Crown

Porsche are planning to expand the range of "mid-engined" sports cars...

Porsche boss: A launch every year; 200,000 sales by 2018

By 2018, Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller, 57, aims to boost annual global sales to more than 200,000 units, up from 97,000 in 2010. To do so, he will introduce at least one new Porsche every year. Mueller, a former executive at Volkswagen AG, replaced Michael Macht as Porsche AG CEO in October.

From 2003 to 2007, Mueller led VW subsidiary Audi's product development, then coordinated VW Group's overall product strategy.

Mueller spelled out Porsche's challenges in an interview with Harald Hamprecht, editor-in-chief of Automotive News Europe.

Q: What is your vision for Porsche in 2018?

A: Porsche is synonymous with sports cars -- yesterday, today and tomorrow. In addition, in every other segment where we operate, such as with the Cayenne or Panamera, we always offer the sportiest vehicle. At the moment we are hard at work on our future strategy. And, I promise you, it will contain a few exciting surprises.

What are your most important objectives?

We want to remain the world's most profitable car manufacturer and build on this position. We are going to raise the bar even higher in terms of customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and product quality.

What are the greatest challenges facing your product strategy?

We will improve coordination between our model line product life cycles. Each year we want to celebrate a major event, namely bring a new Porsche to market. We are also revising and improving existing products and looking to see what would bolster Porsche's image in terms of healthy growth.

Can you reach the sales goal set by VW Group boss Martin Winterkorn of 150,000 units by 2015?

I think that if we do everything right we could even achieve that a bit earlier. Our objective is to have more than 200,000 units a year by 2018.

What are your goals for the next-generation 911 that you will bring to market this fall?

The new 911 will be the most successful of all time. Averaged over the life cycle, we want to sell 30,000 units a year. By way of comparison, in 2010 it was 20,000 -- at the end of the life cycle.

What are you going to introduce in 2012?

We will have the 911 Carrera in 2012 in its first full year of production. After this market introduction, we will also launch the entry-level models of the Boxster and the Cayman.

What new variants will there be in terms of body and drivetrain?

With the 911, we are up to 22 derivatives. We use this as an example for the other models.

What derivatives can we expect from the Panamera?

The Panamera has been on the market now for one and a half years. The product life cycle is typically about seven years. To mark the halfway point, we have planned a product upgrade. The car will be given an even more sporty look. I can imagine a long-wheelbase version, especially for growing markets such as China and Russia. We also think that a plug-in hybrid concept would fit well with the Panamera. And there are many more ideas out there, like a two-door Panamera that makes even more of a coupelike impression, and so on. We're keeping all our options open. Currently, things are going so well with the Panamera that we're not in any hurry.

What are your plans for 2014?

For 2014, I could imagine a legitimate successor to the Porsche 550 -- namely, a small midengine sports car. Actually, I couldn't imagine a better name for a small roadster like that than the 550. But we're just in the assessment phase.

And Porsche has taken on responsibility within the VW Group for developing the Mimo -- namely, the midengine entry-level roadster?

Yes, we will develop the Cayman-Boxster line as the basis for other future sports cars.

What competitors do you see in that segment?

To be honest, very few. In another price bracket, there are models around such as the Mazda MX-5 with a segment share of just under 50 percent. We think that there is still a lot of room for Porsche and one VW sister model.

When will we see a supercar positioned above the 911 -- the so-called Porsche 929?

Theoretically, there is indeed still some space there. A 911 GT2 RS costs about 220,000 euros [$296,960]. The 918 Spyder will be significantly more than that. Between the two there is still a gap where Italian competitors are currently very active. We are investigating that as an in-house project. We will make a decision by the middle of the year.

When might you produce vehicles in China and the United States?

In the long term, the VW Group plans to sell between 10 million and 11 million cars a year. Production capacities are currently at 7 million to 8 million. To meet the required capacity in the VW Group, we certainly have to build five to six new plants worldwide. We should signal our own requirements in good time.

