OK, I try to theorize on that a little bit.
I don't think that a Boxster Turbo would hurt 911 sales because of two three reasons:
- same or higher price tag than a 996 C2 (if Porsche is clever) to attract certain customers who might not want (or need) a 996
- turbo engine (not 996 normally aspirated engine) to avoid engine comparison/competition and to position the Boxster Turbo in a different "league"
- Boxster Turbo around at the same weight of the 996 to avoid better performance
So if a Boxster Turbo delivers the same performance as a 996 C2 and it costs the same money, only certain people would choose the Boxster over the 996.
Just a theory though...
Personally I think that a stronger Boxster will be reality sometimes in the future. Never wondered why the Boxster S got a mild 8 HP upgrade only with the facelift?
Porsche has to do something: the new SLK is around the corner (2004) and it is no secret that Mercedes plans a 380-395 HP engine for it. Porsche can't stand back.