Porsche 998

Does anyone know anything at all about the forthcoming 998? Yes, it's far away but several PAG sources have confirmed that the model lines are firmly set for the next 7 years or so. There has been a lot of talk about the 997 being simply another f/r fascia update (retro return to 993 styling) with usual 15 or so HP bump to boot.....then a completely new car (998) for model 07/08. I've heard however that the 998 will be a front engine Cayenne shared powertrain rebirth of 928 GT with HP options from 340-450. Could than mean an entirely new model alltogether which will coexist with the 997? It would make more sense than spending huge $$ extensively reworking the current platform (to 997 guise) only to fully replace it in 2 short model years??? Someone's gotta know the scoop!

wow... i don't know about this style. seems like the engine is going to the front

Ugh!

Rumors have been floating around about a new Porsche similar to the 928 for some time now. The only way to know for sure is to wait and see. BTW the car in that image looks more like a Ferrari 456 than anything else...I see no Porsche in it. There are of course some of us that are hoping Porsche will release a new 944.

Yes, all speculation at this point. However, I can't believe that Porsche would introduce the Turbo Cab, C4s Cab and GT3 in 2004 and then change the model. Even if it is just a face lift...does not seem right to me. Talk about a first year depreciation hit.

WHAT??? Dude this story was writen by Greg Kable TWO YEARS AGO. It is on my WEB SITE. See this link- http://patedwards.net/images/hoodscoop4.jpg This story is right in line with this one and this photo- http://patedwards.net/hoodscoop_new928.html

Boy, that 998 concept drawing reminds me so much of our 1984 Euro 928S Bocky '02 Carrera C2 coupe (son's)

Is that what became the carrera GT?

No. Porsche announced it would be doing the Carrera GT before these photo's and and the rumor that the 928 (or 989) would be returning.

Yes, it sounds like it's going to happen. What a great way to make use of the Cayenne Turbo engine. Porsche could use a new Shark to invigorate a somewhat boring new car line up dominated by Boxster's.

Quite true that drawing has been around for some time. It was Motor Trend who recently referred back to that drawing as claimed "new details" about 998 being more like 928 rebirth. I'm baffled why Porsche has always treated their development and new model details so secret right up until the last minute. It's getting ridiculous already. I was excited about the Cayenne and even considered placing a deposit on one. When the dealer said I could order one but they could not give even the most basic details including what my $60-$90K purchase was going to look like, I was turned off completely. I just don't want to make another purchase without knowing what's right around the corner (and what may be of more interest). I currently have a 2001 996 and am already thinking 997, but I'm sure it'll be the same thing....we'll take the deposit but you can't know anything until we hand over the keys

Huh? Dude's I have been ontop of this from day one that it was announced and let me say this- "Don't hold yer breath waiting". Porsche has already said, in so many words- "No Way Jose" are they bringing back the 928, and or building any another front engined V8 or the 989, 998, sportscar, GT, passenger car, or anything like that. Sorry to dash your hopes for this, but I have been foollowing this for two years with the same hopes for Porsche to build this. They have officially gone on the record and said- "NO PLANS!" Of course if the Cayenne should fail miserably...well now "No Plans" could become "New Plans". Nicole, are you out there? Care to chime in on this one...

Whether or not Porsche admits it's a re-birth of the 928, if they introduce a new v8 front engined model, everyone outside of Porsche will probably still call it the new 928.

How exactly is a front engined GT cruiser going to "excite" the new car line up? Have you ever driven a boxster?

Uh oh, here it comes... the inter-marque arguement. Don you've just insulted a potential Boxster driver. Don't you know that you can't have an opionion about the Porsche Boxster without getting shredded by those guys? Shame on you Don! It's a good thing you did not say 951 or 944 or the normally docile and gentlemanly dispositioned 996/GT3 forum would be become a gloves off free for all. Was that Don or "Don 928 King"?

