Z0650TH said:
Very sweet. Like the rear a lot.
Put 280-300 ponies in the S version, keep the weight under 3,000 lbs. and keep the price in the mid-$50's and she will be a winner in my book.
If I recall correctly, I believe the next generation Boxster (2005) is suppose to have 278 hp. The coupe, in theory, should be lighter. But to protect the 911, what if the coupe is only offered in base trim?
After following the Porsche brand for five years, the one thing I've learned is that Porsche is deliberate in what they do. New models, minor bumps in power, SUVs. If Porsche wanted to, they could increase the power or maintain values. But they will get away with giving as little as possible for as long as they can, UNLESS it hurts their image.
For example, in recent years, Boxster and regular 911 sales began to decline. A North American rebate program was quickly quashed and the N.A. President "resigned." However, when 911 (996) Turbos started to low their values, Porsche immediately cut production. Now, the Turbos values are holding steady.
Hence, in my opinion Porsche is an effective and deliberate business machine and knows how to target certain chords in people. People thought the Canyenne would be a bomb but it's keep Porsche sales up.
As for the Boxster coupe would probably be aimed at: 1) people would have the ridgity of a coupe for a track car; 2) people would can't afford a 911; 3) people who like the 911 but don't like the feel of a rear engine car. You can guess the percentage of those 3 groups.