PORSCHE BOXSTER 2009
As automakers downsize their payrolls, many are also looking to downsize their auto offerings by producing smaller and more affordable vehicles. While we expect as much from the GMs and Toyotas of the world, luxury and sportscar makers are also hopping on the band wagon. We recently reported that Audi is now selling a less powerful version of the TT Roadster in the U.K., and latest reports suggest Porsche might be bringing a new entry-level vehicle to market to slot in under the Boxster.
The new model would be called the 356 Speedster and would be a two-seater, mid-engine, rear drive machine, based on the Volkswagen Blue Sport Concept unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
There is no word on a powerplant for the new model, but there is speculation that Audi’s 2.0 TFSI engine could be used, with an output of just over 200hp and 200 ft-lbs of torque. This would seem appropriate were it not for the fact that we can’t really see Porsche using an Audi /VW powerplant for a sportscar. It also wouldn’t be very likely that a turbocharged model would be the standard engine, as Porsche typically reserves turbos for high-performance “Turbo” models.
From here the speculation continues to get even more ridiculous with German source autozietung stating that through the use of aluminum and magnesium the new model could weight as little as 1,675 lbs – that’s a good 300 lbs lighter than a Lotus Elise – which has all the comfort and convenience features of a gym locker (we still love them though).
The possibility of such a model actually making it to market is, however, quite good as Porsche is eager to expand its market share and essentially repeat what it did 10 years ago with the Boxster – a vehicle that has grown up in a decade to be a significantly faster and more expensive model. The 356 Speedster wouldn’t see production until 2013 with pricing expected right around the $40,000 mark (undercutting the $46,600 Boxster).
source: autoguide
