Is Porsche getting too money hungry?
I was shocked to read, and to agree with RC's post about the new 997 being not a special car. I love it, i think it looks great and will outdrive nearly everything out there. however its just doesn't seem special. Something about it seems as though porsche is adulterated it with holding back on certain areas such as direct injection or dsg or even the small things such as the apparently all desireable rear LED brake lights; heck, all those old gm astro/safari vans (or aerodynamic blocks if you prefer) had LEDs on the 3rd break light 10 years ago. As i am young I cannot comment on the drive of a new 997 or 997TT and will probably not have the opertunity to drive a new Porsche for a couple years yet. However something about that day when i will get to take one around a track just doesn't seem as special anymore as something about porsche seems tainted.
The second thing i notice and don't really agree with is the excessive(?) release of new models. Although i think the cayenne is amazing, and the cayman is an amazing car my heart still lies with the 911 for the only reason of its history. As an engineering student i love the way the 911 was built up over the decades and the "form follows function" is almost a personal motto. With the upcomming anticipated release of a panarama 4door, a mini cayenne, and who knows what else it has me wondering, is porsche simply trying to get at every single market available? is this what's taking away from the specialness of porsche to know that a true enthusiast is driving the same car as mr. joe CEO who got it just for the Porsche image?
I understand some of the goals of marketing but as an engineering student i also know that marketing can destroy the true spirit of a pure engineering masterpiece. just listen to this "The side air oulets and the fully enclosed tailpipes provide an indication of the rear engine's power calibre"-from the new MasterWerk porsche page. so i drill some holes in a ford tempo bumper, put the exhaust though the bumper and i have an indication of power caliber?
I don't know, am i being foolish or are there those that agree with me?