Now, Auto Express is reporting that the Porsche may be looking into resurrecting the 550 moniker for the model. The publication also states that the car will be powered by a 1.6-liter boxer engine that will produce around 200 horsepower.
We’re not really sure about this one bit of info, as the VW version of the roadster will reportedly have 220 hp, and previous reports suggested the displacement of the boxer engine is 2.5 liters. A larger block would make more sense, as the new flat-four needs to find its way into the bigger Boxster and Cayman as well, though the 1.6 could prove to be more efficient.
Whatever the case, power will be sent to the rear wheels through a conventional manual gearbox, though PDK could be offered as well.
Given the fact that completion of a pre-production car is a long way away, no performance figures are available at the moment, but 0 to 60 mph (98 km/h) should take under 6 seconds, while top speed should be in the region of 145 mph.
The chassis will be very driver-oriented and we can be sure there will be a lot of fuel-saving technologies installed, but the two main sticking points are the price and the market overlap with the Boxster.
VW’s BlueSport will hit the market at about €22,000 (£19,500). Unfortunately, Porsche will ask significantly more £35,000 (€39,500) for a car with only 200 hp or so. Are you sold on the idea of the 550? We aren’t, and we expect Porsche is also having doubts.
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