Porsche ponders successor to 550 roadster

[ChuckS]

Porsche ponders successor to 550 roadster

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A 1955 Porsche 550 RS from the Porsche Museum in Germany


By JAKE LINGEMAN on 7/21/2011
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Hot on the heels of Porsche 928 rumors from last week, the company's CEO, Matthias Müller, told a German newspaper that it's been contemplating a Porsche 550 successor as well.

Müller told Handelsblatt that he likes the idea of a variant of the famous roadster, which could have retro styling cues.

“I can imagine that such a modern version of the famous James Dean Porsche would be well received by our customers,” Müller told the paper.

He also spoke in the report about increasing the number of employees and raising the profile of the sports car even further.

The Porsche 550 was produced from 1953 to 1956. The 1500RS version became known as the “Giant Killer” for its race-winning ways. The 550 owned by James Dean—and in which the actor was killed—was called “Little Bastard.”

Replicas of the 550 can cost almost $40,000 today, while the originals still hold iconic status.

Tags: Porsche

[Jad]

Isn't the new 550 Spyder called a Boxster?

[Steve Grosekemper]

Isn't the new 550 Spyder called a Boxster?

You are close Jad, Boxster Spyder actually.


Doesn't sound like they were trying avoid the comparison.
The only way to get closer is to make it a 4-cylinder.

[Mmagus]

While I do like the Boxter. IMHO is is not anywhere similar to the styling of the 550. Its simply too modern looking. A true "retro styled" version would be a big hit if done well and priced right.

[Steve Grosekemper]

While I do like the Boxter. IMHO is is not anywhere similar to the styling of the 550. Its simply too modern looking. A true "retro styled" version would be a big hit if done well and priced right.

OK- I'll bite.
It looks like a 550, but has safety and mechanical quality of a modern Boxster. (within reason)
And if you want a 550 it's got nothing but car, no windows, radio, A/C or any of the frilly stuff...

So what do you think a reasonable price for this car is?

[Mmagus]

Well it will be a special model, so I am sure they would price it with that in mind. Probably above the Boxter, as it seems that many time removing things from cars be it a P car or otherwise becomes a way to charge more. However if indeed the car were built as you described, if they priced it in the lower to mid equipped Boxter range I think they would sell. I personally couldn't afford one, but if I were able to, that would be appealing to me.

[mrondeau]

Hmmm. let me think about this. How about a small two seater, mid engine, open top, great handling, able to beat cars with more horsepower, maybe they can base it on the Boxster platform ...... Wait, I've got it! They should build a Boxster Spyder. What? They already do?

[Jad]

Remember, this is the company that put a top on a Boxster and created a completely new car, the Cayman , which costs significantly more than the convertible

the more I think about it, the less of a stretch this is ... for PORSCHE...

[Mmagus]

Hmmm. let me think about this. How about a small two seater, mid engine, open top, great handling, able to beat cars with more horsepower, maybe they can base it on the Boxster platform ...... Wait, I've got it! They should build a Boxster Spyder. What? They already do?

While I completely agree that it is a WONDERFUL car, the looks are really pretty modern when compared to the first 550. To me, not a "retro" look. Here is an example of what I mean. Just in terms of looks.

The BMW Z3, a nice looking car, but reasonably modern in looks:




Compared to the 2010 Morgan, also a nice looking car (to me), but very retro looking:

[lrayner]

It will probably be Porsches version of the VW Bluesport platform with a 4 cylinder engine.

[Brad Roberts]

"It will be a version of the Bluesport"


+1


Audi plans to call the same car a R4


All 3 versions will have a different power plant


I have an insider at VAG


B