It's needed because it gives Porsche a complete line up, a model between the Carrera GT Supercar (V10) and the rest of the six cylinder cars. Yes I have driven a Boxster. I also blow their doors off on a regular basis. Make mine a V8 please.

Ever played with one at the track?

No, I haven't played with one on the track. I'm sure they're fun. Sorry though, Boxster's are becoming like Corvette's, everyone has one. A new 928 gives Porsche a broader line up appealing to more buyers, does it not??? There doesn't appear to be much variety on Porsche's showroom floor these days to me.

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!

I'll bite.....????? please decipher?

"Rolling On The Floor Laughing My *** Off"

Not much variety? Let's see 996, C4, C4S - all in Cab, turbo - soon in Cab, GT2, GT3, X50, 986, 986S, CayenneS, Cayenne Turbo, GT3 Cup, soon GT3RS street version, GT3RS race car.........am I forgetting anything??? Looks like quite a bit of variety to me. Maybe it's your wallet that lacks variety?

"It's needed because it gives Porsche a complete line up, a model between the Carrera GT Supercar (V10) and the rest of the six cylinder cars. " This implies that number of cylinders is *the* key factor defining a car and any 6 cylinder car is relegated to "the rest." I don't think that's the case. btw, I like 928s, but just don't agree that cylinder count is that important. I know my dad would agree with you though having grown up in the 50's / 60's with an interest in American steel. Interestingly, the 928 is his favorite car...

yup, 40th anniv edition 911 and upcomming 3.2 V6 Cayenne

I think the point with model selsction is: 996 and variants 986 and variants Cayenne and variants I am not sure if there any CGTs on the "showroom floor" I think Porsche needs to wake up to the fact that its being blown away in this quest for power numbers. 415hp? on the turbo? Big whup compared to some very capabale MB, BMW, audi. Sure power isn't everything, but its alwasy been important at Porsche.

DAYUM that was just cruel! (But funny as hell )

And Targa.

I have to admit that despite the crap car that they are BMW M3's at 333HP and 3100lbs give my sphincter muscle a pucker when I see them on the street (lots of them...no exclusivity like Porsche so I drive around listening to sphincter music). The same is true of Mercs AMG 55, and a few others...hell... WRX's!

Because your dad knows that "there is no replacement for displacement".

That was a little rough. Sorry.

Don 928 King , like all 928 drivers, has got some leather skin after taking abuse for driving a 928 for so many years. 928 drivers are not as SENSITIVE as some others driving chick cars...

Sure 415hp as a number, doesn't compete with the big boys, but, the TT still beats all comers even with their higher hp. I could be missing something but, I do not know of 1 car that outperforms the TT for the price. In the TT we have a car that runs with the murcielago, 360, 575, and all other exotics at a fraction of the price. And please do not bring up the Viper or Z06 -Lou

The reason Porsche and pretty much every other manufacturer does not disclose details of new cars and release dates is because it would cripple their already anemic dealer network. If you knew exact dates and specs on a car, people would wait and interest in the existing model or interum model(997) would be nil -Lou

I see as many 996 as M3 if not more and definitely more than the E55. I see alot more boxsters than either of those two! Also I doubt a 996 TT (stock) can compete with a murciealago.

I have found the same to be true regarding car sightings. Check out R/T recent 0-100-0 tests. The 911ttx50 beat the murcielago in every test. Looking back at the numbers posted, the TT(stock) beats or equals its numbers to. Doublenutz---I know this wasn't your point, but the M3 weighs 3415lbs unladen -Lou

