When is a Porsche not a Porsche?
Discussion
I was reading the Cayenne thread with interest, particularly and made me think what I would constitute as a 'Proper' Porker.
After some consideration my opinion is that all Porsches are 'proper'. The core values that I identify with Porsche are:
1. Driver involvement which I equate to handling/performance.
2. Quality of engineering and build.
3. Practicality/everyday usability.
It seems to me the Cayenne meets all of the above?
I've also heard the 924 take some stick elsewhere (not on PH). I would guess that if you mention the word Porsche to most people they would think of a 911 first. To me Porsche means much more than just the 911, fantastic cars though they are.
What's the general consensus amongst owners? What are your core Porsche values?
After some consideration my opinion is that all Porsches are 'proper'. The core values that I identify with Porsche are:
1. Driver involvement which I equate to handling/performance.
2. Quality of engineering and build.
3. Practicality/everyday usability.
It seems to me the Cayenne meets all of the above?
I've also heard the 924 take some stick elsewhere (not on PH). I would guess that if you mention the word Porsche to most people they would think of a 911 first. To me Porsche means much more than just the 911, fantastic cars though they are.
What's the general consensus amongst owners? What are your core Porsche values?
With you all the way.
I would certainly agree that driver involvement is my number 1: the feel of the car.
I would also say that the engineering is placed above aesthetics, which I admnire: no-one has ever gone wow at a Porsche engine like they do with a pointy red car.
Even some styling ideas might be questionable, but they undoubtedly serve a purpose.
I would certainly agree that driver involvement is my number 1: the feel of the car.
I would also say that the engineering is placed above aesthetics, which I admnire: no-one has ever gone wow at a Porsche engine like they do with a pointy red car.
Even some styling ideas might be questionable, but they undoubtedly serve a purpose.
And is an E500 Merc (built by Porsche) more of a Porker than a 924?
Proper Porsche' is almost meaningless anyway. People get it mixed up with the term 'Classic 911'.
And a 'Classic 911' certainly has an air cooled engine, big feck off rev counter straight in front of you, floor hinged pedals, dodgy weight distribution, bug eyed lights etc.
In my mind, I would say the best example of this would be a Carrera 3.2 Carrera.
All the other Porsches are Porsches by design and possibly manufacture, making them 'properly so', but that is not praise as such. It does not say they are the most characterful or the most dynamically able. It does not say that they will sell well. Every manufacturer has made a car it regrets at some point, and every manufacturer has made a car it is proud of. A 914 is a proper Porsche, as is a 912, as is a 962... See the problem?
A Boxster is a proper Porsche, through and through, yet it is still considered by some to be a poor relation to the 911. This is because these people SEE Porsche and THINK 911. Why? Because the 911 is arguably the most iconic Porsche ever made (even the 356 can't match it) in terms of sheer recognition, longevity and respect.
All Cayenne owners can therefore rejoice that they are driving a proper Porsche, but must still bear the cross of public opinion. For most of the public, the great part of whom have never driven or owned a Porsche, the only true Porsche will be a 911.
If you don't believe me, get Les Dennis to ask the question. "We asked 100 people what their idea of a proper Porsche is... and the survey said..."
Sad, possibly, but true.
Proper Porsche' is almost meaningless anyway. People get it mixed up with the term 'Classic 911'.
And a 'Classic 911' certainly has an air cooled engine, big feck off rev counter straight in front of you, floor hinged pedals, dodgy weight distribution, bug eyed lights etc.
In my mind, I would say the best example of this would be a Carrera 3.2 Carrera.
All the other Porsches are Porsches by design and possibly manufacture, making them 'properly so', but that is not praise as such. It does not say they are the most characterful or the most dynamically able. It does not say that they will sell well. Every manufacturer has made a car it regrets at some point, and every manufacturer has made a car it is proud of. A 914 is a proper Porsche, as is a 912, as is a 962... See the problem?
A Boxster is a proper Porsche, through and through, yet it is still considered by some to be a poor relation to the 911. This is because these people SEE Porsche and THINK 911. Why? Because the 911 is arguably the most iconic Porsche ever made (even the 356 can't match it) in terms of sheer recognition, longevity and respect.
All Cayenne owners can therefore rejoice that they are driving a proper Porsche, but must still bear the cross of public opinion. For most of the public, the great part of whom have never driven or owned a Porsche, the only true Porsche will be a 911.
If you don't believe me, get Les Dennis to ask the question. "We asked 100 people what their idea of a proper Porsche is... and the survey said..."
Sad, possibly, but true.
Dom, putting my provocative stereotypes aside; every car is (and will be) a Porsche, that Porsche calls a Porsche 
What everyone else considers as a Porsche, is up to errr ... everyone else
no?
Or maybe every Porsche is a Porsche, that Porsche once called a Porsche, as soon as we all got used to it (more like) - Remember, that the 911 (901) wasn't approved by most 356 customers (hence most Porsche owners) as a real Porsche. Today, it is like you said - the 911 beats the 356 in being more iconic.
I put that down to the past that projects itself into presents (sp?): in 1965, the 356 represented 99% of all known and popular Porsches; today, the 356 only plays a minor role in the marque's current image.
Who knows, what will be in 35 years? [polarizing] Maybe the Cayenne is regarded as the most iconic/initial Porsche? [/polarizing]
What everyone else considers as a Porsche, is up to errr ... everyone else
no? Or maybe every Porsche is a Porsche, that Porsche once called a Porsche, as soon as we all got used to it (more like)
- Remember, that the 911 (901) wasn't approved by most 356 customers (hence most Porsche owners) as a real Porsche. Today, it is like you said - the 911 beats the 356 in being more iconic. I put that down to the past that projects itself into presents (sp?): in 1965, the 356 represented 99% of all known and popular Porsches; today, the 356 only plays a minor role in the marque's current image.
Who knows, what will be in 35 years? [polarizing] Maybe the Cayenne is regarded as the most iconic/initial Porsche? [/polarizing]
JonRB i have no inside info or anything but why wouldn't Ruf work on a K-N ?
Seriously,if a loaded Autobahnstormer turns up with a fistful of Euros disappointed that his Turbo version was being flashed in the outside lane by a chipped Merc turbodiesel.Would they turn him away?
I would also expect huge cooperation from Porsche,for the kudos of a Ruf-fed up version...Finally the new turbo V8 will no doubt be used in future derivatives of Porsche' I would be amazed if Ruf have not tinkered with one just for fun & development.
Seriously,if a loaded Autobahnstormer turns up with a fistful of Euros disappointed that his Turbo version was being flashed in the outside lane by a chipped Merc turbodiesel.Would they turn him away?
I would also expect huge cooperation from Porsche,for the kudos of a Ruf-fed up version...Finally the new turbo V8 will no doubt be used in future derivatives of Porsche' I would be amazed if Ruf have not tinkered with one just for fun & development.
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