maybe an affordable, mid-engine roadster could help turn the company around.

[Craig T]

I read a similar story a couple years ago about how the Cayenne saved Porsche. Maybe what it should say is "How Diversification Saved Porsche".

[Noah930]

I walked by a black 986 with Turbo Twists today and thought how it's still a really good-looking car. I'd totally rock one as a DD.

[Bob Kontak]

From masraum's quoted text:

After instituting leaner production methods, Porsche said it had reduced the assembly time for one car from 120 hours to 72, and the number of errors per car had fallen an astounding 50 percent.

Watched some modern ultimate factory vids and the Camaro is completely built in 12 hours. Includes stamping sheet metal, painting and assy.

Modern Porsche 911 body prep (zinc/primer bath) and paint time in same TV series is 16 hours.

I don't remember all the details but it was a "Were not doing it right" passage for Porsche to get to an improved assembly time.

I remember the Camaro video where the ass-end was naked and two guys slapped on the rear bumper in about eight seconds. No fasteners. Not a bad thing, but in comparison, Porsche is a very well built car.

[masraum]

Right, who can throw a car together the fastest is not necessarily making the best car.

[rfuerst911sc]

I have a 2002 Boxster S with a Jake Raby 3.6 short stroke engine , by far the best Porsche I have owned . I have owned 911's , 914's and 944's and this car I have now without a doubt is the best overall car out of the bunch. Fantastic brakes, handling , creature comforts and still has that bank vault door closure of the earlier cars. Yes it is much more mass produced but with my VERY SPECIAL engine she's a one of a kind .

[masraum]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

I have a 2002 Boxster S with a Jake Raby 3.6 short stroke engine , by far the best Porsche I have owned . I have owned 911's , 914's and 944's and this car I have now without a doubt is the best overall car out of the bunch. Fantastic brakes, handling , creature comforts and still has that bank vault door closure of the earlier cars. Yes it is much more mass produced but with my VERY SPECIAL engine she's a one of a kind .

I very much love my '08 BS RS60 Spyder, but it's also not got the character that my old plain-jane '88 targa had. Both are fantastic cars.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by masraum

Right, who can throw a car together the fastest is not necessarily making the best car.

I'm sorry, but you lack the necessary attitude to be a "bean counter" ....next!

[sc_rufctr]

All very interesting but I still can't understand why Porsche haven't fixed their engine "issues".

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by KC911

I'm sorry, but you lack the necessary attitude to be a "bean counter" ....next!

There is something to be said about building a "decent" car in 12 hours.

I just spent seven on changing struts, shocks, sway bar links and sway bar bushings in a 2007 Dodge Charger.

Worked at a good pace for an old man. Mild farting around but I worked an honest day.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

.... Mild farting around but I worked an honest day.

OK...you win on productivity, but I did some farting around...and I was honest

[McLovin]

It didn't really "save" Porsche.

The Porsche name as so much value (brand equity) that it will never go away, not as long as cars are still being sold.

The Boxster did delay for a while the takeover of Porsche by a larger company, though.

The end result is the same. Takeover by a mega company (VW) and exploitation of the Porsche name to make it max profit division.

[rusnak]

Can I say it? Vee Dub got to them.

Anyhow, looks like I got my 987.2 flat six just in time. And my aircooled flat six will follow me to the grave.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

All very interesting but I still can't understand why Porsche haven't fixed their engine "issues".

I thought they did that with the 981/991 when they designed a motor with no IMS.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Can I say it? Vee Dub got to them.

Anyhow, looks like I got my 987.2 flat six just in time. And my aircooled flat six will follow me to the grave.

I wish I still had an air cooled. My boxster is a much better daily driver, and may be an all around better car, but there was something special about my old 3.2L Carrera.

I'm glad I've got my 987 with a flat 6.

[tcar]

...and the Boxster wasn't even built by Porsche for the first 12 or so years...

Valmet in Finland built them.

[WPOZZZ]

I love my 987. In fact, I prefer driving it over my turbos. It is just so usable with 2 trunks and easy to drive and park. Handling is better than the turbos, too.

[Kraftwerk]

wow such small numbers in thise days...try to find a 1993 964... a super rare thing.

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by Craig T

I read a similar story a couple years ago about how the Cayenne saved Porsche. Maybe what it should say is "How Diversification Saved Porsche".

The Boxster still saved Porsche, as its sales made diversification possible. About the only mis-step they made was attempting to use their record profits to take over VW, which backfired. Had they not attempted that, Porsche would be the only independent "boutique" brand out there, because they realized (and more importantly accepted) that they wouldn't make it continuing to sell just sports cars. Props for outlasting Ferrari, Lamborghini and everyone else, though.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by masraum

I wish I still had an air cooled. My boxster is a much better daily driver, and may be an all around better car, but there was something special about my old 3.2L Carrera.

.....

Sometimes I think of letting mine go...then I read a post like yours and regain my senses