From Autocar - " Porsche is preparing to roll out a new entry-level sports car that will help underpin the maker’s long-term future as part of the giant VW Group. Dubbed by some insiders as the “new 356”, the mid-engined machine will not, however, be a bargain basement model, despite initial rumours to the contrary. Given the final green light, it would cost from about £33,000 in today’s money."

More details HERE.

 

Looks like the Boxster???

 

that really looks like the VW beetle convertible.

I predict a lot of purists will protest if they name it 356.

 

Yikes...an entry level Porsche...kind of like a BMW 1 series and future 0 series?
Or the Aston Martin Cygnet (http://www.thetechherald.com/article...ry-iQ-city-car)

Some more related news, don't know if this is good or bad:
"Porsche to share Panamera and 911 platform"
http://wot.motortrend.com/6598539/au...ays/index.html

 

Here is the reason:

"... However, there’s little chance that the 356 and Boxster will clash because, according to one rumoured product plan, the next-generation Boxster and Cayman could be moved sharply upmarket.

Porsche has a financial problem with today’s Boxster/Cayman/911 line-up. According to an analyst’s report seen by Autocar, the cost of the components that make up one of the flat-six models is perilously close to the base price of a Boxster. Indeed, the entry-level Boxster is only just over half the price of an entry-level 911, despite the two cars costing a similar sum to make.

Porsche can haul in significant profits from this model range in the good times — mostly thanks to the huge margins delivered by the high-end 911s. However, when combined sales fall below 50,000, the profitability of the flat-six model line is badly dented.

In the wake of the 356 launch, Porsche would be able to make the 3.2 Boxster S that model’s entry-level car, priced at £40,000. This would help improve the profitability of Porsche’s sports car line, especially since sales are not expected to be dented significantly. ..."

 

I have always believed the base 987 to be the very best Porsche value. It is a fabulous car to drive and is all Porsche. I think the "356" may be the platform sharing model while the Boxster/Cayman remain all Porsche but for more money that a present. If this is true the market demographics for the Boxster/Cayman will not be the same.

 

[QUOTEIndeed, the entry-level Boxster is only just over half the price of an entry-level 911, despite the two cars costing a similar sum to make.][/QUOTE]

I never considered the bang for the buck of this car until I read this.

 

it's another proof that pricing has nothing to do with cost. pricing is based on perceived benefits. indeed, boxsters are best valued porsche. i suspect same is true for cayenne.

 

YIKES X 10! You hit the nail on the head. Porsches are now a dime a dozen in many parts of the country and this would seal it. Even worse is the Motortrend link ! Good info, REFLUX, even though you ruined my evening.

 

that's just eff'n grand.

 

doesnt sound good at all..

 

Don't feel too bad. If Porsche continues down the VW path the older models will start going up in value (not down). Look at the value of 993's compared to 996's. Across the line a comparable used 993 gets a better price than a used 996 due to the last air cooled Porsche premium. So think if you have the last year of the split case motor. All you 997tt, GT2 and GT3 owners should be happy given that the 2010 997.2TT, not a split case, points to the ulitmate demise of that engine. We are living in the last great car era, but it's coming to a close. Buy the newest clean used split case Porsche you can afford, keep all the stock parts (yah modding is an addition) and in 20 years it will be like
you bought a 426 Hemi, 454 LS7, or Boss 429 in 1970.

 

Interesting ending to the article....

"However, in the long run, all Porsche’s sports cars will probably be based on the 356’s steel and aluminium platform."

Hrmm.....mid engined 911?

 

Maybe not mid-engine, but mid-engine feel by moving the engine forward. In my view such a car may look like a 911 but it will not feel like a 911. It will feel like a Cayman. Mid-engine cars are great, balanced and nimble, but they are not 911 pendular - and that is what a 911 is all about.


.

 

It is going to be an interesting future for Porsche, that is for sure. I do hope that VW doesn't dillute the brand, but it appears that is exactly where they're headed.