How will Porsche coordinate its product-development activities within the larger VW Group -- especially with regard to Audi and Lamborghini?

We have taken over responsibility for developing the future sports car module. In addition, we are responsible for sporty sedans with rear- and all-wheel drive. And there are two other groupwide fields that we take care of: lightweight construction and engine expertise.

In an era of global warming, how do you intend to safeguard social acceptance of your products?

We are planning a hybrid concept in each model line. As already mentioned, we're thinking about a plug-in hybrid variant of the Panamera. That would be the first of its kind in its premium sedan segment. With the 911, sportiness remains center stage. Thus we are planning a mild-hybrid variant [an automatic start-stop function] here at first.

When will we see a "pure" electric Porsche?

Should it become apparent by 2020 that 20 percent of all new cars will already be electrically driven, then you can take it that Porsche will also be challenging for 20 percent of its sales with electric vehicles. But I'm betting on a total EV share closer to 3 percent to 5 percent by 2020. We are now almost over the initial hype before the business really gets started.

What is Porsche's global sales target in 2011?

The minimum target we have set ourselves for 2011 is to beat the previous year's performance of 97,000 sales. We want to reach the 100,000-vehicle mark.

What are your greatest short-term challenges?

We are bringing the next generation of the 911 to market in autumn 2011. In the meantime, we will get the phasing out of the current generation exactly right. In parallel with that, we are working on the technical concept of the 918 Spyder and Cajun.

Will the 911 be a sales leader?

No, that's not achievable because the segment is simply not as big as an SUV or sedan segment. What is far more important to us is that we remain the market and segment leader.

Last year, the United States was your largest single market, followed by China and Germany. Will China overtake the United States as your largest market?

I am assuming that our ranking will change. It is likely that in the short term China will become our largest market worldwide, thereby supplanting the United States. But the United States will remain one of our most important markets, which we are doing a great deal to cultivate.

Source: Automotive News Europe

Porsche certainly appear to be focusing on the mid-engined philosophy in their expansion plans...

Guys, Porsche is planning an entry-level sub-Boxster priced/placed mid-engined car, so big words but little meaning for serious Porsche addicts.   

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW

"Porsche may actually turn the 918 RSR into the Ferrari 458 beater it's so desperate to build, a relatively high volume car that could shift 15,000 units over its life cycle..."

When will we see a supercar positioned above the 911 -- the so-called Porsche 929?

"Theoretically, there is indeed still some space there. A 911 GT2 RS costs about 220,000 euros [$296,960]. The 918 Spyder will be significantly more than that. Between the two there is still a gap where Italian competitors are currently very active. We are investigating that as an in-house project. We will make a decision by the middle of the year..."
-- Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller

Porsche will build a new mid-engined sports car to compete with the Ferrari 458 Italia...

...based on the awesome Porsche 918 RSR !!! 

This is not the car Mr. Mueller was refering to ("550..."). He referred to the entry level Porsche below the Boxster, a car which will be based on VW components.

There will be a car above the 911 and below the 918 but so far, it is not known yet if it will be mid-engined, no matter what he said in this interview. Sounds good though...

It is also funny that he mentions the Panamera Coupe (or whatever name) just like some sort of a by-product, while in reality, it seems to be the only Panamera variant to have the green light for further development. Funny...

--

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW

That is also the most sensible decision they could do at this moment. 929 must be relatively easy to engineer from the Panamera. I love such a model. It will be a hit!

As for the new 550, that is cool too. I'd love a new cheaper P roadster with no options and a good sporty chassis. Brings my Porsche ownership closer.

Funny he mentioned there will be 22 variants of the 991... so NO surprises as there are currently 22 in the 997.2.

Thanks for posting

indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 

Porsche 918 Coupe: another photoshop interpretation of a future mid-engined Porsche road car...