Fyi. Although the car listed is the X50 version, you will notice the 993 turbo has a better time than the murcielago which would only mean the 996turbo would be even faster. Ranking Manufacturer Model Year tested 0-100-0 time, sec 1. Kawasaki ZX-9R 1994 11.5 Ferrari Enzo 2003, tested independently 11.7 Porsche 911 Turbo 2003 13.5 2. Development Porsche Performance 911 Turbo 1996 13.7 Dodge Viper SRT-10 2003 13.9 3. Porsche 911 Turbo 1996 14.0 Lamborghini Murci�lago 2003 14.2 Saleen S7 2003 14.3 4. HKS Toyota Supra Turbo 1996 14.7 Ferrari 575M Maranello 2003 14.8 5. Vortech Ford Mustang GT 1996 14.9 6. Dodge Viper GTS 1996 15.0 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG 2003 15.0 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG 2003 15.1 7. Aston Martin Vantage 600 1999 16.3 Audi RS 6 2003 16.3 8. Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 1994 16.4 9. Ferrari F355 1999, tested independently 17.1 10. Shelby Cobra 427 S/C 1994 17.1 11. Mercedes-Benz SL600 1996 17.2 12. Dodge Viper RT/10 1994 17.2 13. Aston Martin DB7 Vantage 1999 17.3 14. Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 1994 17.3 15. Caterham 7 Superlight R 1999 17.4 16. Chevrolet Corvette LT4 Collector Edition 1996 17.4 17. Ferrari 512TR 1994 17.5 18. Jaguar XKR 1999 17.6 19. Chevrolet Corvette C5 1999, tested independently 17.7 20. Lotus Elise Sport 190 1999 17.9

That's amazing. Where are you getting this data? Do you have times for the GT2?

The more I think about this I find these numbers highly suspect. If I remember correctly the saleen s7 has a 0-100 somewhere in teh 6-7 second range. It has 600-700 horsepower, costs multiple hundreds of dollars, and is very light and full of carbon fiber. Granted the above are you telling me the saleen S7 takes as long or longer to decelerate from 100-0 as it does to accelerate from 0-100? If that is the case why would they put such crappy brakes on a car costing hundreds of thousands of dollars? Porsche latest greatest hot **** brake package costs $8,000. Are you telling me they couldn't have raised the price just $5,000 and added some atelast mediocre brakes? The same goes for the lamborghini and many of others. Where's the mclaren F1 on this list? Was the porsche 911 TT tested at sea level at 50F while the others were tested in denver on a 100 degree day? What gives these numbers don't add up one bit. Where would the GT3 rank in there? I don't know it's 100-0 time but for 0-100 I have seen anywhere from 8.8 to 9.4 seconds claimed.

Well Lou you are simply then- "head in the sand" on that because the Z06 and the Viper are incredible competitors to the twin turbo. In fact, in a recent Road and Track evaluation they out performed the TT skid pad, braking, 0-60 and the Viper even in handling! The ranking in the end was 1st Place to the Viper, Second to the TT, and third the Z06 but the TT narrowly beat it. Additionally for that price point the Mercs AMG 55 is a really sniffing at the exhaust pipe (literally) of the TT. Also, in my humble opine, I really love Porsche but to put the 575 Maranello, and a Lambo Murcielago (even at their price points)in class with the TT is simply absurd...GT2 maybe but, nope... no way... no how is a TT is in class with those cars.

Exactly where did this come from?

Getting back to Don's point about variety in the porsche lineup, the 911 (yeah 993, 996) and all its variants are still the same looking vehicle and have been for 40 years. Look at the anniversary page. And thats not bad. I like seeing them on the road very much, but it would be like a chevy dealer with only vettes for sale distinguished by cupholders on the console or armrests. An updated 928 would be great and so wouldn't a 745/e55 competitor. They have found a market. How long can porsche survive with the same design being bumped by a little hp and different headlights. Oh and Scott your old man has class. The 928 has the best styling bar none. Tom ___________ 1985 928s2

Is this the new viper? The only problem is both these cars drive like the american peices of junk they are. Fit and finish is horrible, driver ergnomics sucks. It just doesn't feel like a porsche. I'd take a boxster over either. As for merc 55 - how can you compare when you can only get it in automatic, how boring.

www.roadandtrack.com. Regarding my comparison to the exotics, I simply was trying to show that the Turbo has better performance at a much cheaper price. Now would I rather have those other cars, of coarse. -Lou MBE55AMG, no comparison, slush box, autobaun cruiser, handles worse than outgoing old model M5. Z06- come on, most mags have shown it to have performance in the mid 4's 0-60 and slower quarter mile time. The reason I said don't mention the Z06 or Viper was as a joke, not to actually say they are not viable sports cars in their own rights.

