I mentioned Lotus as the new Porsche. A questin was asked, would I buy a Porsche with a Toyota motor in it.
Got me thinking. I would sure buy a Lotus with one in it. The Toyota four cylinder four valve motor is a sweet little power plant and made very well. I would rather that than worry about the catastrophic failure that seems to run with the 996 and early Boxter line. Lotus and Porsche are engineering and design companies as much as anything. If they had Toyota or Subaru build there motors so I could have a $50-60k Cayman club racer with factory cage and track adjustable suspension I would be happy to buy one.
Porsche is already selling SUV's with a VW chassis in it. They already out source a lot of there components (brakes, seats, motor casting...) Build me the best sports car possible in number grater than Ferrari and in less numbers than the Corvett but will more than match them on the track. I guess I do not mind where the car is made as long as it is among the best quality possible and will stand the test of time from a design, desirability, and quality point of view.
I am not usually so negative. However, My love of Porsche took its first hit with the 996 line. Yes, it is a lighter, more powerful, more capable car but it was only good looking from the rear and then one if set up right. Porsche strayed with the 996 and just mised the mark. Thus, they can be had for less used than the older 993's an may casses. The marke has spoken and it will speak again.
The 997 brought back some hope as it looks like a Porsche. I have nothing against watter cooled Porsche motors. The GT3 motors are wonderfull. It works better and alows for more power so I will take two.
Porsche might be better served of the long run to deliver products consistent with its hearatage and image, of design that can stand the test of time, and of high qualit. This alow there charging of a primunm price. Things like the 996, Cayenne, and now the Panamera put this at risk. Four door and SUV's fit better in the VW and Bentley lines.
Other wise it may not be long before BMW or Toyota (Lexus) makes a better sports car that can out perform a Porsche, for less, and that will hold its value longer.
Sorry for the rant.