...how about this for a future mid-engined Porsche... 

...a Porsche 918 Coupe to compete with the McLaren MP4-12C and the Ferrari 458 Itaia! 

Thanks and credit to Autocar!

Fantastic, but in terms of Performance why not a comfortable 929 crusier that will leave the McLaren and Ferrari behind

The Panamera shows incredible performance.. it is possible! Just saying it doesn't have to be mid-engined...

indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 

It does if they are to have a competitive car (against the F458) for their GT Motor racing business.

This category is also a very profitable one, especially for Porsche that is not a manufacturer of just a handful of cars, so costs can be spread and shared over 100.000+ units. Also with Weissach all development could be in-house.

If McLaren could produce such a very good car with their very limited road car production experience, Porsche could do it in a weekend (so to say).

"Form follows function"

 I would be in the market for such a car. However, if it looks like a 911 forget it. 

Thanks for the Scan

nberry:

 I would be in the market for such a car. However, if it looks like a 911 forget it. 

Nick, enough of the bravado already.  

We all know know that when it comes right down to it, you'll end up buying the car your wife likes!.  

fritz

RC:

Guys, Porsche is planning an entry-level sub-Boxster priced/placed mid-engined car, so big words but little meaning for serious Porsche addicts.   

What, that's great news! It'd bring my P ownership much closer

What's wrong with an entry 2 seater mid-engine with no bells and whissles and a nice 2.4L 4cyl turbo

indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 

Porsche plans Ferrari 458 rival...

(25 March 2011)

Porsche has plans for a new mid-engined supercar that, if approved by bosses at parent company Volkswagen, will take it into direct competition with Ferrari, McLaren and sister firm Lamborghini.

Conceived as a regular model rather than a high-priced, limited-edition production special, the new two-seater is intended to be positioned above the 911 but below the the 918 Spyder. Roadster and coupé versions are being discussed.

This would pitch the new Porsche into the same price territory as the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. The 458 Italia lists at £169,545 in the UK — £59,313 more than Porsche’s most expensive ‘regular’ model, the 911 Turbo.

“We’re looking to extend the range,” Porsche boss Mathias Muller revealed in a recent interview. “We’ve got an idea to do another mid-engined model. We’re thinking above the 911 but below the 918 Spyder.”

Muller suggests that the new supercar has already progressed beyond the initial drawing board stage. “We have ideas on styling and design, which we will continue to develop in the coming months,” he revealed. “We’ll also evaluate the economic side and then decide [whether to push ahead].”

The Boxster, Cayman and 911 use unitary steel construction, but it is believed that Porsche is considering extensive use of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic to reduce weight. Recent low-volume models at Porsche, including the Carrera GT and 911 GT2 RS, have given the firm experience in lightweight construction.

The business case for the new supercar is rumoured to focus on annual global sales of between 2500 and 3000 — around half that of the 911 Turbo and its various derivatives, including the GT2.

An alternative plan to borrow heavily from the second-gen Audi R8’s aluminium spaceframe architecture was never given serious consideration, according to a senior source. The initial proposals for the new Porsche supercar follow a similar parts-sharing strategy to that undertaken with the Boxster/Cayman and 911, which have a 60 per cent commonality.

“It is entirely possible that we could use a front end that’s similar but not necessarily the same as the 911’s, including components such as the axle and suspension,” said our insider. “The rear end wouldn’t be unlike that of the Boxster/Cayman in architectural terms, just bigger to accommodate a larger mid-mounted engine and gearbox installation, while providing greater overall length and width than the 911.”

Engine plans are less clear. But to compete with the 458 Italia, Gallardo LP560-4 and MP4-12C, the new Porsche will need in the region of 550bhp to 600bhp. Options include a version of Porsche’s 3.8-litre flat six, which in its ultimate twin-turbo form, as seen in the GT2 RS, currently kicks out 620bhp.

