Auto Observer picked up on a CAR story that suggests the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne might be killed off under Volkswagen ownership. Both models would complete their current cycles, but when they're up about 7 years from now, that might be it.
The justification, according to CAR, is that the "VW Group has plenty of SUVs and saloons -- it doesn't need Porsche to build them."
This scenario is regarded as part of VW chairman Ferdinand Piech's master plan. Piech went to the mat against now-ousted Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking during Porsche's failed attempt to grab control of VW. Wiedeking was the architect of Porsche's forays into SUV and sedan development.
In place of the Panamera and Cayenne, Porsche could get an entry-level model based on VW's upcoming Modular Sportscar Structure (MSS) that debuted on the VW BlueSport concept in Detroit.
We have our doubts that the Panamera and Cayenne are actually slated for an early death, though, and it's unlikely we're the only ones. Until the economic downturn, the Cayenne was a highly profitable model for Porsche, and based on our first drive of the nicely executed Panamera, we expect it to do at least as well. It's hard to imagine that Piech and VW would turn down the chance to make more money.
2010 Porsche Panamera First Drive and Video
Green Car Advisor: Speculation: Porsche Cayenne, Green and Not-So, May Be Axed When Cycle Ends
estreka says:
02:26 PM, 08/31/09
Not to get too political, but if VW does want to restrain Porsche's power, restricting Porsche's moneymakers is a surefire way to do it.
blueguydotcom says:
02:33 PM, 08/31/09
Bad idea. VW thinks they can use platform sharing. Take a look at all the american companies that do that.
makakio says:
03:23 PM, 08/31/09
Porsche will remain Porsche - I'm not concerned about that.
What I am *VERY* concerned about is what will VW bring out to replace the Passat line? I heard that the model line is dead for 2011 - no sedans or wagons bigger than the Jetta?!?!
altimadude00 says:
04:54 PM, 08/31/09
I'm sure the purists would like it, but you have to make your money somewhere.
dpodloch says:
06:16 PM, 08/31/09
It seems like Porsche cars are going to be more exclusive but why add a bluesport version Porsche when they are already shaving weight off.
kyolml says:
08:22 PM, 08/31/09
They think people will buy Touareg when they don't sell Cayenne?
People buy Cayenne because it's Porsche, nothing else.
alman08 says:
09:17 PM, 08/31/09
makakio, why are you so *VERY* concerned what goes on with VW? you obviously aren't too much of a fan for not knowing there is a NMS sedan coming from VW that's going to be built at the new TN plant.
tryan says:
03:34 AM, 09/ 1/09
blueguy - VW doesn't only think they can use platform sharing, they DO use it currently and are making great money with it (Cayenne / Touareg / Q7). Additionally, that wasn't even VW's first foray into platform sharing. There are many, upon many examples of platform sharing between VW Group Brands, including Audi, Skoda, SEAT and others - even Bentley and Lamborghini are part of the big group hug that is platform sharing. Seems to me like VW Group (not just the VW Brand) has been rather successful at doing it, too.
Regardless, I think that overall, this is a great move. There is no need for intended product line overlap within the same market. VW Brand learned that painful lesson with the Phaeton in the US Market - it just couldn't compete with the mainstays, including it's stable mate Audi A8. Porsche needs to be reigned in so as to keep their product portfolio focused.
However, I can understand the crticisms about potentially axing Porsche's most profitable vehicle (Cayenne). However, if it's replaced with a reborn 914 (Bluesport based entry level roadster) which ostensibly would have a VW branded cousin (and potentially other brands outside the US), they could recoupe some of that lost profit through that car's platform sharing.
zoomzoomn says:
04:54 AM, 09/ 1/09
Yeah, but just imagine what it will do for the value of the all too few that will actually get produced!
blueguydotcom says:
08:23 AM, 09/ 1/09
tryan,
I hope you're right. VWAG is confounds me as I enjoy my time in their vehicles (our A3 can be fun) but even then I have a little voice in my head reminding me things will break and they will not be covered by the warranty.
Porsche has a fantastic reputation for customer service, warranty and build quality (especially the 911); I really hope that doesn't go toward VW/Audi quality/customer service.
Again, I hope you're right and that this isn't a harbinger for a 911 with a shared Golf VII platform.
makakio says:
10:19 AM, 09/ 1/09
@alman08:m what is an "NMS sedan" and where would I find any reporting on it??
tryan says:
10:47 AM, 09/ 1/09
"Again, I hope you're right and that this isn't a harbinger for a 911 with a shared Golf VII platform."
Unless it were a RWD Golf...=)
Seriously though, I don't think you'd ever find that happening. Although, wayyyy back in the early 70's, a similar thing kind of happened. The Porsche 924 was actually originally intended to be a highline VW coupe, but then VW scrapped the project and Porsche bought the rights, giving it an entry-level sports car offering.