16th June 2009

Porsche 914 successor still an optionhttp://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/porsche-914-still-under-consideration-ar75560.html

The TopSpeed website has reported that, despite Porsche denying rumors of a new 914 model until the bitter end, apparently the rumors had a hint of truth to them and Porsche is really considering an entry level model priced below the Boxster for their lineup.

So why is the new 914 suddenly back on track? Due to the new Volkswagen-Porsche alliance, the project is now financially feasible because the new platform will be ideal to use as a launch pad for a mid-engine roadster. Expect to see Audi build something using the same platform, like the R4. Volkswagen will still produce the BlueSport clean diesel roadster based on the same chassis.

Under the hood Porsche can choose from the popular 1.4 Liter TSI making 170 HP or possibly even the 125 HP TDI motor. Although we can expect something with a little more oomph from the sportiest member of the VW Group, either way, if Porsche can keep the weight below 2,200 pounds, the new 914 will be a blast no matter what the power plant is in the back..

Porsche 914 successor not coming due to financial crisishttp://www.4wheelsnews.com/porsche-914-successor-not-coming-due-to-financial-crisis/

A lot of enthusiasts have long desired for a new model of the car and reports were emerging in recent months that this was actually becoming a reality. Unfortunately, with Porsche’s financial dilemma and the goal to stay exclusive imply that its intentions for a new entry-level roadster have been set aside.

Spokesman for the company has confirmed that even though they are working tirelessly on future projects and has other areas of focus and has no plans of introducing another new model in its range at this time. The source of the initial report on a new roadster emerged because of the forthcoming merger with VW via a planned share buyout. The basis was the manufacture of the recently unveiled BlueSport Roadster Concept which all the mainstream VW Group brand have been speculated to be working on their own variants of the car with Porsche also said to have intended to produce its own.

16th January 2009

VW Bluesport concept likely to get production nodhttp://www.leftlanenews.com/vw-bluesport-concept-likely-to-get-production-nod.html
When Volkswagen pulled the wraps off its Bluesport concept at last week’s Detroit Auto Show, it was quite apparent that the sporty drop top was more production-ready than any of VW’s past sports car concepts. Adding credence to the notion of the Bluesport making the leap from concept to production, two VW execs have indicated a road-going version of the Bluesport is on the way.

Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, VW’s Ulrich Hackenberg indicated the Bluesport was headed to production, and even went so far as to quote pricing for the roadster – between €22,000 and €24,500, depending on engine options.
VW engineer Thomas Inglenath also supported Hackenberg’s claim, saying the Bluesport could be in showrooms as early as 2012.
Although the Bluesport concept was shown with a diesel powerplant, Hackenberg revealed the production car would be available with a wide range of engine options, including the company’s TSI powerplants. VW’s dual-clutch transmission would also be part of the mix.

Considering the Bluesport’s platform is expected to underpin a new-age Porsche 914 and Audi R4, it would seem to make sense – as far as economies of scale are concerned – that the VW version would get the nod for production. If the Blue sport ultimately does get the light, expect to see it in VW showrooms sometime between 2012 and 2014.

Click her to vew gallery....


3rd November 2008

Report: Porsche Boxster to get four-cylinder engine in 2011
http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-porsche-boxster-to-get-four-cylinder-engine-in-2011.html

Porsche will give its Boxster range a new entry-level powerplant for the 2011 model year, according to a U.K. media report. Insiders say a new four-cylinder Boxster will be he “most economical Porsche ever.” Economical in price — but also in terms of fuel economy.

The new engine will arrive as part of the redesigned Boxster lineup. The revamped sports car is said to be “significantly” lighter than the existing models. The turbocharged four-banger will deliver over 200 horsepower, informants to Britain’s Autocar magazine claim.

The Cayman coupe will also likely receive a four-cylinder model, but timing will depend on when the next-generation Cayman is launched.

It’s not known how this latest information ties in with rumors about a revived Porsche 914 positioned below the Boxster and Cayman. It’s possible that model is also in the works, or perhaps the four-cylinder Boxster will fill that niche.

Thomas Krickelberg, Porsche’s head of powertrains, recently admitted the six-cylinder Boxer engine was designed to have cylinders removed if the need ever existed.

“[There are] the discussions about global warming and the need to reduce fuel consumption,” Krickelberg told Drive. “The target was to have a six-cylinder because that is the criteria of the 911 and the Boxster. But there is still the option to reduce the number of cylinders.”

The result of lopping off two cylinders would be a Boxer four displacing about 2.4L.

10th September 2008

Return of the Porsche 914?
A new mid-engine, rear drive Volkswagen could mean a Porsche version as well


With the recent announcement by Volkswagen chairman Martin Winterkorn that VW will unveil a sports car concept at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, it appears that the German automaker has once again resurrected its plan to build an affordable midengine coupe and roadster.
But even bigger news could be coming from VW's new masters, er, partners at Porsche. Inside sources say that VW's majority shareholder is said to have shown strong interest in the same project -- opening the door for a possible revival of the 914.

The original 914 -- Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year in 1970 -- was sold in the U.S. from 1969 to 1976, and was a collaborative effort between Volkswagen and Porsche. The guiding force behind the 914 project at the time was none other than Dr. Ferdinand Piech, chairman of the board of the VW Group and a key player in the much-troubled Porsche takeover of VW.
According to reports, the Volkswagen model will borrow heavily from VW's vast parts bin in order to keep development costs low. The new VW coupe and roadster have been described as cars designed to be stylish and lightweight but, at the same time, offering sporty performance in combination with all important fuel economy.

Based on a midengine, rear-wheel-drive layout, two four-cylinder powerplants are said to be under consideration: a 170-horsepower version of the 1.4L twincharger TSI gasoline mill, and a new 125-hp, 1.6L TDI common-rail diesel engine, both mated to VW's new seven-speed DSG gearbox. The model could possibly be assembled in Germany by VW's longtime partner Karmann, also another key player in the original 914's production.

CLICK LINK TO VIEW GALLERY http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_0809_future_vw_porsche_914/photo_01.html

The new car is expected to be less than 2200 lbs and VW is reportedly inquiring with fellow VW Group member Audi about aluminum space frame construction. The collaboration could also mean that a much rumored Audi R4 version could also be potentially on the horizon.

The VW project is resurfacing for the fifth time in five years but insiders are expressing optimism that the car will finally make it into production this go round. Depending on the public's acceptance of the L.A. show concept, the new car could be in showrooms by as early as 2011.

As for the Porsche model, any 914 would almost certainly have one of the automaker's flat sixes on board, with the 2.7-liter base engine from the Boxster being the most likely candidate. Rumors have also been circulating recently about the possibility of Porsche returning to four cylinder power, with the 914 being an extremely logical candidate for an engine smaller than six cylinders. The original four cylinder 914 was more popular than the six.

Porsche has continued to expand from its 911 base with the Cayenne and the coming Panamera, and the addition of a model priced below the Boxster could be just what the Dr. (Piech) orders.