A production version of the RS Spyder race car’s 3.4-litre V8 is also a possibility. Such a unit is showcased in the 918 Spyder, where it is claimed to produce 555bhp on its own and 756bhp in combination with a 201bhp electric motor.

Porsche-plans-Ferrari-458-rival_Autocar-link

Boxster Coupe GTS:

Porsche plans Ferrari 458 rival...

(25 March 2011)

Porsche has plans for a new mid-engined supercar that, if approved by bosses at parent company Volkswagen, will take it into direct competition with Ferrari, McLaren and sister firm Lamborghini.

Conceived as a regular model rather than a high-priced, limited-edition production special, the new two-seater is intended to be positioned above the 911 but below the the 918 Spyder. Roadster and coupé versions are being discussed.

This would pitch the new Porsche into the same price territory as the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. The 458 Italia lists at £169,545 in the UK — £59,313 more than Porsche’s most expensive ‘regular’ model, the 911 Turbo.

“We’re looking to extend the range,” Porsche boss Mathias Muller revealed in a recent interview. “We’ve got an idea to do another mid-engined model. We’re thinking above the 911 but below the 918 Spyder.”

Muller suggests that the new supercar has already progressed beyond the initial drawing board stage. “We have ideas on styling and design, which we will continue to develop in the coming months,” he revealed. “We’ll also evaluate the economic side and then decide [whether to push ahead].”

The Boxster, Cayman and 911 use unitary steel construction, but it is believed that Porsche is considering extensive use of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic to reduce weight. Recent low-volume models at Porsche, including the Carrera GT and 911 GT2 RS, have given the firm experience in lightweight construction.

The business case for the new supercar is rumoured to focus on annual global sales of between 2500 and 3000 — around half that of the 911 Turbo and its various derivatives, including the GT2.

An alternative plan to borrow heavily from the second-gen Audi R8’s aluminium spaceframe architecture was never given serious consideration, according to a senior source. The initial proposals for the new Porsche supercar follow a similar parts-sharing strategy to that undertaken with the Boxster/Cayman and 911, which have a 60 per cent commonality.

“It is entirely possible that we could use a front end that’s similar but not necessarily the same as the 911’s, including components such as the axle and suspension,” said our insider. “The rear end wouldn’t be unlike that of the Boxster/Cayman in architectural terms, just bigger to accommodate a larger mid-mounted engine and gearbox installation, while providing greater overall length and width than the 911.”

Engine plans are less clear. But to compete with the 458 Italia, Gallardo LP560-4 and MP4-12C, the new Porsche will need in the region of 550bhp to 600bhp. Options include a version of Porsche’s 3.8-litre flat six, which in its ultimate twin-turbo form, as seen in the GT2 RS, currently kicks out 620bhp.

A production version of the RS Spyder race car’s 3.4-litre V8 is also a possibility. Such a unit is showcased in the 918 Spyder, where it is claimed to produce 555bhp on its own and 756bhp in combination with a 201bhp electric motor.

Porsche-plans-Ferrari-458-rival_Autocar-link

 

2013 Porsche 961 based on 918 RSR...

New model planned at Porsche under the internal code 9X1. It is versatile, but also affordable - measured at least by Porsche standards - the 961 will cost around €200,000...

The 961, which should rank above the 911, with power either from a V8 engine or hybrid.

Porsche is planning a new flagship model above the 911 . The basis of development is a modular project that runs under the internal code 9X1. The remarkable thing: it's versatile, but also affordable - measured at least at Porsche standards - the 961 will cost around €200,000. The design is based on the racing version of the 918 Coupe, as the motor show in Detroit was shown. In the rear there is a V8 engine that drives the rear wheels. An additional electric hybrid driving the front wheels, with a combined power output of 600 hp...

The Porsche 961 is expected to be released at the end of 2013...

Porsche-9X1-961_Autobild-article-link

fritz:

nberry:

 I would be in the market for such a car. However, if it looks like a 911 forget it. 