This underscores my position in the other thread if you actually think a saleen S7 is going to loose to a 911 TT....

The Saleen lost because it had no ABS (and also needed to get into 3rd to reach 100mph) http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....article_id=663

It would actually be very nice for Porsche to develop a nice true 2+2 GT ala 456 with trunk space for those of us who do not like Luxo Barges and still want something usefull to carry family and some luggage. My wife loved my old 968 due to the luggage space and the fact that we could go on a weekend trip and have actual luggage with us. With the 911 it is very difficult to do that. A new "928" as long as it can accomodate 4 adults I think it will be a resonable success and it will complete the line up. Another 2 seater with 2 mickey mouse rear seats is doomed to fail again but a 4 seater it will open a whole other market for Porsche. As a matter of fact i wish they had done this instead of the Cayenne but alas, at least with a V8 ready along with interior bits it would not be a huge financial risk to produce such a car along side the SUV... I for one would put my money down for one trading in the "family" car...

I think that Porsche should bring back it's flagship car, the 928. Porsche needs a car to compete against the Ferrari 550 and Aston Martin Vanquish. As long as they don't water down the desing(ala 996), it's okay by me.

It really would be easy for porsche to come out with a 928 like car. They already have the engines developed and operatiing in the Cayenne. They have repeatedly said the Cayenne engine will not be used in the 911 so why not develop a 928 like car, it could share engines making the project relatively inexpensive. Seem like a no brainer to me. Although Porsche has repeatedly stated they will not make a 928 like car again. -Lou

Now this thread is a change..huh? Who could ever have imagined 911 drivers that would like to see the 928 or a front engined water cooled V8 sports car from Porsche COME BACK! This is indeed the way Porsche owners should support each other!

Yea, how about that I mean we, myself obviously included, have spats over different variations of the same 996 platform. -Lou

[No author-written text remains after quoted material was removed.]

Obviously, all Porsches are fine cars. They are just starting to look a bit in-bred. Bring back the best looking Porsche ever, with HP capabilities far in excess of anything but the new Super Car.

curious, so how does a 928 compare to a 911 or 996 on the track? if it were a superior car, i imagine you'd see it on the professional race ciruit, like GT3 or something. Horsepower is something any car can have. The whole idea behind Porsche from the beginning was not in going fast, but going fast well. I learned how to drive at 14 in a 1960 356...my brother-in-law had a 350 SS Camaro at the same time...which had more HP....no body really cared because it was nothing but HP. Front engine porsches, what's the point? I never understood Porsche trying to make a car that followed the traditions of other automakers and not their own.

Let me say this- The 996 is is a great car and I love its handling on the track and off. However, the 996 has parts of its suspenion that were created from 928 technology (starting with the 993 years) which make it a much more forgiving driving experience- let's forget for a moment that the braking on the 911 and Boxster was first introduced on the 928 and big reds (today always refered to as "Twin Turbo Brakes") on the 928 GTS. The 928 is a different driving experience as a front engine car but considering the age of this car by comparison to todays 996, the 928 as an S4 and up will ride the tail pipe of a 996 very closely through twisites and it is not as much work to stay in the rear view mirror of a 996 as it is to drive a 996 at its limits to stay ahead of a 928. In fact, for a 996 to really step it out in from of a 928 it will need to be a GT3, TwinTurbo or better yet a GT2. However, a bored and stroked 928 or a supercharged one would be a handful- See these recent Oregon SCCA results and the times posted by the Don Hanson bored and stroked 90GT winning car in Group A and in the Group G Class where GT3 Cup car's were racing his 928 yielded these results (click here). Theres alot of torque and HP under the hood of a 928 but it has very good handling as well. After all it is a Porsche. The May 2000 issue of 911&Porsche World did a comparision of the 996 and 928 and pretty much found an 11 year old 928 to be on perfomance par with a 996 of 2000. (Click here to read)

What, a new 944 turbo?

