In an official interview posted to its Newsroom website, Porsche has detailed the history and design of the 914, launched in 1969, recognising it as a successor to the iconic 550 Spyder and describing it as a “typical Porsche” in terms of engineering.
Michael Mauer, head of design, was also asked if there was any chance of a mid-engined 914 return. He said that a “cheaper, entry-level Porsche would be the right thing to do”.
He added, “We have this discussion all the time… A modern 550 in the broadest sense – a very simple, unpretentious car.”
Mauer hinted that Porsche is considering two alternatives at this stage for a spiritual successor to the 914 to reach younger customers. The first is a car he describes as “a car with almost no electrics, everything mechanical, puristic”. The second, he said, is “a car for a target group of people who drive Audi TT RS’s or Golf R32s”.
His comments also reveal that work to revive the mid-engined model has already progressed beyond discussions into a design phase. He said: “Modern, reduced style – the more I work with the 914, that’s exactly what I’m fighting for now. This reduced, puristic approach. Integrating things. Not one line too many.”