As most folks here know, the current 911 (991) comes in 16 variations.
That is the highest number of variations not only within the Porsche lineup but also (based on my limited knowledge) the most in any sports car model lineup.

It seems that this has led to some cannibalization within the line up whereby prices start to overlap and lines start to get blurred.

The C4 seems to be a good example of this, as it appears to be the least purchased model. The same could be said for the C4 Cab (man) which ambles to 60mph in almost 5 seconds.

Given this saturation (along with 991.2 on the horizon), which of the current variants do folks here think are most redundant and should be destined for the chopping block.

Personally I think a C4 Cab with its weighty qualities and being a 4 wheel drive cabriolet is an odd combination.

 

My vote would be for a hierarchy like this within the 991 line:

TTS -> GT3 -> C4S -> C2S -> C2

I agree there doesn't seem to be much market for the C4 or C4 Cab, separately. I am ok with Cab being offered for each of the above (excluding GT3 obviously!). And I am ok with choice of tranny (well, as long as you still can....!). Also not really sure I would keep the S and non-S versions of the TT -- just stick with the TT"S".

Oh, and as for special editions -- that is all ok in my book. There will always be a market for limited-s, and many of them are pretty darn cool.

My $0.02, IMHO, YMMV

 

This thread is right up my alley.

I've said before there should be no 's'. Just make them all good, with more standard options (may reduce production costs - to add options that everybody gets/wants anyway, then leads to more resale market value for buyers - because most models will be desireable).

I think it should be
Turbo (AWD - traction)
GT3 (for track use)
GTS (for 2-wheel N/A touring)

Convertible for turbo AWD, and one for non-turbo (for those that don't like either the excessive torque, or AWD (preference for some, not all)).

Obviously, I may be over simplifying - there could be someone who wants their targa top on a naturally aspirated AWD 911, with soft cushy Bentley-like suspension...

At a minimum, C2/C2S could just be C2. C4/C4S could just be C4. Turbo/TurboS could just be Turbo. GT3/GT3RS could just be GT3 (thought there is no GT3 RS yet). That should take care of about half of the existing models.

But, I've hated this 'S' crap for years. Why not make that the base model?

The problem with my model is - Porsche would make less money, but the buyer would receive more value, and possible for those that wish to sell at a later date - the secondary market would be a lot easier to navigate for both the seller and the new buyer.

 

The thing with the variants I think the way to think about it isn't so much as 16 different models.. I think more in terms of option packages makes sense..

In reality the differences between the S and non-s are a set of options that are installed so that effectively cuts the qty in half to 8...

And the difference between a targa and a coupe could be argued to be an option like sunroof (not trying to minimize as I realize there are significant complexities).

And you could even extend that to the differences between the 4WD and 2WD, although there are significant body differences..

So in a lot of ways I can convince myself there are only two models: coupe's and cabs... All the other stuff within that are option packages..

The reality is I'm sure that is the way Porsche manufactures anyway.. They most likely differentiate the major things and within that assembly line handle as options.. I can tell you just from having some experience with manufacturing that having 16 unique model from a production standpoint would be prohibitive both cost and logistics. So they must use as much commonality not only in parts but the production assembly process itself.

With aircraft we tend to have many options for a given airframe (even more than Porsche) however they broken down as packages that are installed.

For example Boeing makes the 737 currently in 4 variants -600, -700, -800 and -900.. And mainly it is the length of the fuselage but it impacts the engines needed, and wings based on the variant. (in some ways reminds me of the differences in 4wd vs 2wd or cab vs coupe etc.. All else are just option packages (gross simplification).

My point is that just because they market 16 different models does not necessarily mean they really have that many different models to produce.

I think the obsession and ability to sell so many models is probably a tribute to Porsche and how they organize their engineering and production..

 

Porsche management wholeheartedly agrees with you. In their eyes, there IS a problem with your model !

What they are doing with the 911 is what companies like GM and Ford have done for years in converting their basic work/ pick up trucks into profit filled luxury SUVs ..charging way more for a minimal marginal cost of manufacturing .

