Re: More Cayenne spyshots (Obin Robinson)
quote:[HR][/HR]was it OK for them to build boat engines? what about airplane engines? what about design aircraft cockpits? was it okay to build bikes? what about design minivans, industrial engines, and econoboxes? how about build cars for Mercedes? is it acceptable to you if Porsche builds little offroad cars just for hunters to use?
the more you know about Porsche... the more you know they don't just build cars
obin[HR][/HR]
You forgot tractors. Look, when one talks of Porsche we are talking about their automobile division, NOT their consulting division. While I've got no problem with Porsche designing and building someone else's SUV, I do have a problem with them diverting their scarce resources away from building sports cars and just building another overweight, overheight station wagon that will guzzle gas and offer only marginal performance off road.
Why do you think they no longer compete at LeMans? The development money went into the SUV, that's why.
Porsche has no history of off-roaders, aside from the rally inspired 959 and the Pan-Carrera 911 from the '70's. But these are its sports cars, not dedicated off-roaders.
Plus, the SUV market seems to be stagnating, especially the high end segment. Poor sales of the SUV could force Porsche into bankruptcy and set it up to be acquired, and who wants that?
In short, it's a hugely risky move for Porsche. I think it's ill-timed and ill thought out, as well. An RS4 type wagon would have been a better idea more in keeping with the Porsche brand.
I know if it was my hard cash, I'd rather buy the new Range Rover than the Cayenne.