I don't think it's fair to compare the 928 to the 911. The 911 has always apealed to the "boy racer" types. Not a bad thing, it's just a bit different. Where the 928 really shines is when compared to the Ferrari 456 or 550. High speed comfort with no drama. The 928 was always faster than the 911(or turbo) and the 911 was quicker. Hek, the 928 had a top end of 171 mph way back in 1987(only the new 996 can match that). For Porsche to come out with a new 928 today...would be hard. It would cost more than than 170K and have to outperform the current 996 turbo. That does not make economical sense. Their stratagy is going down market(can anyone say Cayenne V6, Boxster), not upmarket. I think that they feel they have a pretty good compromise with the current 996. It's a good combination between the 911 and the 928. Now, if they could just do something about that generic styling and sub-par build quality.....

If Porsche does come out with a true 2+2, I hope the rear seats are just a little bigger!

[No author-written text remains after quoted material was removed.]

Regarding the comment about PAG struggling - it does not appear that the corporation is hurting financially, although they are taking a hit on sales as a percentage of overall production capacity, just like almost every other manufacturer. There is absolutely a limit as to how many different base models that a company the size of Porsche can produce well and at a profit, while enabling the dealer network to offer a high level of quality sales and service (and that isn't perfect now). Addition of a sedan or real 2+2 may make market sense, but PAG shouldn't allow the brand to become too diluted. Since the PAG business model reflects relatively low-production, high end cars, and PAG does enjoy a very loyal cadre of devotees, they are likely to bounce back very quickly once the global economic picture improves, as long as the marque is maintained in its deserved stature. Having said that, I do agree if you meant that PAG is struggling in terms of lack of direction. Are they leading or following? To revisit the past and rehash old (albeit successful in their own time and way) designs rings of what GM and Daimler-Chrysler are all about these days for North American brands. PAG needs to look forward, challenge, innovate, and most of all, take the sports car lovers' collective breath away. That doesn't necessarily mean more hp, tarted-up aesthetics, or disproportionately higher cost, but it certainly means fresh and exciting, evolved styling and performance. And before I say this, I really don't want to start up a sh!tstorm here. It's just my opinion. So, ..... When I was a teen, a neighbor had a 928, pewter-colored as I recall. I didn't know much about it then, and certainly confess to being selectively unknowing about the model now. I am sure that the 928 has many wonderful qualities that are cherished by those that own them. But am I the only person on the planet that thinks that the 928 body styling looks like a hybrid of an AMC Pacer rear and the front end of a Hot Wheels die cast toy? I felt that way then, and even though I am now a Porsche lover, I still feel that the body styling is very unattractive. So it goes without saying in my book that producing a new car that even somewhat resembles the old 928 body style would be a mistake with fundamentally negative implications. No disrespect intended, but everyone gets to have their opinion. fwiw, Jeff

Ok so lets compare apples to apples that is 928 to the 911 of the same year. My 1985 928s2 vs. the 911 3.2. The 911 is some 80-100 hp down, top speed down (for what its worth), overall quality down. The 928 was the flagship i.e. the better car easily. I drove 911's of that time brand new and they were as they still are fun, awesome cars but really no comparison to the 928. The 928's technology was advanced in materials, construction, design. The ergonomics of the driving experience compare favorably to anything. The seat is the most comfortable, best positioned drivers seat that i know of, visibility is great, and in contrast to the 911 the cabin is quiet unless you want to hear engine, etc. by opening windows. And as far as handling, well any 928 driver will tell you how well it corners. If production had continued (say no economic downturns since 1990), then the current 928 would have 475 hp, paddle shifters, active suspension, wider rubber, etc. And this is just my opinion but no car looks better from the front. Tom

