![]() The machine developed in Stuttgart was dubbed Boxster - a combination of the word Boxer (in reference to the traditional Porsche engine layout) and Roadster. Mazda shifted huge quantities of their pretty little sports car which led to an influx of rival models over the next couple of years. Having spent years in the doldrums thanks to ageing designs and a new breed of hot hatchbacks, the market for two-seat Roadsters had been reinvigorated by the arrival of Mazda’s MX5 / Miata in 1989. Work on the new machine began in late 1991 it was to be a two-seat mid-engined Roadster that, like the Avus, was visually inspired by the firm’s racing cars of old (in this case the 550 RS and RS 60 from the late 1950s). Motivated by the Quattro Spyder and Avus, Porsche decided to create an entry-level design concept that would could combine the best aspects of both Audi show cars. Furthermore, the idea of a contemporary rival from Audi (which was run by a member of the Porsche family) was unthinkable. Additionally, the expected 25,000 unit lifetime production was too small which meant a subcontractor would have to manage assembly. Ultimately, Audi decided against progressing with the Quattro Spyder because the projected sales price of DM100,000 could not be met. ![]() Created as a homage to Auto Union’s 1937 Type C Stromlinie, the classically-styled Avus had an early mock-up of a proposed new W12 engine that was also mounted in the centre of the car. Less than three weeks later, Audi displayed the stunning Avus concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. The mid-V6-powered Quattro Spyder was universally well received and Audi, under the direction of Ferdinand Piech (the son of Ferry Porsche’s sister, Louise), were inundated with orders. Without it, Porsche was headed for bankruptcy.Īt the Frankfurt Motor Show in October 1991, Audi unveiled a handsome fully operational design concept dubbed the Quattro Spyder. A perfect storm of unfavourable exchange rates, outdated models and a tarnished image was compounded by a recessionary mood in most major economies.ġ991 saw Porsche sell just over 30,000 cars compared to over 50,000 in 1986.īold action was required to turn the company’s fortunes around. By the early 1990s, Porsche’s sales had tumbled to a fraction of their mid 1980s peak.
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