Nick, enough of the bravado already.  

We all know know that when it comes right down to it, you'll end up buying the car your wife likes!.  

 

They can always by two of them!

 This car in the Cab version will have my undivided attention. So long as it does not look like a 911, the wife can keep her TT.

9X1 is coming then, get ready to place an order Nick

indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 

"From the Top": CEO Matthias Müller on Porsche’s future...

(Article by Pete Stout)

Porsche CEO Matthias Müller raised eyebrows at this year’s North American International Auto Show when he said that he plans to raise annual production to 200,000 vehicles by 2018. That’s well beyond the 150,000 that shocked the press a few months ago. It’s an ambitious plan, one that will change the face of Porsche — moving the company from four model lines to six and perhaps even seven. We were able to share some of Müller’s thoughts during a roundtable discussion with editors from The New York Times, Forbes, and Excellence...

Excellence: Porsche pulled out of the Detroit show four years ago. Why did you come back?

Müller: We are very proud to be here. From my point of view, it was a bad decision to reject Detroit. The American market was the most important for us, is the most important for us. That’s the reason why we came back. In terms of the future, I mentioned before that in 2011 the American market will be very successful for us, the most successful. If Porsche wants to be successful in the future and wants to increase volume, we have to take care of the three areas — for Europe, for Asia, especially China, and also the American market.

What about new vehicles, like a proposed smaller Cayenne?

We are analyzing our chances in different segments and, at the end of the first quarter 2011, we will finish our project strategy. On the other hand, we should have a brand strategy to increase our sales volume. For example, in China we have 35 dealers and we want to triple that during the next three to five years. And of course we will increase our volume. Dr. Winterkorn (head of VW Group) says he expects 150,000 per year, but I suppose that it should be more. In strategies, we are looking forward to 2018; we now have around 100,000 per year, and I think at least we should double it.

When do you expect China to surpass the US as your primary market?

I don’t know when. In 2011, I suppose the American market will be the biggest market, but, more or less, two or three years later, China could be our biggest.

What do Chinese Porsche buyers value?

I think it’s the same as in Europe and the United States, these are our customers who are luxury oriented. They have money, they like prestige, they like high value for money...

Do they care about motorsport heritage?

At this time, not so much. But we are working hard with our (hybrid) driveline component strategy to increase the topic of motorsports in China. For example, we are going to build a race track near the Formula One track in Shanghai, also in the neighborhood of the airport in Beijing, and so on. So I suppose the medium of a track like in Leipzig, Germany (next to the Cayenne / Panamera assembly plant) would allow our customers to use their Porsche sports cars in a way they love.

What’s the PDK take rate in China?

It’s very high, close to 100 percent.

Is Porsche still committed to manual transmissions, or is the future all PDK?

I think very sporty car (customers) like manual gearboxes. But at the end of the day, maybe 80 percent or more will (order) PDKs. But, for example, a GT3 RS or a GT2 RS, that should be a manual.

Have you confirmed whether a sports car smaller than the Boxster is on its way?

We are analyzing that project. We have already available a technical concept for such a car based on the Boxster platform, which we can make a little bit cheaper using some parts of the modular system of Volkswagen, specifically the MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten, or Modular Transverse Matrix) — the next Golf platform. So that could be a way to have a platform to have a smaller sports car.

We’ve heard Porsche will take the lead in developing not just VW Group’s sports cars, but also its largest luxury sedans. What will that look like?

The basis is actually the Panamera platform (MSB, or Modular Standard Platform), which we will develop in the next generation. It is, concept-wise, the platform which fits the best for huge cars.

Like the Audi A8?

You can use as a basis the MLB (Modular Longitudinal Platform) or MSB for the A8 — it depends on what Audi wants. But, for example, a Bentley Continental could fit on our Panamera platform, as (could) a Lamborghini Estoque.

