JimFlat6:
I read that and it is cause for concern. You can now get a vanilla looking new German car that accelerates like a recent base 997 (at least in commonly used speed ranges), so you might ask what will this trend do for Porsche used car values? Not to say that the Golf R is equal in all categories to a 997, but the major factors of fun, acceleration and build quality can be had in a New Golf R and for less than a used 997. It might not have the panache of a 911, but its a well engineered fast car that has zero ricer looks.
For some it is a question of feel (something subjective and which a minority of people could differentiate) for most it is a question of brand image and brand loyalty.
It is the same with all luxury goods. Why do you buy a €30.000 watch when with €50 you are told the time and more accurately?
This is why Porsche should stop over expanding. Because as the brand gets more and more common, fewer and fewer will be willing to pay the substantial premium. A Porsche owner is already trying hard to justify his expensive purchase by quoting very small differences in NBR times, Sport Auto test values and ability to drive daily through snow eyc. I haven't come across a Ferrari owner trying to explain his purchasing process, even with that brand's considerably higher starting prices.
--
"Form follows function"