Automotive Design......

[catchacab]

I believe that Porsche has a certain look in the current offerings that date back to the 356.  The Cayenne, Boxster, Cayman Panamera all have design elements from the current 911. The current 911 can trace it design from the 901, which can attribute that cars design on the 356.  

Porsche I believe is trying to achieve brand identity in the product lineup.  Just like Audi, VW, M-B and many others have common design elements through their product line, Porsche is following suit.  Many in the Porsche community don't want a Porsche that does not resemble in some fashion the 911.  The Boxster saved Porsche back in 90's because was cheaper and it looked like a Porsche (911).  Unfortunately, due to the narrow mindedness of the public, if Porsche offered a car resembling the 924/44 or the 928 it probably wouldn't be commercially successful


The 911 is an icon.  It is a shame that Porsche won't place the same engines and derivatives (GT3) in the Cayman (superior platform to the 911) as are in the current 911, because of the iconic status of the 911.