Porsche 914:

Porsche 914 still under consideration

After Volkswagen revealed their BlueSport concept at the Detroit Auto Show, there were a number of rumors saying that Porsche will also be producing a production version based on the 21st century roadster, as a successor for the classic 914. However the German sports car builder denied those rumors until the bitter end, but apparently the rumors had a hint of truth to them and Porsche is really considering an entry level model priced below the Boxster for their lineup.

So why is the new 914 suddenly back on track? Due to the new Volkswagen-Porsche alliance, the project is now financially feasible because the new platform will be ideal to use as a launch pad for a mid-engine roadster. Expect to see Audi build something using the same platform, like the R4. Volkswagen will still produce the BlueSport clean diesel roadster based on the same chassis.

Under the hood Porsche can choose from the popular 1.4 Liter TSI making 170 HP or possibly even the 125 HP TDI motor. Although we can expect something with a little more oomph from the sportiest member of the VW Group, either way, if Porsche can keep the weight below 2,200 pounds, the new 914 will be a blast no matter what the power plant is in the back.

Porsche denies future entry-level model

Despite rumors that Porsche is considering producing a new 914, according to Wolfgang Dürheimer, Head of Porsche Research and Development, in a recent interview with the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

The Boxster will remain the baby of the line-up and contrary to the rationale that the sports car maker would make their own version of the Volkswagen Bluesport Concept, in essence a 914. The head of Porsche R&D said that because of the current economic climate the Germans said forget about it.

On the other hand, Volkswagen officials said that they need both Audi and Porsche to make the future roadster fiscally possible. This is especially strange considering that the recent Porsche/Volkswagen merger and 40th anniversary of the 914 would make for a most opportune comeback.

VW-Porsche 914 celebrates its 40th anniversary

It was on September 11th 1969 when Porsche unveiled their first mid-engine sportscar built for the masses. The event was the Frankfurt Motor Show and the car was the VW Porsche 914. It is now 40 years later and there are rumors flying around that both Porsche and Volkswagen are bringing back the lightweight two-seater. The German automakers sold over 115,000 examples of the 914 and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the more affordable Porsche, enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view the extremely rare 914/8, given to Ferry on his 60th birthday, at their new museum in Stuttgart.

Press release after the jump.

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