What’s the future of the Panamera in terms of model life?

I think the next Panamera will be in five years, but it’s possible to do the platform for the other customers in the Volkswagen Group earlier. In two or three years, that could be possible.

And, in return, Porsche has given up development of SUVs?

We have decided (at) a meeting between Winterkorn, (Audi CEO) Rupert Stadler, and me, some weeks ago…what is the most sporty brand in the group. And we decided that is always Porsche. And, due to that fact, we said the modular systems of high-performance sports cars have to be under the responsibility of Porsche. The second topic is that we said the MSB platform has special features — especially the very sporty cars — and that was the reason why we said, ‘Okay, Porsche has the competence to do that, and gets the leadership not only for the sports cars but also for the MSB system for the larger cars.’

The question was what should be the next platform for the third generation of the Touareg and Q7 and Cayenne? There we have seen that the MLB system of Audi fits very well to that issue, and that was the reason we decided that the next generation should be based on the MLB of Audi. Nevertheless, the Cayenne (version) will be developed in Weissach of course — the Cayenne with Porsche, the Audi with Audi, and the Touareg with Volkswagen.

Will future Porsches share their engines with other VW Group products?

I think we should have also an engine and gearbox strategy for the future in the Volkswagen Group. Besides the Carrera of course with the boxer, we should have reduced complexity in terms of engines. And I think Wolfgang Hatz, who is joining us (as head of Porsche R&D), is the right person to do that. Yes, we will share engines, both eight- and six-cylinder.

Who will have responsibility for these shared powerplants?

That is to be decided, (but it will be) either Audi or Porsche.

Is a four-cylinder Porsche in the works?

The first question is whether we should have a four-cylinder in the Boxster. It would be possible, but the question is how the first comparison shoppers will look at the cost of a boxer four. We started a cost-reduction program with the four-cylinder boxer and I think in some days or some weeks we will have a result and then we can decide whether we should do that for a Boxster and maybe for a smaller sports car, or whether we should use the inline four-cylinder of Volkswagen.

Would an inline four fit into the Boxster?

We would change the rear part of the Boxster platform, so it could work.

So a Boxster with a Volkswagen engine is under consideration?

That could be one solution — but in terms of the brand image of Porsche, it would be very interesting to have a four cylinder in a Boxster.

Could other VW Group brands use a flat four developed by Porsche?

No, no, no — that is exclusive for Porsche. Boxer is Porsche.

Today, Porsche makes more four-doors than sports cars. Is it becoming a company that makes sports cars on the side?

From my point of view, the core business is sports cars, which have to (fit) into the image of the brand. But to earn money it’s necessary to also deliver cars in other segments…but it is very important in these segments that Porsche shall have the most sporty car. If we get into the SUV segment, we should have the most sporty SUV…fast, powerful, steering, braking — everything. I think it is necessary for our customers to see I have a Porsche and not a badge on a Q5 or something else. It has to be a Porsche. That is important to us.

We are walking on the edge. On one hand sports cars, but on the other hand other segments — but very sporty — to increase revenue and volume.

How will your plans affect production?

The problem of Porsche today is we have in Zuffenhausen the Carrera, the Cayman, and the Boxster. And their life cycles are very close together, so this means we have a start of production within 18 months and we have end of production within 18 months. The life cycle in terms of volume (drops as a car gets older), so at the end of the day we have a problem with our workers. We have to change our life cycling, we have to give them a gap to have three curves and to straighten out the volume over a life cycle of seven years.

My target is to have a life cycle for the whole company, the whole brand, with a result that means we should have every year one big product event and a lot of smaller events. Today, we have four or five products, but together with the ‘Cajun’ (an Audi-based, sub-Cayenne SUV) and together maybe with the ‘550’ we have six and we are looking for a seventh model and then we could have every year one huge event and one bigger facelift. Then we have one and a half huge events, and some smaller events.

