New 356 in 2012...

[ADias]

From Autocar - " Porsche is preparing to roll out a new entry-level sports car that will help underpin the maker’s long-term future as part of the giant VW Group. Dubbed by some insiders as the “new 356”, the mid-engined machine will not, however, be a bargain basement model, despite initial rumours to the contrary. Given the final green light, it would cost from about £33,000 in today’s money."

More details HERE.

[Edgy01]

Sure looks like a BOXSTER to me, Tony!

[OldGuy]

Looks like a updated boxster. whats the point? What makes more sense to me is lower the cost of the
boxster( convertibles are not that good at being a true driver) then redesign the Cayman up to its potential
and leave the 911, Cayenne, and Panameras alone.
It seems a waste to come up with what I see is a competitor for the Boxster when really they could just
move the pieces around on the board. Rather than making a whole new game.

[ADias]

I think that the point is the introduction of a flat4 like the 356 was.

Here is a link to an article discussing other models - some quite weird - Seven New Porsches Revealed.

[OldGuy]

The thing is that will be a competitor for the used Boxster market too.

[ADias]

Here is the reason:

"However, there’s little chance that the 356 and Boxster will clash because, according to one rumoured product plan, the next-generation Boxster and Cayman could be moved sharply upmarket.

Porsche has a financial problem with today’s Boxster/Cayman/911 line-up. According to an analyst’s report seen by Autocar, the cost of the components that make up one of the flat-six models is perilously close to the base price of a Boxster. Indeed, the entry-level Boxster is only just over half the price of an entry-level 911, despite the two cars costing a similar sum to make.

Porsche can haul in significant profits from this model range in the good times — mostly thanks to the huge margins delivered by the high-end 911s. However, when combined sales fall below 50,000, the profitability of the flat-six model line is badly dented.

In the wake of the 356 launch, Porsche would be able to make the 3.2 Boxster S that model’s entry-level car, priced at £40,000. This would help improve the profitability of Porsche’s sports car line, especially since sales are not expected to be dented significantly. ..."

[Edgy01]

This should come as no surprise to anyone--that manufacturing costs of a Cayman or Boxster or Carrera are similar. Porsche AG worked to make that happen. Ideally, with the 911 in such demand globally, it is literally their 'cash cow' with which they more than make up any losses they may suffer on other efforts.

[Alstoy]

I agree with the other posts in that it looks too much like a Boxster. What about making it look more like the original 356 AND keeping it bare bones simple? Can Porsche make a 2,000 lbs 4 cil?

[Coochas]

Looks like the luv child from a Boxster and an S2000.
Could be a great AutoX car.

[richc]

I'd rather see them add 80-100 hp to the Cayman. I've never liked the Boxster.

[Ucube]

If they're going to call it a 356, then at least make it look like one. That thing looks just like a Boxster with a VW Beetle hood.

[Coochas]

They could call it the 356a, no wait the 356b, or 356c. Perhaps the 357? The gun crowd would love that one. The 357 is a blast on the road. The marketing writes itself.