Porsche Considering 356 Speedster Revival?

Following  the recent rumours that Audi is preparing an 'R2' version of the VW Concept Bluesport roadster, comes whispers that Porsche is eyeing a version for itself. Taking cues from the original 356 Speedster, the new car would sit on the mid-engined Bluesport architecture.

VW’s parent company Porsche would seem to want to get the best return possible from the new platform and has apparently tendered the idea of a new entry-level model to slot in below the existing Boxster.

German publication AutoZeitung has put together its interpretation of what the new model might look like, in line with a potential launch date for the Speedster somewhere around 2013.

Like the VW and Audi versions, the compact Speedster focuses on keeping weight down to keep performance up.

Again borrowing from the VW parts bin, the Speedster would most likely be powered by variations of the group's existing four-cylinder engines. Diesel propulsion is likely to remain VW’s domain, however, 1.4 and 2.0 litre TFSI engines lifted from the A3 and Golf fit the bill perfectly and would be coupled to VAG's ubiquitous dual-clutch transmissions.

Even as an entry level fighter, the Porsche won’t come cheap, and with options like PASM adaptive suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes expected to be offered it won’t take long to push the price of a Speedster into Boxster territory.

Of course, the entry price of a Boxster doesn’t get you into a mid-engined, turbo-charged track-focused warrior with change from $100,000.

The Speedster may just be an engineer's wet dream for the moment. But with added volume for the platform coming from the Volkswagen and Audi models, it shouldn’t be too difficult for the bean-counters at Porsche to give the light-weight upstart their tick of approval.

[Image via AutoZeitung]