Report: Porsche considering 356 Speedster successor

Posted: Mar 24, 2009

Filed under: Porsche

During an economic crisis where auto sales are down, automakers are forced to come up with new ideas to adjust their product offering with the demand of consumers. Lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicles have seemed to become the “thing to do” for auto manufacturers and luxury sports car makers are no exception. The best recent example of this is the Bentley Continental Supersports.

According to AutoZeitung, Porsche is also cutting down on weight and is considering a small, lightweight mid-engine successor to the 356 Speedster. The basis of the 356 Speedster will be the Volkswagen BlueSport concept which was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Under the hood Porsche is said to be considering the 272 turbocharged 2.0L TFSI from the Audi TT as well as the 160-hp 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder from the Volkswagen Scriocco.

If the 356 Speedster successor receives the green-light from Porsche’s board of directors, it could be on the road by 2013.

Volkswagen BlueSport Concept:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoZeitung

Neil

I understand from a company point of view 30-35K takes away Audi sales

but wouldn't a 30K Porsche just be awesome. 35MPG, small tight frame that sticks to corners

42 year old bald men everywhere are cheering!!!!

zermatt

It also takes away from VW sales. The Eos starts at $32K.

I would find it hard to believe that Porsche would want to be indirect competition with or compared to Audi and VW. I see the proposed car as the new start of the Porsche line with the Boxster being brought more into line with the Cayman.

Bobmarley

The EOS has recently become my least favorite car...lol. With that starting price of 32K, front wheel drive and...basicaly nothing else to offer but the hard top convertable...this thing was built for gay men and girly girls, you know what i mean MON!!! lool

zermatt

Understood, but this is the price point for cute chick cars.

The more affluent women and metrosexuals will go for the new entry level Porsche.

zermatt

Just as the Miata and the Boxster are chick cars, this will be an even more popular chick car with an automatic transmission standard.. This will have cute written all over it. LOL

Porsche will never go sub $40K. Sub 40K is not in keeping with Porsche exclusivity. This car will push the Boxster up market to be more in line with the pricing Cayman.

Base model - $40K
S model - $45K