Porsche could be working on a modern 914

Chief designer suggests that the classic sports cars of the past could be brought back as a basic model for the most enthusiastic drivers.

Porsche has spoken openly about the possibility of bringing back the 914. The move has fuelled rumours that the German carmaker is actively preparing the ground for the launch of a new back-to-basics model aimed directly at enthusiastic drivers.

In an official interview published on its website, the Stuttgart brand 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 engineering terms.

He was also asked whether there is a future for the mid-engined 914 in an interview with chief designer Michael Mauer. Mauer said that “a cheaper entry-level Porsche would be the right thing”.

The Porsche 914 could return and become the brand’s most affordable model

They also wanted to add that “we have this discussion all the time… A modern Porsche 550 in the broadest sense: a very simple, unpretentious car.”

Mauer, who recently gave up his duties as chief designer for the Group Volkswagen to focus on design operations concentrated at the Weissach R&D centre of Porsche, hinted that Porsche is considering two alternatives for a spiritual successor to the 914 in a move aimed at reaching young customers.

The first is what he described as “an almost electricity-free, all-mechanical, purist car”. The second, he said, is “a car for a target group of people who drive Audi TT RS or Golf R32“.

Mauer, credited with the design of the original Mercedes-Benz SLK, indicated that internal discussions about a modern 914 at Porsche are split into two lines. He said that “sales may see things differently. From this point of view, a much cheaper entry-level Porsche would be the right thing, but that is not my focus.”

Instead, Mauer called for a “purist, reduced, back-to-roots” kind of car. “I think the time has come. That would typically be Porsche again,” he said. Mauer praised the style of the original 914 and assured that “having the courage to design something like this, so big but without a stamped line, without creating everything, that is really fantastic.”

Enthusiasts have reason to celebrate

His comments also reveal that work to revive the mid-engined model has already progressed beyond discussions into a design phase. He noted that “modern and reduced style: the more I work on the 914, that is exactly what I am now struggling for. This reduced and purist approach. Integrating things. Not a single line too many.”

It remains to be seen whether a successor to the 914 will stay faithful to the original in terms of combustion engine propulsion. In theory, Porsche has the perfect propulsion system in the form of the compact turbo flat-four engine mounted in the middle of the 718 Boxster and Cayman, perhaps with revisions to help it attract more purists.

A fully electric powertrain is also possible, like the one that will be launched in the 718 models for 2022, but Mauer’s description of a car with “almost no electricity” seems to counter that.