April

IMHO this is a good thing, because Porsche has stated they would strongly consider selling off Lamborghini (they think Lambo might limit how far Porsche can move up market - like Porsche and Lambo customers overlap anyway), most certainly sell off Bugatti, kill the Audi R4 program (baby R8 - compete with Cayman), and result in any future R8 programs being stillborn.

I hope they at least hold out for more autonomy, so Porsche can't just do what is good for Porsche, at the expense of growing the other brands.<ul><li><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070511/ts_afp/germanyautocompany_070511191726;_ylt=AjqmxRqDo1UJC m6rCkMZvc3MWM0F">klik</a></li></ul>

chewym

Porsche had made guzzilion dollars from VW/Audi stock that has doubled in the last year or so. Porsche had used VW/Audi technology extesively with the Touareg and the Cayenne. They now have direct injection on their V8s. So far, Audi/VW have yet to receive anything from Porsche in exchange. Except a lot of harsh promises. Sure hope that Audi can get the Porsche 4.8 V8 or something.

April

The Panamera is also based on next gen A8/Bentley chassis.

chewym

So that makes 1/2 of Porshce models and more than 1/2 of total sales directly dependent on VW. And the bodyshells are to be made in a VW facility for the Panamera as well.

DirtySoap

From what you said as well as what i've heard over the past while, the buyout would definitely have stunted what Audi is trying to do as far their direction and growth is concerned.

Also fantastic as I think that Porsche would have wanted first dibs on many developements as far as engines, qtv, and technology in general, which would take even longer to trickle down the chain.

Reggie

agreed

Reggie

Audi/VW got volume for the SUV lline that cut their costs in R&amp;D and Mfg

1990V85speed

Shades of 924. . .