We’ve heard more rumors of the new sportscar platform that will be shared by models from Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche, than a caterpillar has legs. Porsche was rumored to be dropping out of the deal, but the Stuttgart based manufacturer has recently confirmed that the two-seater compact sportscar is a go, and it will resurrect the legendary 550 Spyder name.
Subsequently, we asked you, our loyal readers, what you thought of the idea behind the new sportscar, and the results are in. The overwhelming majority (47 percent) saw the 550 Spyder as an appealing car that would bring rear-drive fun to the masses. Given Porsche’s recent ‘do no wrong’ image, this isn’t really a surprise, and we always welcome a Stuttgart car that doesn’t have all-wheel drive as standard.
However, there’s still something to worry about, as some people still have lingering concerns over the 550 Spyder sharing too many components with its brothers from Volkswagen and Audi. In addition, 17 percent of you correctly pointed toward the worrying fact that hothatches like the Megane RS are getting tantalizingly close to the once untouchable Boxster, and say you’d only buy a 550 if it’s faster than the all the those Fords, Golfs and the like.
Whatever the case, a retro Porsche with mass-market appeal is sure to sell well. Some of our readers (10 percent) say this is a dilution of the brand, but it not as bad as having more big SUVs, is it?
“I can imagine that such a modern version of the famous ’James Dean ’ Porsche would be well-received by our customers. The new model will not be retro-styled,” Matthias Mueller Porsche Executive reportedly said, and we are inclined to agree.
While you wait, we'd like to know what you think of another rear-engined convertible, this time from Jaguar.
Subsequently, we asked you, our loyal readers, what you thought of the idea behind the new sportscar, and the results are in. The overwhelming majority (47 percent) saw the 550 Spyder as an appealing car that would bring rear-drive fun to the masses. Given Porsche’s recent ‘do no wrong’ image, this isn’t really a surprise, and we always welcome a Stuttgart car that doesn’t have all-wheel drive as standard.
However, there’s still something to worry about, as some people still have lingering concerns over the 550 Spyder sharing too many components with its brothers from Volkswagen and Audi. In addition, 17 percent of you correctly pointed toward the worrying fact that hothatches like the Megane RS are getting tantalizingly close to the once untouchable Boxster, and say you’d only buy a 550 if it’s faster than the all the those Fords, Golfs and the like.
Whatever the case, a retro Porsche with mass-market appeal is sure to sell well. Some of our readers (10 percent) say this is a dilution of the brand, but it not as bad as having more big SUVs, is it?
“I can imagine that such a modern version of the famous ’James Dean ’ Porsche would be well-received by our customers. The new model will not be retro-styled,” Matthias Mueller Porsche Executive reportedly said, and we are inclined to agree.
While you wait, we'd like to know what you think of another rear-engined convertible, this time from Jaguar.