LexFather

As weird as this may sound, it seems Porsche is working on a Porsche badged Volkswagen Golf for 2012. Now, we know that the Volkswagen Golf is a huge success, but a Porsche version of the car seems like a totally absurd idea; unless of course Porsche is postioning itself to become more mainstream and compete with BMW.

The picture below is on the cover of the new AutoBild magazine. The caption next to it read (in German) ”kompakte geheim-projekte bis 2012. der porsche-golf.” That translates to “compact secret projects until 2012. the Porsche-Golf.”

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

If Porsche wants to "move down" to compete with BMW, what the hell is Audi around for then? Are they going to move Audi more towards the MB/Lexus direction with it being more comfort focused?

pbm317

i pray this is some sort of sick joke... i mean the Golf is a solid platform no doubt, for something like an R32... but to elevate it beyond that to something of Porsche caliber??? I don't know...

2010mRXsh

Looks alright...

I think it's a great idea, and I hope they go through with it.

They've been making the same car for almost forever, it's about time they expand. Why not? I don't think they ever stated they would be an exclusive car maker. And they're not a luxury car maker.

The smaller the car, the easier it is to be sporty. This is the direction *all* sports car makers should be heading.

And contrary to what so many think, the less you care about the image, the bigger your actual self confidence? I'm sure at some point that argument will be made.

I have read that Audi is trying to go upmarket (R8), and smaller sports cars are the future (Ferrari).

This thing could be scary fast! It's the thing I like best about the new BMW 1er. It's the real thing.

But I wonder if things like these are inside jokes to the execs at these companies. "Let's make a car that has limited use, a ton of power, and we'll price it 1.5-3x over our competitors." Because only the filthy rich (and the dedicated) spend more money to get less.

MSMLexIS

I think this will hurt porsche's image with the wealthier buyers who buy there most expensive cars that make up most of there profit.

JessePS

Thing is, they probably could charge people the same price for this as a Boxster to keep it sort of up market. Probably will not work out that way.

There has to be some people who like Porsche but dont want a Boxster or Cayman and the Carrera are slightly pricy with all the options, so make a Golf sized car with the power of a Boxster/Cayman, it could be pretty quick and really fuel efficient. Plus you have space to put stuff now.

Gojirra99

I hate the idea, I hope not

2010mRXsh

Could certainly hurt their image. But I'm sure people said that when Porsche came out with all their other non-911's?

But I don't think people who buy their most expensive cars make up most of their profit. Do you mean the super 911s, or the GTs, or just the regular 911s? Because $72,000 is a lot more like $50,000 than $200,000-$500,000.

I thought everyone buying those "cheap" Porsches were helping to fund the GT and such.

Has anyone seen the price on the Panamera? Shocking!!!! I swear I thought it was closer to $150,000. I think, if anyone bites, they'll be making money. This is supposed to compete with like CLS and such, isn't it? The price is way off. I know, two more seats, but still! It should be much less. By that number, this car will go for...$65,000.

I wonder if the auto industry is going to shift toward model lines that reflect our economy more. Because if the rich are getting a lot richer, and the middle class are getting squeezed...that would explain this car, and cars like the GT--actually, all the GT types.

Can you imagine how many high school kids would get this car over a 1 or 3 series? Wow.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Porsche needs to stay with their racing heritage and prestige.

There is nothing prestigious with a Porsche-Golf...

MR_F1

Response to CAFE?

This is just a bad idea any way you look at it........

ffpowerLN

iTrader: (1)

I might be crazy but if Porsche prices this thing reasonably (~$40k), and gives it BoxsterS/CaymanS kind of handling then I wouldn't mind to consider one. Would be a heck of fun car for track day that's for sure...

GFerg

Worse idea ever. And I thought VW was the one that needed assistance with its numerous model lines.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

yeah, that was my first thought too (CAFE)
but hey, remember that mid engine golf they shoved a W12 in.
maybe? i can dream though right?

gshb

wait what? hasnt porsche been rebadging VWs since the 1950s? i keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed

Threxx

I like the idea of small somewhat inexpensive, practical but still high quality and fun to drive cars.

This sounds like it could be one.

Though I do agree it does water down the Porsche name quite a bit.

I guess I like the car but don't think it's a smart move for the brand.