Porsche plans to grow quite a bit between now and 2015, with a goal to hit 150,000 global sales. That's about twice the German sportscar maker's 2009 totals. That sounds like a very tall order to fill, but Detlev von Platen, CEO of Porsche Cars North America, reportedly told Automotive News that the task could be accomplished with the help of Volkswagen technology. Von Platen says that a decision on future technology synergies won't be made for another six months, and added that those decisions won't be announced until a much later date. Von Platen says, "It makes sense to think about some synergies in terms of research and development, and these discussions are taking place at the moment with VW."

While we're sure that diehard Porsche fans will likely be less than pleased with the prospect of VW-infused Porsche products, the fact is that we've been living with just such an arrangement for some time. In fact, such such synergies have existed since the founding of the two companies, with the 914 (seen above) being the most well-known example of platform sharing. And, as you likely know, the Porsche Cayenne currently shares a basic platform with the more spartan Touareg, so the well-trodden path has already been laid for future sharing. Among the items that could be shared are fuel efficient powertrains and possibly even additional platforms.

But a quick glance at VW's current stable of vehicles doesn't show too many (if any) platforms that would be suitable for Porschification. One vehicle that has been rumored at Porsche is a sub-Boxster ragtop that could help the automaker boost sales while also increasing the company's overall corporate fuel economy. A VW concept that could fit nicely is the adorable little BlueSport from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. That concept, which VW says will hit 57 miles per gallon on the Euro driving cycle, even featured a mid-engine layout; a staple of the Boxster and Cayman.



More...