Porsche going way down market with VW Golf-based hatchback?
The issues that Porsche has had with legislation which would require it to meet the same strict fuel efficiency and emissions goals as economy car makers has been well documented. While Lamborghini has apparently decided that it should get a free pass considering how few vehicles it sells, Porsche would have a tough time with that argument now that it competes in so many market segments and makes so much profit. So, what options could the German purveyor of fine automobiles have to meet the demands of the governments? How about Porsche-fying smaller, more efficient vehicles from other manufacturers under the same umbrella? According to German mag Autobild, that may be exactly what Porsche is considering. Based on a Volkswagen Golf, the new Porsche hatchback would reportedly be ready for the 2012 model year. Perhaps a Porsche-tuned version of the Scirocco would be a better option. Remember, though, that VW and Porsche have worked together on other models in the past. We have no idea if this rumor is even remotely accurate, but we can hear the cries coming from Porsche-lovers already.
[Source: Motive Forums via German Car Blog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JZeke 9:33AM (6/06/2008)
I am a total porschephile, but I have to say ive been waiting for just such a car for years. My only caveat? It must be rear or awd. A fwd Porsche, while likely to be the best fwd car on the market, is still not an ideal solution. A rear wheel drive hatch however... mmmm, you can forget about the BMW 1 series forever!
Reply
Jo. A. Borras 9:52AM (6/06/2008)
Hasn't this come up before?
(every 2-3 years since the demise of the 924/944/968?)
Reply
whatda 2:03PM (6/06/2008)
Porsche needs to get with the program. chalk out their gas guzzling cars or start making better ones. OR, just don't sell as much and don't get as much profit. They can't exempt like Lambo. Stop with the excuses.
Reply
Josh 1:59PM (6/06/2008)
Porsche has totally lost its identity. First the Cayenne and now this? Stick with the 911's. The other additions are simply tarnishing your name.
Reply
Chris 2:21PM (6/06/2008)
Wouldn't they get credit points for launching an all electric Tesla killer? It would be real easy to do. Just buy the Electric Lighnting car company and do a GM style badge engineering job.
Reply
Peter 4:21PM (6/06/2008)
Forget the big heavy Golf, they should just do a Porsche version of this, but with double the engine size (0.6L) and a few handling tweaks. It was have decent performance and still get 150+mpg. It will also feel much faster than it is.
http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/volkswagen/vw-boss-confirms-1-liter-car-for-2010
Can someone photoshop some Porsche lights on that? :-)
Reply
Spence 5:25PM (6/06/2008)
Bring back the 914!
Reply
Kevin Nugent 5:48PM (6/06/2008)
Yes as others have said they need to get with the program , companies are investing what will turn out to be billions of dollars in order to get better fuel economy and reduce co2 emissions and they think they should be exempt ?? No i think not get on the ball and give us what consumers and the state want . If they cannot come out with the technology themselves look for outside help or they can shut down their company right now!
Reply
Andrew Tanasescu 12:26AM (6/07/2008)
I don't understand why people look at Porsche's expansion so negatively. I don't think a lot of people picked up on the fact that the Cayenne makes up a good chunk of Porsche's overall profit. This money can then go towards the future development of Porsche's. And honestly, I say this everytime someone says that Porsche's are not fuel economical. For what they are (Sports/Supercars) they are pretty damn efficient. Not to mention that they also bumped up the efficiency today with the addition Direct Injection and dual-clutch gear boxes.
While I don't quite agree w/ a golf based Porsche (or the hatchback fact), I think a small/efficient but nimble Porsche should be considered. I honestly wouldn't mind picking up a up to date 914 remake that could offer good mileage and a nimble ride
Reply
ale 8:34PM (6/09/2008)
@ gas guzzling cars,
That's funny, I didnt happen to think of that when I saw a local Cayman getting 29 mpg, oh wtf. theres a base 911 that gets mid 20s, hmmm... funny.. those "gas guzzlers" get almost the same mileage most new small cars that Detroit, no, everyone seems to be feeding us now.. hmmmm ha! the Cayman gets almost the same mileage as an 06 Aveo 5 dr combined!
Reply