Porsche Speedster Revival Plans On Hold

SINCE THE ARRIVAL of Volkswagen’s Bluesport Concept in January, speculation has been rife that the mid-engined platform could be used to spin off a new smaller, lighter, cheaper entry-level car for Porsche. In fact, just last month, the new model looked set to go ahead.

Porsche however has now driven a nail into the Speedster’s coffin, explaining that no such plans are in the works.

With the merger between Porsche and Volkswagen, adapting the Bluesport platform was tipped to be a logical combined effort between the two companies. For Porsche, the new car, priced below the Boxster, could spell an easy ticket to additional sales volume.

However, Porsche’s Executive Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, Klaus Berning, has delivered the news that plans for a fifth model line at Porsche are on hold for the time being.

“Another model line is not something we are concentrating on at the moment,” said Berning. "We may start looking at that after the launch of the Panamera but my gut feeling is that we do not need one.”

Although the Porsche badge may not find its way onto a version of the mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive roadster, other members of the VW group are still in line to build their own interpretation. Volkswagen, Audi and Seat are all though to be developing a variant from the Bluesport platform.

When questioned as to whether a four-cylinder powerplant could appear in other Porsche cars instead, Klaus Berning was somewhat non-commital in his response.

“It could be possible to have a four-cylinder again in a 911 but it would be a Porsche four-cylinder. The 911 is the core of the brand and it follows different rules to the rest of the brand models.” Berning said.

"You never say never, but we have not made any decision to go that way.”