Motor Trend put together a list of future vehicles to come out of Stuttgart over the next few years and although most of the vehicles listed have either already debuted (Targa, GT3 RS) or are common knowledge among devout readers of Autoblog (GT2, Panamera, 928), the article contained a few minor revelations, in the form of new models and technological hurdles.
Naturally, the first order of business is the new variant of the 911, predictably dubbed the 998, which has hit the displacement equivalent of a brick wall. Porsche's engineers have found that the flat-six engine is ill equipped to manage more than 4-liters of displacement and in an effort to achieve the expected increases in performance, the 998 will focus more on weight-saving materials, such as aluminum and will come equipped with a DSG transmission to shave those valuable tenths.
Motor Trend also reports on the development of a small SUV to slot in underneath the Cayenne, which will be based off of Audi's new Q5. The new 'ute will have more performance potential than its Germanic sibling and is expected to come in a three-door body style. The comparisons to Porsche's foray into the Dakar Rally are inevitable, so this new vehicle will have massive shoes to fill if it ever sees the light of day.
Other models worthy of note include a Cayman RS, which will serve as a stripped down model of Porsche's mid-engine masterpiece, although power upgrades from the factory will be minimal as to avoid competition with the Cayman's rear-engine big brother. The new Carrera GT is also on the drawing board, but Motor Trend cites insiders as saying that the new mid-engine, V10 super car won't make it to production until after this decade.
[Source: Motor Trend]
GM shrinks Volt's gas tank, range drops from 600 to 360 miles
MINI dealers to sell Alfa Romeos in the U.S.
Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London
With crisis looming, GM may unveil Volt for 100th anniversary
Next BMW M5 will nix V10 in favor of twin-turbo V8
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Lincoln MKS
Track Test: 2008 Roush 427R Trak Pak Mustang
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S
First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mark f @ Oct 10th 2006 11:31AM
10 new models - and they'll all look alike.
rwdmtparkingonly @ Oct 10th 2006 11:42AM
Another SUV, and this one will be cheaper; now Porsche can defy both the sports car heritage AND the prestige of the brand.
It's so embarrassing that they have to keep castrating the Cayman; Porsche finally put the 911's engine in the proper location and, ironically, decided to charge less for that version.
Maybe Porsche should make the 911 their entry level car and start charging a premium for the Cayman. That way they can offer their full range of flat-6 engines, including the turbo, in both cars, but people will pay a premium for the Cayman's superior performance with any given engine.
Obviously this wouldn’t make sense with the history of the 911 name, but it’s pretty funny that the cheaper Cayman is a better platform.
Seabass @ Oct 10th 2006 12:08PM
I wouldn't be surprised in Porsche suddenly announced a venture into the motorcycle industry and go head to head against BMW. Seems right with the direction they are going. But hey, Porsche doesn't have to make only one car. If they can find ways to make driving exhilirating no matter what type of vehicle you drive (sports car, SUV, Minivan, Golf Cart) then by all means let them.
Porsche. There is no substitute. There is a stunt double or two.
Warren M @ Oct 10th 2006 12:48PM
The Cayman RS will be superb, as will the Carrera GT replacement. Really not feeling the Panamera.
DPC car videos @ Oct 10th 2006 4:23PM
Porsche and other high end automakers are not the exclusive car company they once where.
Leo @ Oct 10th 2006 4:56PM
i agree,
10 models all but the $400k+ will look different
Mike @ Oct 10th 2006 9:46PM
Actually, this is a reprint from a July article in the print edition (see http://www.caymanclub.net/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6350&FORUM_ID=1&CAT_ID=1&Topic_Title=Stronger+rumor+of+Cayman+RS&Forum_Title=Cayman+Chat), which explains why some of the models are already "old news".
Leave it to Motor Trend to reprint a four month old article online and not note that it's a reprint.
Bill Maher is an Idiot @ Oct 11th 2006 12:29AM
I'm not opposed to a small Porsche SUV (or CUV) bearing sports car handling, but the Cayenne leaves a lot to be desired. Porsche should focus on improving the 911, a sports car getting to be a little thick around the thighs (and overpriced).
drip @ Oct 11th 2006 2:29AM
As long as the 911 is around the Gayman will always be emasculated.
Leave it to the marketing types to prevent a car from being as good as it could be. Porsche, there are plenty of substitutes!
Sarvesh Mahesh @ Oct 17th 2006 8:47PM
They need to get the service/Warrant right first. I have 4 month old Porsche 911 where the CD Player has stopped working. Stevens Creek Porsche of San Jose will not fix it, instead wants me to pay for the replacement !!!!!
Mario Oly. @ Oct 21st 2006 7:03PM
Yes,a Porsche is a great car but 10 "new" models for
2010 is excessive,I think that 10 "new" designs,one each for the cayman,carrera,cayenne,etc is enough,
porsche is not a people's car,but "elite or rich" peoples car.
Mario O.