Porsche plans mid-engined car to rival Ferrari 458 Italia

Porsche is planning a new mid-engined supercar that may directly rival models from Ferrari, McLaren and Lamborghini if it does get the go signal from parent firm Volkswagen. The new two-seater is meant to be a regular model instead of as a high-priced, limited-edition production special. It is meant to be slotted above the 911 but under the 918 Spyder. Porsche is considering roadster and coupé versions for this model. It’s expected to enter the same price category as the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. In a recent interview, Porsche boss Mathias Muller said that Porsche aims to extend the range. He also talked about a plan to develop another mid-engined model that will be positioned above the 911 but below the 918 Spyder.

Muller hinted that development of this new supercar has gone past the initial drawing board stage, says Autocar. He said that in the coming months, the company will continue to develop its styling and design ideas and will also assess the “economic side” before deciding whether to proceed. Unitary steel construction is what’s used on the Boxster, Cayman and 911 but in order to reduce the weight, Porsche is thinking of extensively using carbonfibre-reinforced plastic.

The firm has used lightweight construction in recent low-volume models such as the Carrera GT and 911 GT2 RS. It’s believed that the business case for this supercar is focused on annual global sales of between 2500 and 3000, about half that of the 911 Turbo and several of its derivatives, including the GT2.[via - 4wheelsnews]