QUOTE(SGB @ Mar 9 2007, 12:58 PM)
I would like to start a thread exploring the VW and Porsche relationship but don't even know where to start. I have only read the Ludvigson book, and it seems to be a little sketchy about the whole thing. I have always suspected closer collaboration between the two companies than was ever made public. Porsche went to great pains to establish itself as an independant marque from the beginning. Perhaps the visual similarity between the 356 and beetle made it seem as thoough the only way to justify the much higher price was to not aknowledge use of VW components. The exception seemed to be our favorite 914, which "outed" the VW connection that the company had been trying to hide.
Porsche has designed many products for VW, and many products for Porsche AG. Now, there is a new dynamic with Porsche acquiring "controlling interest" in VW stock. Is it all a shell game? One design group - ala Lexus/Toyota- with two marketing approaches?
I hope this thread will provoke some speculation, clarification, and discussion. I especially await Andy's perceptions from what he knows from the "Grosser VW Buche".
Just a side note on the thought processing here.........
The Sister company Audi is also in this whole game plan too.......rember back in the seventies.......Porsche- VW -Audi ? The whole relationship goes back to familial ties within the hierarchies. The shared technology is a benefit to all 3 companies. What is good for VW, is good for Audi, is good for Porsche.
AND.....if one is the owner of any or all of these 3 carlines, or regularly drives one at the rental store, or has driven a neighbors, a friend, a relatives.....one sees immeidately the similarities and shared accomplishments. Why did Porsche go to Karmann to build our cars ? Why did Audi assemble the 944 ? And what does the Cayenne need with a VW sourced engine ?
Supply side economics. Pure and Simple. And keeping it in the family.
I must say from ownership experience, All 3 of these car lines have served me well and I continue to drive a VW with over 400,000 miles , a 1990 model used for long distance commute, especially in a salt laden and winter weather environment. Its the trusted friend I use to save my beloveds...sleeping their winters away. The engine, never has been opened up, valve guides are still O.E., as well as all FI componentry, and engine mechanicals remain original. Oil consumption remains as it has for the past several hundred thousand - 1 quart to 3000 miles.
Our Audis , all in line 5 cyl., and turbo-charged , ( 200 T's ) , remain as faithful in their mechanical abilities...engine wise. Small electrical glitches pop up occasionally.....sticky window switches, an intermittent ABS warning light that glows for no reason, or a static-y sound in the high end Bose system rears its head now and again.
But has the Porsche, Audi, or VW ever left me walking ? NEIN !
The quality of the paints are superb ..especially on the Neckarsulm produced cars. The Porsche paints....altho in modern guise , are extremely expensive in an option mode form.....$3850 ! for a special order metallic ? I could have bought 914's for the cost of paint alone at the purchase price 35 years ago !
But they sure do have an eclectic appeal to them , do they not ? The sports car cognoscenti sure give their approval. And show up at any venue where Porsche motorsports is kickin' tail, and drive right in with head held high driving your 356, or 550, or 914, or 928-GTS, or modern day Boxster or 997.
Or show up in Audi RS4 and feel a kinship with the guy parked next to you in the 75 Rabbit in Kermit green paint. The German heritage runs deep and the winning ways are shared by all.
Its the "Families" way of doing things.
------Rather have any one of these than a Mazda, Lexus, Saturn..... or Ford , Chevy, or Cattle-Rack. Because they have the heritage of German Build Technology.
Won at the cost of racing , and the stubborn Germanic ways of enduring perseverance.
mrgreenjeans