 

Don't worry. The GTS, flat-4 turbo, GT2, GT3 RS, and Hybrid 991's are coming. You can add to your list.

 

I know... I know.

I understand completely WHY they do it... But, I don't like it. I still love the 911's (and still drive them - just haven't bought one in 2 years).

 

And then the Speedster, Targa, and convertible versions of several of them (and then again with the 'S' trim).

 

I like your thinking. My pref would be:
RS - this replaces Turbo, Turbo S and GT3 RS. It should be a turbo, however there should be no "Turbo" trim level since the carrera will also have turbo-charging. Should be 600 hp, AWD.
GT3 - This should be more like the 4.0 GT3 RS - putting out 500 hp. RWD.
GTS - This should be a typical GTS - with an output of around 480 hp naturally aspirated. RWD.
Carrera - This should be a 3.0 turbo 6 putting out 450hp. AWD.

RS and Carrera should be available as Targa or Coupe.
GT3 and GTS should be Coupe only.

This basically means 6 variants.

 

@Scatkins - You are correct and I appreciate your acknowledgement of the gross simplification.

However, the suspension, brake (caliper & rotor) differences as side from the obvious engine difference between the S and non-s, are things that one might consider to be more than just options as they are part of the core production process.

I suppose my question is why so many "pseudo platforms", when options would be a better way to go?

If find it interesting that while most are moving towards a simplified portfolio, Porsche seems to be stuffing the pipeline with endless 991 variants that seem to do little other than keep the model in the news for a fleeting moment.

While 16 highly customizable variants is somewhat absurd, I'd be interested in hearing which would be the most likely sacrificial lamb.

 

Targa

 

Turbo

 

That's about how my brain translates the current line-up segmentation ! And I think you are pretty spot on with your interpretatoin that Porsche internally sees it likewise. Modularity is probably the keyword in production efficiency.

The segmentation is (and will proabaly always be) there marketing wise to have a system of little steps upward to coax the consumer into buying a more expensive car.

It's just different layers in the organistaion, production vs marketing.

 

I've asked myself the same question.... Also to extend my comments, it isn't even just the 16 variants, just look at the qty of selectable options as well..

The other thing to consider is I'm not aware of many other production cars that tend to be set up to be ordered in the way that a Porsche is.. Look at how easy they try to make it to build your car, order one and even encourage picking it up from the factory and throw in a tour.. Clearly there is pride but I believe it gives a peak into what they believe the demographics are of their customers.

So I believe that Porsche must believe there is great value in offering such widely customization, yet still in a production car. Obviously it would be cheaper to offer the car in just a few variants with a handful of option packages like most cars..


The conclusions I can come to is that from a market perspective and in their particular cost point and associated demographic Porsche feels that by offering their products in a "my way" creates great appeal.

And I think that is illustrated by how much we all here talk (and argue, lol) about what options are most important and they seem to appeal to a range of us with varying interests.. Some want to track and race, others want more luxury and most of us a combination somewhere.

So I suspect in the end, they know their core customers like to fiddle with their build and will always gradually add more expensive options.. I'm not the first one as I've seen around here to start out wanting a low optioned base C2, and ending up with a well optioned C2S.. So they got an additional $30K out of me by giving me such great flexibility.

The other thing is I think the customization allows their customers to feel as if the car is "theirs".. it can be unique to exactly what I want. Thus I think it creates a tremendous affinity towards the Porsche brand.. Lol, I'm already starting to think about what I'd like my next one to be even though it probably won't be for another 4 or 5 years..

Anyway that's my take on why so many models and customization. I think it just strikes a resonance with the particular type of customer that like 911's.. and thus they can extract more money from you..

And it doesn't impede the non-enthusiast that just drives buy and picks what happens to be on the lot that just want's a particular color and transmission type.

 

This would mean porsche actually cares about the cars they produce and the absurd amount of money buyers pay for the lesser value. But as stated above then they wouldn't make 24k per vehicle