Report: Porsche Planning a Golf-Based Small Car for 2012?
As if we needed further proof that a new golden era for small and fuel efficient vehicles is upon us, news of a compact hatchback from the likes of Porsche has shown up in our RSS feed.
It seems as if one of the world’s most revered sports car builders is using the new Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit as the base for a new entry-level ride. We found some renderings of the potential Porsche over at Motive, which look a bit like someone left their Cayenne in the wash too long.
The rumor is that Porsche would like very much to compete in the 1-series segment, and that a version of the new hatch will be available in or around 2012. Surprise? Love? Hate? Have a look at Motive’s renderings and then tell us what you make of the idea, in comments.
- Discuss (36 comments)
- Digg It
- Del.icio.us
- StumbleUpon
Comments
Jeff
Can we say, 914 or 924? Like we haven't seen this before.... some just don't learn, do they?
John
OK, seems fine to me. Isn't the new Scirocco basically the same thing and if so won't this be too costly to bring to the USA for the same reasons? I mean what the hell are they thinking? Do I feel better if my re badged VW has a Porsche logo on it? I'll just buy the Scirocco thank you...oh I forgot, I live in the USA. No I won't then.
colin
if it were clio-like i can see it working for porsche better than the cayenne or their (cough) sedan...
rear/mid engine small car...mmm
Redshark
it makes some sense to me. this new economic reality is forcing the auto industry to redefine itself. part of this process is for car manufacturers to offer many more new small-car alternatives: up-scale, down-scale and mid-scale.
Hypnosisracing
Jeff...im curious how much you know about Porsche? Do you know why the 914 even exists? Go look it up. Porsche doesnt just randomly look at the market and release models to please the masses...each model they have has some correspondence with a motorsport of some sort. Do your homework before you all make silly comments. Every model they release has a heritage in mind...even they Cayenne...which most thought was just Porsche capitalizing on the SUV craze, most knew nothing of the dream of Dakar.
chartguy
This will never happen. Do you really think Porsche would ever build a front-wheel drive car?
I can easily see Porsche making something this size, but I cannot see them making a front driver, and that's the Golf platform.
mena
chartguy,
I doubt it will be FWD as it's a 1 series competitor but I'll be they just going to use the Golf chassis to keep costs down so they can sell it at 1 series prices.
That said, if it's turbocharged and weighs less than the 1 series, sign me up. I'll be waiting in line for this car.
mena
I'll BET is what I meant to say.
Jeb
Make it rear-drive. Otherwise, no.
Rex
Mena,
Your Right! The Golf has an AWD option so this would make the most sense.
I for one would be looking forward to a possible 914 or 924 replacement, both seem like winners to me. Something in the $30-40k range is just low enough so they're not scrapping the bottom of the barrel.
rudy
I don't care what size it is, just no FWD.
FPF422
Unlike Jeff, I loved the 914 and the 924 wasn't a bad car at all and quite successful in Europe.
I would be real nice to have a small hatchback with Porsche genes, IMHO, if it's a RWD...
rip
Front wheel drive Porsche?
I'll pass.
Iain
I like the idea. Not sure I would buy one, but whereas the VW badge does not have the pedigree to command the price needed for Scirocco to make it profitable, Porsche does.
I can see this thing with a high strung turbo four, 4wd, big wheels....and a price tag of $45k. They will sell gazillions...
Remember Porsche controls VW these days and they did that on the strength of the Cayenne (ugh). Positioning this hatch above the Audi A3 is a no brainer for Porsche - all profit. Just like the Cayenne sits above the Toureg/Q7.
And I am a Porsche guy - currently have a 1990 911 and prior to that had a 73 914.
Scratch
If it looks like those renderings, forget it. Why does it have to be a hatch? Could they make it a small coupe instead? That might be interesting.
Oollyoumn
The looks are OK with me. It looks like some Alfas I've seen in person. I will not work for me with FWD.
Trinks
Everyone who's moaning about FWD obviously is not familiar with such models as the R32, Audi A3 quattro, and Audi TT quattro which are based on the same Golf platform. The Golf just so happens to be the most common iteration of the platform. Besides, if it outperforms every other vehicle in its class, who cares what wheels are being driven?
Porsche fanboys have always bemoaned anything that isn't ass-engined, air-cooled and rear-drive anyway, there's just no pleasing some snobs.
Paul In Jersey
Unfortunately, it makes a lot of sense. Here's why:
- Corporate Average Fuel Economy ratings are going to be ratcheted up. There's no way Porsche could pass those without either "merging" in the marketplace with a mileage champ...or
- Porsche could pay the gas guzzler penalties which get passed onto the buyer...which forces a price increase.
- Unfortunately, there's already a hefty price increase built in, as the dollar doesn't seem to be gaining on the Euro anytime soon.
So Porsche has to make some choices:
- Cut costs (built in the U.S., anyone?...oh, I see you wretching already) or
- Make a car that gets decent gas mileage
I think I'd go for the latter. Make it right, price it right, and it'll sell. Heck, Audi seems to have few problems selling the A3, even though we all know it's really a Golf, deep down inside.
Jeff
Hypnosisracing: "By the late 1960s, both Volkswagen and Porsche were in need of new models; Porsche was looking for a replacement for their entry-level 912, and Volkswagen wanted a new range-topping sports coupe to replace the Karmann Ghia. At the time, the majority of Volkswagen's developmental work was handled by Porsche, part of a setup that dated back to Porsche's founding; Volkswagen needed to contract out one last project to Porsche to fulfill the contract, and decided to make this that project. Ferdinand Piëch, who was in charge of research and development at Porsche, was put in charge of the 914 project.
