Porsche: No plans for cheaper models

Porsche has announced that it has no plans for either a smaller SUV to rival the BMW X3 or a cheaper, entry-level roadster and doesn't anticipate anything smaller or cheaper than the current Macan SUV or the 718 Boxster or Cayman being introduced into its line-up.

Back in 2009 it was rumoured that Porsche was seriously considering a more affordable roadster based on Volkswagen's mid-engine Concept BlueSport.

Those plans were killed off when the whole project, which would have also potentially spun-off an Audi and a SEAT version, was cancelled in 2013 over concerns of the decline of the global sports car market.

A smaller entry-level SUV based on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform has also been rumoured recently, but now both cars -- and the future of any cheaper Porsches -- have been ruled out following an interview with the German car-maker's global sales boss, Detlev von Platen.

"There is absolutely no intention to go below what we have today", he told Automotive News.

Specifically rejecting reports Porsche was readying an SUV smaller than its current Macan, von Platen said: "We are an exclusive sports car manufacturer. We have nothing to gain by creating a cheaper Porsche in the future. It's not about quantity, it's about quality in what we do."

Instead of a cheaper Porsche, von Platen said the car-maker would expand by offering a new pure-electric sports sedan (based on the Mission E concept) in the future while broadening the services offered around its vehicles.

The last remark von Platen made was in reference to the firm developing greater levels of connectivity for all its vehicles.

The example the sales boss gave was a new parking feature Porsche is developing that actively finds a parking location in a busy city. Once it has guided you to the spot the car can then automatically pay the parking charges on your behalf.

Behind the scenes, as motoring.com.au has already reported, Porsche has refocused its R&D to create the Mission E that's due in 2020. This has seen other projects like the rumoured Panamera coupe to be cancelled.