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Originally Posted by Viperfreak2
Most cars 'share' some components. I agree that the Touareg and Cayenne share underbodies/suspension design etc. They don't share any sheetmetal, and on your turbo example, an engine. Do you feel better in the VW knowing it also underpins the Porsche? Or do you see and feel the family traits when you are driving your Porsche and see a VW? My opinion is that the Porsche should not share the VW chassis. It could be much better with a 'no limits' chassis design instead of fixing up the VW design.
The beetle/911 comparo is not valid (I hope you were joking) They have never shared a single part.
BMW and Mercedes don't do this. My opinion is that it hurts the brand image if you do. Would I refuse to buy a car because of it? Probably not.
Rogue = EX
Murano = FX
Armada = QX
350Z = G37 coupe
Maxima = G35 sedan
The biggest example I can think of is the Lexus ES350. I just cannot get over seeing this car for exactly what it is: An insulation stuffed Camry.
I guess I'm not interested in the snob appeal (badge) of a brand, but the driving experience. I also can't see spening extra money for basically the same car.
All that being said, I would buy the V8 touareg over the V8 Cayenne. I like the styling better.
I would not buy an Fx35 over an X6.
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Actually Porsche/VW use to share carbs and other engine components...it was a quick way to get around the Porsche name costs. G35 is actually based on an Altima frame. Japanese choose a different design model, separating the mid grade from the premium: Honda/Acua, Nissan/Infiniti, Toyota/Lexus. BMW will sell a down graded version of their higher-end models: 525/8, 318, 325/8, 1-series, etc. and they mix and match frames/parts where possible with X's utilizing sedan frames, etc. Of course Audi does this completely through the VW lineup.
Interesting little page: http://www.funtrivia.com/en/World/Volkswagen-14042.html
Porsche can't use a VW part?
http://www.356registry.org/tech/vwtoporsche.html
http://books.google.com/books?id=pax...um=6&ct=result
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Last edited by Wagner; 08-05-2008 at 11:15 AM.
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