[QUOTE] Originally posted by drafting Regarding the comment about PAG struggling - it does not appear that the corporation is hurting financially, I never said Porsche was struggling financially ...so I am not not quite certain how that made it this dialogue. I did say- Posche is struggling like every car manufacturer today to sell as many cars as it can just to stay alive as company. You said- they are taking a hit on sales as a percentage of overall production capacity, just like almost every other manufacturer. Same thing ...right? I agree totally There is absolutely a limit as to how many different base models that a company the size of Porsche can produce well and at a profit, while enabling the dealer network to offer a high level of quality sales and service (and that isn't perfect now). Addition of a sedan or real 2+2 may make market sense, but PAG shouldn't allow the brand to become too diluted. I really don't want to start up a sh!tstorm here. It's just my opinion. So, ..... When I was a teen, a neighbor had a 928, pewter-colored as I recall. But am I the only person on the planet that thinks that the 928 body styling looks like a hybrid of an AMC Pacer rear and the front end of a Hot Wheels die cast toy? I felt that way then, and even though I am now a Porsche lover, I still feel that the body styling is very unattractive. So it goes without saying in my book that producing a new car that even somewhat resembles the old 928 body style would be a mistake with fundamentally negative implications. No disrespect intended, but everyone gets to have their opinion. The AMC Pacer , Tony Lapine (the designer of the 928), and the 928 do have a relationship. I cannot locate what that relationship was in my library of information about the 928 but i do know it is a fact. However, you should also know that the 928 is among the most copied body designs in the history of automobile making. Yes, fact! Additionally, when you look at you 996 today and your 993 (bumpers) this design was inspired by the 928. In my humble opinion Tony Lapines 928 body design is quite timeless and looks very stunning even today. Should Porsche do another car that looks like yesterday's 928? Naaaa that would just be way too cheesy, but you can bet that there will, if it is ever is built, (like the 911's headlamps) be a small semblance of the 928 characteristic styling packaged into the next car. All that would be necessary would be taking ideas from the 996 which carried forward the 928's rather round body style (the conept car 989 designs was the next 928 and evolved into the 996) in the front and the back. Look closely these cars are very similar to each other.

[No author-written text remains after quoted material was removed.]

The corvette is way out of line with the average buyer of a geo tracker but it is still sold as the performance flagship of gm. The 928 may have been intended originally as the successor to the 911 but that changed when reality of production costs hit the fan, so it became an additional limited production vehicle and lets face it, it was an exotic beating the lambos, astons, and most ferraris of its day. These marks are flourishing today and so would an updated 928 to that same privileged crowd. Who says it would have those features - The Market says. As for the HP increased displacement and supercharging like the new jag. As far as the weight i feel as though that is a strength because i like the heavy solid perfectly distributed feel of the car on twisty roads. When i drove 911's i was always told about losing it in a corner because you would end up a passenger not a driver and looking the wrong way. Unlike some of the 911 owners here i like both cars. Ferry porsche also made tanks. Tom

Uh... Pat Edwards , you need to chillout...

I had a response for this but elected not to send it...Ever hear that saying- Never get into an argument with an fool becuase people watching may not be able to tell the difference? I chose to bow out on responding here.

I do huh? Did I hurt your feeling tonight?

There is no doubt that forward thinking is a key characteristic for any sucessful working body. As I said, and you've reiterated, the 928 has many fine points that make it a worthy automobile. When examined a piece at a time, ignoring the package as a whole, the 928 has contributed more than a few features to the full line of Porsche automobiles. Justly so, and in some ways, the 928 almost appears to have been a technology testbed even as it went through its production cycle. But there is no reasonable comparison to be made that puts the 928 of old and 911 of today onto the same page in terms of aesthetics or performance. As Tom (TV) pointed out in an earlier post, the essential 911 has been around for forty years. There is continuity in purpose, and a huge amount of change, that has occurred during those decades. While the 928 had its time in the sun, and was necessarily a component of Porsche's continued development, the 911 was around long before the 928, and will undoubtedly be around for quite a time to come. As to the AMC Pacer, I think that it is a butt-freakin'-ugly vehicle that was a result of a great many contrary issues, not the least of which were engine development problems and the energy crisis in the '70s. I should have been more clear on that one. Mr. Lapine was a critical player in many wonderful automobile designs (the Pacer quite thankfully not being one of them!), such as the development of the Corvair Monza and Corvette Stingray. I don't think that he had anything to do w/ AMC, as Porsche grabbed him from GM (Opel, I think). Jeff

