Follow us on TwitterPorsche Considering Engine from TT-S For Cheaper Boxster?
With the on-again/off-again, now maybe on-again entry-level Porsche roadster that was rumored to be produced uncertain, it looks like Porsche is considering all options.
While Porsche is still making a good amount of money in it’s core business selling cars, sales have still been hit by this recession just like everyone else. In particular, sales of the Boxster are down by some 60% for the year 2009.
So what is Porsche to do? Why, cut prices of course! How they’re might do so is the interesting part. Auto Motor & Sport is reporting that Porsche is considering putting the engine from Audi’s TT-RS into the Boxster for an entry level model. Yes, you heard that right – an Audi engine in the Boxster. I think it’s more of a testament to the Audi engine’s greatness than anything. The TT-S is one impressive vehicle.
I’m sure Porsche fans will have a fit - but give me a break! Look at the 914 guys or the 944 (or the Panamera for that matter…..or the Cayenne!); an TT-S engine in the Boxster would (will?) be fine. It would provide more power then the current flat-six in the Boxster, as well as potentially lowering the asking price on the entry-level Boxster in European markets by $9,000 to $55,000. Man is the Boxster expensive right now! This engine could help things out a lot.
Porsche is rumored to be strongly considering this, and the idea is being discussed by a joint Audi-Porsche product planning committee. I say do it Porsche!
Tony,
Get your facts straight. It is a BOXSTER (not BOXTER) and the base price is $46,600, well under the $55,000 you mention. The Boxster continues to be one of the best values for pure performance on the market today.
Not very impressed with your automotive knowledge.
SK
Hey SK,
Well first of all, it was my mistake with the Boxster typo. Sorry about that, my fault!
Second, I didn’t say the Boxster’s base price was $55,000. If you read correctly, I said the TT-S engine would bring the base price on the Boxster down by $9,000, to $55,000. That would mean the base price for the Boxster is $64,000 (not $55,000), which is indeed the price for the Boxster in Europe. I should have specified it was for Europe however, so I’ve edited the article to reflect that. Thanks!
- Tony
Tony, your articles continue to demonstrate a well written online periodical that I for one enjoy reading. It is easy for those on the sidelines to criticize others; far too often critics can be heard denouncing the works of those who are willing to produce a body of work. While they themselves are unwilling or unable to produce a product or develop a competent thought process.
Hey Austin!
Thanks for the kind comments! They are really appreciated! I’m glad you like reading my articles, it’s what makes writing a good experience knowing there is people who enjoy them. I always like reading your comments too, it’s nice to have participants on the site.
- Tony
Since reading your article on the Boxster I have been doing alot of research on Porsche’s, and wonder what is your take on a 1990 944 S2 Cabriolet. Everything I have read says it’s a pretty unique sports car, but not sure about how much I can anticipate spending on maintaining one.
I think they make a good buy; they’re unique, being a smaller counterpart to the 928. Porsche really put a lot of work into the 944 model too as a successor to the 924 and it paid off. It has a Porsche-developed engine too instead of an Audi one. Regarding maintaining one, I haven’t really had experience with one before (my dad had a 928 though) but I think if you get one in good condition and look out for the trouble spots (like in James post) it shouldn’t cause you too much trouble. They aren’t known for being especially finnicky from what I’ve heard. The S2 Cabriolet for 1990 didn’t have an turbo model so that’s good (that came out in 1991, very rare). The turbos can be a problem spot and a headache to fix once they go. Good luck on getting a vehicle though, I like the cars on your list! Great time to buy now too; prices have gone down with the economy being like it is.
Austin – you should check out my 944 buyer’s guide I posted a while back, which can be found here:
http://www.carthrottle.com/used-car-buying-guide-porsche-944968/
Tony and James thanks for the advise i am going to check out the website and checkout the car again. Thanks for the good advice. :)
James, your online guide was very helpful, I asked the dealership about the timing belt, and they informed me they had just replaced it, and are willing to let Leith Porsche check the vehicle out before I buy. Leith charges $120.00 to check it out, and provides an estimate on all recommended work.