What about the Boxster / Cayman and 911, which are so closely linked in terms of production?

They always told me that the strategy of parts sharing will only work if the SOPs (for Start of Production) are near together. But I cannot understand that because, in the Volkswagen Group, we have had that question for ages with a lot of brands, with Seat, with Audi, with Sköda, with Volkswagen and so on, and we controlled it.

Is there any segment that’s off the table?

Of course, we are looking at a smaller sports car, below the Boxster. I always was very keen to take a close look at the 550, and I can imagine to have such a car in a few years. And we are really successful with the Targa in the Carrera segment, and why should a Targa not work on a Boxster? So I can imagine to have a Targa in the Boxster. Another question could be whether the Panamera is only one model?

Do I hear a new 928 in the offing?

Our engineers have a lot of ideas.

You have assembly lines in Zuffenhausen and Leipzig, but how will Porsche build 200,000 cars? Will VW build Porsches?

The Volkswagen Group (is targeting) eleven million cars a year. With the capacity they have today, they can build seven to eight million…so they have to build new factories all over the world. At Porsche, we have limited production in Zuffenhausen and limited production in Leipzig — but we have a lot of ground in Leipzig. I could imagine having more volume from Leipzig. We have to decide where we (will) build the ‘Cajun,’ for example; it could be Ingolstadt, but at the end of the day we have to also look at Leipzig.

Are you any further along in your decisions regarding Formula One or LMP1 racing at Le Mans?

Nothing new. It is difficult because there are lots of pros, but also cons. I think LMP1 is a very interesting class. The only problem is Audi. It’s a question of whether it’s good for our group if there would be a second brand in Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series, which could be Porsche, of course. Okay, then we would have a competition against Audi. I don’t know if that is good or bad for the group.

The problem is we have a lot of brands, and we have (fewer options) all over the world — it’s only Dakar, WRC, F1, and LMP1. It’s only four classes, and we have ten brands. But with Formula One, if you are not the winner, you are the loser. To win in F1 costs a lot of money. And, in the end, it’s a driver championship — everybody says, ‘The champion is Vettel and he goes for Red Bull.’ And, in third place, they say, ‘Renault.’ Most people don’t know that Renault is the technical basis of the Red Bull team. And the races are boring…they go around and around. It’s absolutely boring. If you go to Le Mans, it’s exciting from the first to the last hour.

Porsche 918 Coupe photoshop...

...has anyone read the AMS article?

Looks quite Caymanish. Bring it on!

Boxster Coupe GTS:

Porsche 918 Coupe photoshop...

  

That looks sensational

RT Moderator - 997.1 C2S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm sports suspension/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

the green AMS rendering looks like a front engine layout... 928 (Panamera Coupe) 

indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 

No , its just the angle. Look at the side-pods.

Are you any further along in your decisions regarding Formula One or LMP1 racing at Le Mans?

Nothing new. It is difficult because there are lots of pros, but also cons. I think LMP1 is a very interesting class. The only problem is Audi. It’s a question of whether it’s good for our group if there would be a second brand in Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series, which could be Porsche, of course. Okay, then we would have a competition against Audi. I don’t know if that is good or bad for the group. - Matthias Müller

It's funny that Audi doesn't seem to have any qualms about stepping on Porsche's toes in GT racing. Sure they haven't gone  into the ACO GT2 class, but they attack Porsche in the GT3 class races, the VLN and it is rumored in Grand Am.

Porsche future models...

Porsche-future-models_AutoZeitung-link

918.. YES

991.. YES

988.. YES

550.. YES

Cajun.. FUGLY, please NO! 

indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 

Eurosport commentary during the 2011 Le Mans confirmed that Porsche will return to Le Mans in future years with some new "mid-engined" race cars...

...look forward to seeing the awesome Porsche 918 RSR racing at Le Mans, along with perhaps the Porsche 961 GT and the Porsche 991 GT3 RSR!