Oh it's real...I thought it'd be one of those stillbirths, but no...development for the Porsche 4-door is in full effect...probably because of the success of the Maserati Quattroporte. Hah, think about it...as soon as that came out, all of these sporty super-sedans started coming.Originally Posted by richw131
Bentley Flying Spur
Aston Martin Rapide
Mercedes CLS
Oh well...maybe "Four door coupes" are the new SUVs...everyone wants to build one!
They just want to cover other segments. That photo is a spy photo. The cars real lines are camouflaged. 2 seat sports cars aren't practical. How many people can afford a $100K+ weekend toy and a nice daily driver? A lot more can afford 1 $50K-$100K car that's practical enough to use everyday.
I never thought the Cayenne would be such a sucess. I would never pay the price for one. Even if I was rich. The price difference between the non-turbo and turbo model is ludacris.
People thought the boxster was a joke when it came out. A lot didn't consider it powerful enough to be a sports car. But look how many you see on the road.
Does it hurt the brand to do this? Well maybe you won't consider a porsche anymore. But for everyone of you, they just opened the door for 5 more who now see something practical being offered. It's all about money, and having a larger customer base. That's business.
They can buy a Mercedes, Jaguar...or if you want to go into the $100,000s, then a Quattroporte. I know it's a spy photo though...a disguised running prototype.
Agreed...and the Turbo S is just barely faster than the Turbo. Not to mention, they look terrible.
I think the Boxter is a great car...the Cayman's even better. I equate it to the 914. Sports cars aren't just about power either...the Boxter and the Cayman are excellent drivers. In fact, some magazines say that the Cayman drives better than the 911, and magazines LOVE the 911.
It hurts the brand in the minds of enthusiasts. It better be something special...it shouldn't just be another floaty luxury sedan with a Porsche body and badge. I don't know how many doors they've opened though...haha, I don't know how many people will really find it attractive. I know what you mean though...I mean why do you think Subaru reinvented the Toyota Camry with their new Impreza?
Note: What follows is personal opinion. If you do not like it.....though.
The problem I see with these Porsche variants (4 door and SUV) is that they cannot design anything unique. The 4-door design is simple a stretched 2 door. The SUV is simple a lifted/streched 2-door. Just because a design works for a sportscar, does not mean you can use the same shape for every vehicle. They seem afraid to do something unique with the design of these cars.
Rich...Bob...Stan...?????
Funny you say that, How much was a 996 Turbo when the $85k Cayenne Turbo came out? $130,000. Say you have the money to spend but you gotta sell the idea to your spouse or simply need to justifying owning a 450hp vehicle, $130k 2 seater or a $85k 4 seater? Which one do you think would be easier to justify for the average household? Then think about insurance cost and what if you have kids? Plus think about the cost of a QX56, any high end US made SUV, lincoln, escalade, etc. you can get a base Cayenne...i'd get the Porsche too
As for the 4 door car, someone already mentioned the Maserati: it has made an incredible comeback -- As for Ferrari, the Maserati IS basically a Ferrari...both their parent companies is FIAT and many share the same parts
Are you saying the 911 design that's been around for 40 years isn't good enough and requires a major change to be successful?Note: What follows is personal opinion. If you do not like it.....though.
The problem I see with these Porsche variants (4 door and SUV) is that they cannot design anything unique. The 4-door design is simple a stretched 2 door. The SUV is simple a lifted/streched 2-door. Just because a design works for a sportscar, does not mean you can use the same shape for every vehicle. They seem afraid to do something unique with the design of these cars.
I am saying it works for the 911 i.e. sportscar. Just because that works, does not mean it makes a good SUV or 4-door car.
Rich...Bob...Stan...?????
The Cayenne has been 48% of Porsche sales, by 2005 1,000,000 had been sold...someone must think it works you know? They needed something to compete with Benz M-class and BMW's X5 anyways. Speaking of the X5, i find it crazy that Hartge built one that could out run and out handle the earlier model Z06...in a 4 door SUV with relatively basic engine and suspension mods
Don't forget Saab, Volvo, and Audi all have SUV's now too. Porsche took a chance with the SUV and it was successful, even though it's been slacking for a while but i'm sure with the profit they've made they'll get back on track with the things that really matter...besides the 4 door sedans
Gross. I'm now await the first Porsche mini-van.
Yup...I don't see it far off.
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