The 4th Porsche: A wagon?

[jmarenas]

The 4th Porsche: A wagon?



Automotive News / May 30, 2005

For years, Porsche has been hinting about a fourth model line, something to share showroom space with the 911, Boxster and Cayenne SUV. But what would it be? Another sports car? A pickup? A four-door sedan?

A station wagon?

Bingo, says the German business magazine Manager. The magazine says Porsche's fourth model is likely to be a four-door wagon, named the Tourer, that would be almost as large as the Cayenne SUV. The magazine says the wagon is tentatively scheduled to arrive in 2008.

Manager says Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking will make a final decision on the project in July. He then would seek an OK from the supervisory board.

According to Reuters, a Porsche spokesman branded the report as speculation.

[Navaros911]

Ha, my rumor confirmed...

Thanks for clearing up Porsche is now officially going the wrong way.

4 Door 911...

[Zeke]

Originally posted by Navaros911

Thanks for clearing up Porsche is now officially going the wrong way.

[

I'm wondering. Is there really something wrong with Porsche expanding the line? As long as they keep building a top flight sports car, who cares what elser they build. Some Pelicans have Cayennes and I hear they like them a lot. I'd buy one, but it's too expensive for me.

If Porshce becomes a much bigger company, perhaps they will have the capital to come back to racing in a big way. Maybe even F1. And/or, they can develope even better sports cars.

Just some thoughts. Who, besides Ferrari builds and sells only sports cars? As a wholely owned company, I can think only of Morgan and they're not even on the Richter scale.

[Grady Clay]

I agree with Milt. A few short years ago (late ‘80s – early ‘90s) we were lamenting the possible demise of PAG. The huge debt they took on with the Cayenne reinforced that speculation. Fortunately (err, I mean luckily) the Cayenne sold well and has staved off the wolves thus far. No one wants to see the “Porsche Division of Volkswagen.”

A manufacturer like PAG takes huge risks every day. One serious misstep and the game is over. The Banks (and VW) hold all the paper. Lets hope the PAG board and management are successful.

Best,
Grady

[s2per]

I grew up around wagons from the '60s thru the '90s. Our family had some cool ones too; a big finned Ford Country Sedan, Buick Sportwagon (Vista Cruiser style), early '80s Civic, '67 Wagoneer, loaded Malibu and Tauruses that were better looking than their sedan counterparts.

Wagons are a better all-around deal than most SUVs and most American families would be much better served by these better handling, more economical and still roomy CARS. And they are enjoying renewed interest in the market (SRX, Pacifica, Magnum, WRX, etc.). It's a great move by Porsche, IMHO.

[NOH20]

Agree with Milt. Porsche needs to reach out to another audience to stay viable as a sports car producer. Don't forget that Porsche launched the Cayenne and the Carrera GT! Did the Cayenne effect the outcome of the C-GT?? Why would a wagon or a 4 - door have any impact on the 911? I say build it and make it a wagon. I have a Magnum RT and love it. There's nothing wrong with 350HP or 425HP for that matter if you want the SRT version. How would a wagon with the Cayenne turbo motor appeal to you? Sounds damn sweet to me.

[86 911]

Originally posted by Zeke
...If Porshce becomes a much bigger company...

Whoa! Milt! Check your spelling!

[70SWT]

Originally posted by Zeke
I'm wondering. Is there really something wrong with Porsche expanding the line?

Nothing wrong with reaching out to new markets and reasonable, healthy corporate expansion by any company, BUT it is most definitely wrong when it involves deviation from the core company philospohy and identity. This is a semi-religious dialogue so it's all a matter of opinion. IMVHO, I think Porsche should market its non-sports car products under a different, house-owned brand name.

[strother]

Originally posted by Grady Clay
No one wants to see the “Porsche Division of Volkswagen.”

I'm not sure that's a bad thing. VW might need something under the "Lamborghini Division of Volkswagen"