Why do Porsches need to have some many model badges?

I guess they want to be more like Mercedes and BMW. After all there are numerous models and variations of those models. Such as: 911 Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Carrera GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, GT2, GT3, GT3RS, GT2RS, then there are most of those models in cabriolets, then there is the Boxster, Boxster S, Boxster Spyder, Cayenne, Panamera, etc.

 

I agree, it's a by-product of their ridiculously granular product strategy.

and it looks like crap, for the most part; particularly on the 991.

 

Let's just take a look at their lineup, plus the special variants and the earlier variants no longer produced during the 997's lifespan (not just the 911 models). Italics (excluding special editions) mean the variant is no longer produced (but will probably be re-introduced).

911
-Carrera coupe/cab
-Carrera S coupe/cab
-Carrera 4 coupe/cab
-Carrera GTS coupe/cab
-Carrera 4S coupe/cab
-Carrera 4GTS coupe/cab
-Targa 4
-Targa 4S
-Turbo coupe/cab
-Turbo S coupe/cab
-GT3
-GT3 RS
-GT2
-GT3 RS 4.0
-GT2 RS
-Speedster
-Sport Classic
-Black Edition coupe/cab
-Club Coupe (for PCA members)
-Turbo S 918 Spyder Edition
-911 Turbo China Edition

Cayman
-Cayman
-Cayman S
-Cayman R
-Cayman S PDE1

Boxster
-Boxster
-Boxster S
-Boxster Spyder
-Boxster PDE2
-Boxster RS60 Spyder

Panamera
-Panamera
-Panamera S
-Panamera S Hybrid
-Panamera 4
-Panamera 4S
-Panamera GTS
-Panamera Turbo
-Panamera Turbo S
-Panamera 4S Middle East Edition

Cayenne
-Cayenne
-Cayenne S
-Cayenne S Hybrid
-Cayenne GTS
-Cayenne Turbo
-Cayenne Turbo S
-Cayenne Transsyberia
-Cayenne GTS PDE3

 

I'm pretty sure there are badge delete options.

I know my 944 from the factory had a PORSCHE decal all the way across the width of the car just above the rear bumper, also had a 944 badge. Nothing really new. That, and those side decals to.

 

Thats a lot of milk from five cows.

 

In my opinion, this is what Porsche should have in their lineups. An ideal lineup if you ask me.

911
Carrera coupe/cab
Carrera S coupe/cab
Carrera 4S coupe/cab/Targa
Carrera GTS coupe/cab
Turbo coupe/cab
Turbo S coupe/cab
GT3
GT3 RS
GT2

Panamera
Panamera
Panamera S
Panamera S Hyrbid
Panamera 4S
Panamera Turbo

The Cayenne, Cayman, and Boxster lineups are fine the way they are. The only 2 true special editions that have been produced in the 997 span are the Sport Classic and Speedster. MAYBE the GT2 RS and GT3 RS 4.0 too.

 

IMO there shouldnt be a distinction b/w the base and S models.

 

IMO Porsche shouldn't have any "base" models...everyone of 'em should be rocket ships...evryone shoudl be their very best technology, highest horsepower engine. If AWD best for handling then all have AWD, if they feel their gadgets make their cars better/faster then all shoudl have all the gadgets.

You get to pick colors, interior trim...and that is it.

911
Coupe
Cab
Stripped Track Version

Cayman
Stripped Track Version

Boxster

Cayenne

Panamera

Panamera GT

Supercar


Everyone expensive, exclusive, and fantastic!

 

base models are there for guys like me that actually work for a living and cant afford the extra 20 or 30K price hike.

hell if the made a lamborghini gallardo with a 4 cylinder turbo, a 5 speed and it looked the same for say 40K less, i'd buy one! i dont need to go 195 mph. or 0-60 in a half second.

guess im a poser but why shouldnt working people be able to have nice stuff too?

 

Porsche needs all of these different badges and models derived from the base model to keep their customers one-upping each other in the parking garage at work.

"Did you see Stan got a C4S?"

Fast forward two weeks...

"Did you see Mike showed up in a GT3?"

Fast forward two more weeks...

"Stan, is that your GT2RS outside?"

Ferrari has what, a coupe and convertible version, and then maybe a special (16M, 599GTO, etc) of each model? And that is it.

 

I've never bought a new Porsche. Dont think I ever will.
Several used.
Depreciation is my friend.

 

My guess: because price differentials between variants of the same model are greater than visual ones, after all they are the same model, customers buying more expensive variants want to make damn sure everyone knows it.

Porsche sells prestige So selling a 200K version of a 90K car takes some balls. Mr. 200K wants Ms. Kay to know he's twice the man of Mr 90K. But Ms. Kay could easily assume they are equals. After all, they're driving the same damn car.

So the badges say; "No, they are not!".

Interestingly, Porsche now has an option to eschew all badges. A Porsche done up like this is, imo, the real sign that you have arrived...especially if you delete the Make too.

 

If they're going to have many model variations they need a way to distinguish between them. For them to mix and match parts to create more exclusive models has been a part of their strategy for years and seems to work profitably for them.

 

I have a Porsche brochure from the mid nineties. It's a think of beauty: C2, C2S, C4, C4S, Cabriolet, Targa, and Turbo.

 

You can delete them when you order the car or after it arrives if you like... no big deal AFAIK.