I guess you should do model to special edition ratio. In that case, the 911 is 18:5 [5 because I forgot the Chinese Centinare edition, and the Club Coupe]. That means for every 3.6 (note that is the displacement of the Carrera) models, there is a special edition. Now lets compare that to the Bugatti Veyron. The Veyron has 1 model. Compare that to the (about) 10 special edition Veyrons they're are.

1:10. That means there are 0 Veyrons for every special edition released, in theory.

I know what you're going to say. "The Veyron is too exclusive of a car to be compared to the 911." Well, you're right...

So, there are 3 current production MINI Cooper models. And how many special editions are there? 7.

3:7. That means that they're are more than two special editions released for every model.

I think that will put into perspective that Porsche's special editions aren't as plentiful as some may think.

 

You pay $1mm+ for a car, you're in a exclusive club. And oh btw, the R&D costs for producing such a car would be staggering to produce a car of that sort of exclusivity.

You get what you pay for.


Period. End of conversation. Discussion. etc.

 

I realize from a business perspective, my opinions are way off. And the fact of the matter is that they are all releasing excellent products. But there's so much more that makes a product that you (used to) love. It's like they are just throwing stuff out there to fit in a segment that doesn't exist. I mean, where is the GTS exactly? Between the Carrera S and the GT3? Why? Why is it there?

And if the 991 comes with a V8 and a flappy paddle gearbox as standard, combined or separately, I will never say a nice thing about it. Ever.

Remember that Wiedeking turned Porsche into what it is (or was, 5 years ago). And an awful lot of what they are doing today, he was strongly opposing - such as flappy paddles. Porsche was a disaster when he arrived, and it will turn into one again now that he left.

 

I agree there are lots of models, what bothers me is that there are lots of options that arent standard like electrical seats and full leather interior on the Carrera.

 

All this 997 hate. I bet it goes down as one of the best variants in the 911's history.

 

How many of the Veyron and Mini special editions differ from the standards in terms of engine and entire model name?
All the Veyron special editions are still Veyrons, they only add a name after it and change the optics. Similar with the Mini.

The Porsche models are much more different from each other and are sold as completely different cars by Porsche (which they are only to some extent).

There's a big difference between spicing a Veyron up a bit with some new colors and call it Veyron Centenaire compared to what Porsche is doing. They are telling customers how super uber exclusive this entirely new model is and how limited it is only to outdate it some months later with an even more extreme and limited edition.

The one thing is flirting with new customers, the other is fooling new customers.

 

I actually AGREE with the position that there are too many varients of the 997. Thus the special editions; to spur more excitment for the brand and the 911. But they (Porsche) are doing the best they can with what they have, and must adhear to production schedules to get the best ROI for that Chassis they can.

Porsche wants to be here for the very long future, and they are attempting at running a healthy business.

But I get it. A Porsche 911 should be a special car in of it's self. And it is. However there is a big cost for 'exclusive' now. It's just the way it is.

 

Solid points. Every Automaker is guilty of the same thing. Bentley. Rolls Royce. Ferrari. You name it; they've done it.

 

You are so diplomatic and correct in your responses, given your employer, but all I could gather between the lines was "You are one million percent right Jox, and I love you. How about a bum fondle?" to which my response is, "No. But I am glad we agree on the 997!".

 

Sure, saldy Porsche will neither be the first nor the last to do this. But in all fairness, what Porsche has done with the 997 exceeds anything I've seen before. What saves them is their great car engineering and that's worth a lot.