Today, Porsche AG sent out a press release on the 914's 40th anniversary. I thought that's a bit odd, given that the 914 is a slightly controversial topic among Porsche's corporate circles. The 914 had a very difficult gestation period and Porsche bosses at one time tried to kill the project but was unable to do so due to historical reasons. To understand how Porsche quietly steered clear away from the 914, one only needs to look at the Boxster launch back in the 90s. Porsches have always been very proud of their heritage, well most of it at least. In almost every major new Porsche model launch, especially 911s, there will always be mention about their spiritual predecessors. When Porsche started going to hybrids, they were quick to point back to the 1900 Lohner-Porsche with 4 electric wheel hubs. But there wasn't any mention of the 914 in the Boxster's press materials. It was Porsche fans who pointed out that the 914 was the spiritual predecessor of a modern Boxster.
Among Porsche-philes, the 914 is a bit of an unloved child. Many don't see it as a true Porsche due to its link with VW. Think of it as Porsche's equivalent of the unloved Dino 246GT among Ferrari circles. I can understand the arguments against the Dino, but I am not so sure about the 914. A certain fat British bloke once said that he considers Ferraris as scaled down versions of God while all Porsche 911 are jumped-up Volkswagen Beetle.
Read more on Porsche's press release VW-Porsche 914 Celebrates Anniversary.
There can only be one reason for Porsche to do so. A flat-four cylinder Porsche is coming! Either in a sub-Boxster model or a flat-four engine entry level Boxster, or even both. The 914 is the only flat-four engined Porsche in history.
It's a sign of times - I am referring to both economic and environmental context. Maybe finally, the 914 got the vindication it so deserved all this while. It took Porsche 40 years to recognise this unloved baby. There should no longer be any issue with the VW link now that Porsche owns 50.8% of VW, according to their financial report as of 31-March 2009.
For more info the next generation 988 series Boxster and Cayman, go here.
Related link
Porsche - upcoming future models (2009 - 2012)
Among Porsche-philes, the 914 is a bit of an unloved child. Many don't see it as a true Porsche due to its link with VW. Think of it as Porsche's equivalent of the unloved Dino 246GT among Ferrari circles. I can understand the arguments against the Dino, but I am not so sure about the 914. A certain fat British bloke once said that he considers Ferraris as scaled down versions of God while all Porsche 911 are jumped-up Volkswagen Beetle.
Read more on Porsche's press release VW-Porsche 914 Celebrates Anniversary.
There can only be one reason for Porsche to do so. A flat-four cylinder Porsche is coming! Either in a sub-Boxster model or a flat-four engine entry level Boxster, or even both. The 914 is the only flat-four engined Porsche in history.
It's a sign of times - I am referring to both economic and environmental context. Maybe finally, the 914 got the vindication it so deserved all this while. It took Porsche 40 years to recognise this unloved baby. There should no longer be any issue with the VW link now that Porsche owns 50.8% of VW, according to their financial report as of 31-March 2009.
For more info the next generation 988 series Boxster and Cayman, go here.
Related link
Porsche - upcoming future models (2009 - 2012)
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