Photos of the 989

$ = corporate survival. Semantics, whatever; I've got no reason to imply anything. No need to be sorry, you've got that one covered quite well without any help from me. This is just a friendly little message board, and each individual's perception is their own (sometimes not so) private reality. The German automakers have collaborated on vehicles for quite some time now. I remember seeing SL500s having mechanicals and assembly performed at Zuffenhausen back in the early '90s. That is just the way it is. As far as "getting consumed " goes, who knows? If the Porsche and Pi�ch families feel that it is in the best interests of the marque and the majority of shareholders to sell out, perhaps to AMC (oops, the Pacer already helped put them out of business ) or some other corporate entity, then so be it. ___________________________________________________________ I Hmmmm, I will pass on reponding to this. Except to ask, when is the last time you purchased a new Porsche at the dealership? __________________________________________________________ Why stop now, you have such a way w/ self expression! At any rate, hmmmmm, let me see......... oh yes, this past July and I pick it up four weeks from last Friday! yeeeeeehah!!! Jeff

Pat: You are correct with your earlier statement that the 928 is one of the most copied designs. It (along with the 944) had profound influence on many automakers styling themes (and buyers). Some responses from the 996 faithful are quite amazing with their tunnel vision. As if the only type of car Porsche should build would be a flat six in the rear. How boring! Remember the days when you could stroll through the dealer and choose from: 911's, 24's, 44's, 28's. The majority of the line up was front engined based. Their flagship was the 928, and it also was the fastest car of the bunch. You'll aways have your flat six in the rear, but different strokes for different folks. Porsche currently doesn't have enough different strokes. Just wondering. When Porsche does get smart to diversify their line up and utilize an existing engine that could easily crank out 500 HP, could I come over and wip some donuts on your 40 acres? Don 928 King

Yes, Don as many of my 928 brethren already know I have alot of books of fact on the the 928 at which I can base my information on and few of my 996 faithful brethren are not as fortunate but seemingly are experts on this topic. Oh well, no need to bat that one around...the point I am attempting to make is Porsche had only one reason that it needed to discontinue the 928- it simply did not sell. Just as Jim Bailey from 928 International recalled this statement by Ferry Porsche- " they built what they would like and hoped it would sell in the case of the 928 ....it did not sell well . " I believe there is a market for a front engined V8 in the line up but Porsche would struggle to get it there and the price point for such a vehicle may be outside the scope of affordability of many thereby again relegating it to the-"far to expensive Posche Sport/GT" car that will compete with cars that are built like crap but perform (Viper, Z06's- don't forget we have the new Cadillac XLR arriving with a Z06 engine for $80K) and those that are like the 575 Maranello, and AM DB8 Vanquish. Additionally, we still have the 911 crowd that traditionally buy in this price range- the GT3RS & GT2 buyers- will they too buy this car or reject it? There simply has not not been a demand from Porsche buyers for a car to compete in that range. However a joint venture between perhaps VW and Porsche to build a car that at a pricepoint in between the Cayennes could perhaps open a can of worms where several scenarious could play out A- A new Porsche at the same price point of a 996- confusion and invite your new Porsche customer to consider other competing automobiles manufacturers simultaneously devastating 996. B- Since you would have to depend on marketing to the Porsche loyal to prevent the above scenario from happening...the newly introduced car would again be relagated to limited markeing effort C- A new market emerges for these automobiles from Porsche and sustains itself for several years...anticipate problems just because they will happen...cars break, especially the newly introduced ones. Can the dealer infrastructure support the increased demand for servicing these vehicles and if not will Porsche have to expand its capability there. Mercedes, BMW and, Audi offered positively invaluable experience in this area and for the customers (for moi, I had the unfortunate experience of both Audi and BMW) that were on the opposite side of the counter waiting 3-6 weeks for parts and service appointments are not likely to become repeat or loyal customers. Porsche has a loyal customer base (996 and 968) that it does not want to disenfranchise itself with. Stepping into a new model will have to be accompanied by well planned processes and undertstanding the demands for anticipated service. d- Lets assume the above released car is "perfect" and rarely taxes Porsches existing service resources as a new car. We should probably accept that the new customer for the front engined V8 will be simply that- "a new type of profile customer" or, former 928 buyers with new Porsche buying power. If so how does this impact sales for production of ordinarily what would be a new or first time buyer Porsche at current production levels coupled with sinking valuations on current 996's and Boxsters they are becoming easier to obtain- when you factor in all these variables how do you adjust current production levels to reflect the market demand for each. Just in time manufacturing works well for Honda but Porsche does not build cars that way. The Porsche is still to some degree a hand built car despite the implementation of technology on the production line. How does Porsche forecast the market for this new car and consider the impact on existing models? OH by the way, Don't forget to Vote and sign the petition to "bring back the front engined V8" on the 928 board.