Originally intending to sell the vehicle with a flat four-cylinder engine as a Volkswagen and with a flat six-cylinder engine as a Porsche, Porsche decided during development that having Volkswagen and Porsche models sharing the same body would be risky for business in the American market, and convinced Volkswagen to allow them to sell both versions as Porsches in North America.
It appeared to be a perfect win-win situation. On March 1st, 1968 the first 914 prototype was presented. However, development became complicated after the death of Volkswagen's chairman, Heinz Nordhoff, on April 12th, 1968. His successor, Kurt Lotz, was not connected with the Porsche dynasty and the verbal agreement between Volkswagen and Porsche fell apart.
In Lotz's opinion, Volkswagen had all rights to the model, and no incentive to share it with Porsche if they would not share in tooling expenses. With this decision, the price and marketing concept for the 914 had failed before series production had even begun. As a result, the price of the chassis went up considerably, and the 914/6 ended up costing only a bit less than the 911T, Porsche's next lowest price car. This had a serious effect on sales, and the 914/6 sold quite poorly. In contrast, the much less expensive 914-4 became Porsche's top seller during its model run, outselling the 911 by a wide margin, with over 118,000 units sold worldwide."
Sounds economic to me... where is the motorsport???
Very same story for the 924 as well, only that started life as a top line VW that they couldn't afford. Prosche bought back the design then used VW to make them.
Do your research.
uragan
Trinks and Paul in Jersey are right. Porsche can't survive only on 911 sales.
stevedbmw
So like an Audi TT with balls?
Mena
Paul In Jersey,
You have valid points but understand that Porsche doesn't meet the current CAFE requirements and DOES pass the fines onto the customer. Same with BMW and Mercedes. These are premium brands anyways so the customer doesn't mind paying the premium price. As a matter of fact, part of the exclusivity of these marques is paying a premium for them.
» Más rumores sobre el posible Porsche compacto Motor Spain
[...] de la noticia: Internacional Referencias: windingroad Relacionados en MotorSpain: Porsche podría desarrollar un modelo compacto Publicado el Junio 7, [...]
saxman19
If it's an RR 2-door hatchback, consider me sold.
Dane
Scratch-
Coupes look bad and are useless... Most are out of proportion... Take for example... Possible the ugliest car on the road (ever) Solara Camry Coupe.... Ugly and useless....
Hatchbacks rule....
Next time look at the guy with the Honda coupe at IKEA compared to the guy with the Golf... The golf is off while the coupe guy is trying to engineer a square box into a round hole...
Frank Boulton
Is Porsche trying too hard maybe, do we really need a Porsche Golf ? Front engine front wheel drive ,front engine rear wheel drive, rear engine rear wheel drive, what is going on here.
How about a modernized 356C coupe and convertible with 4 cylinder rear engine rear wheel drive, now that would be a genuine Porsche.
BrucinCary
Well first they have to make a better car than the stonking new 135i, if they can I say go for it!
Dane
Right on Frank!!!!!!! Keep at the price of a loaded GTI...
Dane
Jeff-
You are 'right on' on just about all your facts except it was going to be an Audi product.... Again the cost was a factor...
I respect all Porches and their drivers.... (except the late 90's auto 911s....
Mike
Please make an MR hatchback similar to a Clio V6 255.
I don't even care if it's the Golf Turbo4 motor or the R36 v6.
... I was just thinking, a Golf that's FR setup would sell...
driving course
The idea of a front drive Porsche doesn't do it for me and I suspect that a FWD might get close to competing with the Boxster on price/performance which wouldn't appeal to Porsche; and if it didn't compete with the Boxster people would see it as another 924 which won't help it's cause.
Mark V
So it looks like Ford blew it again. They could have used the Jaguar S-Type "Edsel" Grill on a Focus and and call it the F-Type.
kongbai1
Everyone loves Karen!!!! No review needed, if you have never heard of her, check out her website NOW.cheap louis vuitton Boy I would love to live in her closet for one day. Another guy from hong Kong (Largest louis vuitton bags second hand city, I believe) he has great stuff at fair prices but his shipping is insane The prices are kinda high but they are from Aussie so all prices down there escalate. Good selection nothing looks used and they have louisvuitton mens ties for decent prices if you ever consider getting your man something
crazydancer
I think I will try to recommend this post to my friends and family, cuz it’s really helpful.
Ugg Boots Sale
air max shoes
Cheap Timberland Boots
cheap mbt shoes
UGG Classic Cardy
Blazers
Three passions, Cheap Timberland Boots,simple but overwhelmingly strong, Timberland Work Bootshave governed my life: the longing for love, Timberland Boots Salethe search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind. These passions, Timberland Bootslike great winds, Buy Timberland Bootshave blown me hither and thither, in a wayward course, over a deep ocean of anguish, reaching to the very verge of despair.
polosmith
Self-covered heel christian louboutin christian louboutin shoes christian louboutin louboutin shoes tiffany jewelry Christian Louboutin web site. Luxury french shoe designer.Shop Christian Louboutin discount designer fashion at christian louboutinsale With the widest range of authentic luxury designer brands - It's Chic-onomics! discount christian louboutin cheap christian louboutin Christian Louboutin Pumps Christian Louboutin Sandals Christian Louboutin Boots Browse and shop the May 2009 lookbook for Christian Louboutin products created by Polyvore's global community of independent trendsetters and stylists Jennifer Gach, Fashion Assistant, in Christian Louboutin sandals Photo: Kelly Stuart. christian louboutin shoes christian louboutin louboutin shoes