Porsche's latest Boxster. Image: Porsche AG
When it comes to reports about future models from Porsche, here’s a bit of free advice: believe about half of what you hear. Earlier this year, sources reported that Porsche had stopped work on an entry-level sports car that was to slot in below the Boxster. Why? Because the sales gains wouldn’t offset the dilution of the brand, and because Porsche (at that moment, anyway) had its eyes on higher-end, higher-performance models with larger profit margins.
Fast forward to March, when Porsche insisted that the sub-Boxster, code named the 551, was very much alive but possibly delayed for a “new generation” of buyers. Now comes word from Automotive News (subscription required) that plans for an entry-level roadster have been scrapped in fear of alienating traditional Porsche customers. In other words, not everyone is supposed to be able to afford a Porsche.
Rumors of a new sedan in the Porsche lineup have been downplayed, too. Last week, some outlets reported that Porsche had begun work on a smaller version of the Panamera, in order to combat sales of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This actually makes some financial sense, since the Panamera sedan has been a sales success for the brand.
Now comes word that Porsche has “no immediate plans” to develop such a model, although it could be added to the product line in five or six years. In other words, Porsche is neither confirming nor denying any reports of future models at this time, but don’t expect that to stop the rumor mill.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