I could not let this go, from above" If production had continued (say no economic downturns since 1990), then the current 928 would have 475 hp, paddle shifters, active suspension, wider rubber, etc" ((THAT WAS ME)) OH Yea??? Says who? Although, I would put good money on a 400HP 928 had it remained alive today, there was no indication of such big jumps in normally aspirated HP increases for the 928 after the 345HP GTS. AND with F1 paddle shifters, wide rubber and... anything else on the dream list? Oh, by the way, when would you be able to crack open your wallet and afford such a monster of Porsche. The 928 was already far to expensive for the wallets of many people"((That was Nutz)) Below is what he believes we should petition for; Standard- HP output490 HP @ 7000 rpm Torque 563.5 Nm @ 5000 rpm Transmission- 6 speed wheels-255/40 ZR 18 Rear Wheels- 295/35 ZR 18 Brakes- both fixed calipers in aluminium alloy Front -6 pistons with differentiated diameters 1.5 in./1.8 in.cross drilled discs, diameter 13 in. Rear- 4 pistons with differentiated diameters 1.2 in./1.3 in., cross Drilled discs, diameter 12.2 in. Car weight- 3600lbs Options- 2+2 seating rear passenger sport seats carbon fiber console PCCB (Ceramic Brakes) PSM AWD You do need to CHIIL out and get your PERSONALITIES in order. Tom

How would the four door in the foto do for ya?

A 911 turbo goes 100 mph in third? I would've thought there test drivers would be skilled enough to threshold brake without ABS!

I would think a 911Turbo could see 100 in second.

What would you call what they were doing with the Cayenne?

Where's the rest?

Yes they do! Taken a tour of the factory lately? Listened to what they said!?

That's what I meant second? I find taht hard to believe especially in a 6 speed. If it does couldn't it accelerate ALOT faster with more regular spacing on the gears?

Select the arrticle at this link and then at the bottom of each page select "next page".

No, I have not been to the factory but hope to someday soon...written from simple textbook marketing.

I believe the new Viper for 2004 has grown up quite a bit. HP, Handling and, Interior finish. It is no long the cheap plastic fit and finish of previous years. It is now a class act. I still would not have one over my 996 or a newly done front engine V8 Porsche but, I think taking a Boxster S over a Viper would be a bit of a stretch for me.

I haven't driven the new but versus the old one I stand by that statement 100%. The old viper was junk all around. I find it exceedingly hard to believe the new one will be into the league of Porsches.