Porsche Has Lost It

[VooDooXII]

Porsche has been known as a "sports car" company...I found it odd enough when they introduced the Cayenne. They sold out to the SUV game...oh well. Now they're coming out with the Panamera...a Porsche SEDAN. I don't know about you guys...but "Porsche" has always meant "sports car" to me...not "full luxury line". Sure, I guess it's for profits and a broader audience...I mean the Cayenne worked well enough for that. Still hard to believe that it's a Porsche though.

I think they should bring back 944 and 928 equivalents...rather than this Panamera thing. It doesn't even look good.



What do you guys think?

[WhiteAccord]

ehhh... I dont know... i would have to see it without the plastics.. .and maybe a different color... but now... its like ewwww!!!

[Mike Lowrey]

I sure hope that is a fake. If not, I have lost all respect for Porsche, and will LMAO @ all Porsche owners.

[VooDooXII]

I sure hope that is a fake. If not, I have lost all respect for Porsche, and will LMAO @ all Porsche owners.

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.

Bentley Flying Spur
Aston Martin Rapide
Mercedes CLS

Oh well...maybe "Four door coupes" are the new SUVs...everyone wants to build one!

[civic95]

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.

[VooDooXII]

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.

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.

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.

Agreed...and the Turbo S is just barely faster than the Turbo. Not to mention, they look terrible.

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.

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.

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.

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?

[speedminded]

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.

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

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.

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?

[Ran]

Gross. I'm now await the first Porsche mini-van.

[JennB]

I sure hope that is a fake. If not, I have lost all respect for Porsche, and will LMAO @ all Porsche owners.

It's real and the news has been out for years. It's gone from words to concept drawings released and now close to the real thing. It will be a 2009 model.

The 989 concept (4-door) came out in what... 1988 or something? The 4-door Porsche was bound to happen sooner or later.

[DerrickT]

I like it.

[VooDooXII]

I can't stand the shape of the car...it looks bloated.

Porsche's loosing their focus...I mean why do you Ferrari hasn't released an SUV or Sedan? Disregard the 456 Sedan and the 456 Venice Estate...those are for the Sultan and Prince of Brunei...they can get whatever they want. This doesn't count either...it was only a concept.

Point is, Ferrari built themselves on race-bred exotics...they aren't just trying to appeal to everyone.

[tron]

i agree with voodoo

"Porsche" has always meant "sports car"

and it should stay that way

[VooDooXII]

+1 When I can Jenn...I had no idea about the Porsche 989.



I have seen a photo of an olllld 911 4-door...I'll look for that.

[fivex684]

Whats funny about it is Porsche is going to be racing it in Nascar in a couple years.

[Kevykev]

VooDoo Old Debate - Can a FWD Car be a Sportscar?

Primary focus of an automaker - Maximize Profit

Satisfying the needs of enthusiasts is just a byproduct.

[speedminded]

VooDoo Old Debate - Can a FWD Car be a Sportscar?

Primary focus of an automaker - Maximize Profit

Satisfying the needs of enthusiasts is just a byproduct.

Exactly, think Chevy profits much off of the Corvette or Dodge and the Viper? Of course neither originally began as a performance automobile and racing company but as with any large and even small business, it's done for a profit. The more profit that is made the more they can provide for the enthusiasts and hobby's, whether for themselves or others.

[JITB]

VooDoo Old Debate - Can a FWD Car be a Sportscar?

Primary focus of an automaker - Maximize Profit

Satisfying the needs of enthusiasts is just a byproduct.

this n**a always comin in with facts and shit messin up a good discussion....

[Kevykev]

this n**a always comin in with facts and shit messin up a good discussion....

My fault man!

[The Ninja]

Repost, lol.

[Kevykev]

That Mercedes van has to be the most aesthetically challeged mini-van ever.

Syling: Kia Sadona > Mercedes van (F whatever model it is)

[VooDooXII]

That Mercedes van has to be the most aesthetically challeged mini-van ever.

Syling: Kia Sadona > Mercedes van (F whatever model it is)

It's not a van...it's a "Sports Tourer"

It's the R Class...no way I'd spend $55,000 for a van...or whatever the hell they want to call it.

[Kevykev]

It's not a van...it's a "Sports Tourer"

It's the R Class...no way I'd spend $55,000 for a van...or whatever the hell they want to call it.

So stupid to me!

[Kyle]

These concepts were in car and driver and auto week a while back, I guess its time for them to come out. Oh well Porsche is still making amazing Carreras and they got rid of those aweful integrated foglights(the ones on the 996's) so they are still good in my eyes.