The weak global economy is so battered that even the one-percent are feeling the hurt. In the case of premium sports car maker, Porsche, a mid-engine roadster to slot underneath the Boxster was originally intended for introduction by 2014. Designed to be a spiritual successor to the legendary 550 Spyder, the entry-level four cylinder roadster’s pricing target was $54,000, which would have made it the least expensive Porsche currently on sale. However, due to financial and market uncertainties, Porsche must now reconsider its plans for the model’s future.

According to Porsche CEO, Mattias Mueller, “The financial crisis is real and we need to see how for it develops. If…. it leads to a cooling of the auto industry, this would certainly impact our strategy.” No official decisions have been disclosed from Porsche but Mueller suggests that a decision on the model’s fate may reach soon. If not, the issue will be revisited later in the future.

[Source: AutoWeek]

One of the most evocative names in Porsche‘s trophied history has to be the 550 Spyder. Some remember it as one of the best road-racing cars of its era, while some remember it as the car in which James Dean died.

Now according to some reports, the 550 name is about to make a comeback in 2014 on a new entry-level model which will be positioned below the current Boxster line-up.

Reports suggest this new 550 model will feature a 1.6-liter, turbo-charged, four-cylinder engine, and it will produce about 200 hp. Transmission choices will include a normal manual gearbox and PDK, Porsche’s dual-clutch gearbox.

When it goes on sale, it should be priced from around $40,000. So if you’ve been wanting to park a new Porsche in your garage but couldn’t afford to do so, perhaps now you’ll be able to.

[Source: World Car Fans]

When Porsche first introduced the Boxster it was a fun and reasonably affordable (if somewhat underpowered) sports car. Since then it has grown in pretty much every way, with more power, larger engine choices and a significantly higher price tag.

Numerous rumors have emerged hinting that Porsche is looking at bringing in a sub-Boxster model more along the lines of the entry-level 914. Now Automobilwoche magazine is reporting that Porsche’s R&D boss Wolfgang Duerheimer has said that such a car is a priority at the German sports car maker.

Duerheimer didn’t give any information on the upcoming vehicle but it is expected to be based on the Volkswagen BlueSport Roadster concept (pictured above). There was always a strong possibility of this happening and now that VW owns Porsche and has made it clear that increasing production numbers is a priority, this higher volume affordable Porsche seems like the perfect solution.

[Source: Automobilwoche via Drive.com.au]