PORSCHE LAUNCHES MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM $2,000

The chance to roll around in a lavishing Porsche Cayman one day and in a Boxter the next is a dream for many. But even though a new monthly subscription program to be piloted by the German automaker is certainly still aimed for the wealthy, it would chop a few zeroes off the cost of such luxurious lifestyle, at least in the short term. 

The service is known as Porsche Passport and, working through a smartphone app, it offers members on-demand access to a number of Porsche sports cars and SUVs through two subscription models, both of which involve a $500 (US) registration fee. 

"Launch" is the cheaper of the two, and allows for access to eight models, including the 718 Boxster, Cayman S, Macan S and Cayenne for $2,000 (US) a month. "Accelerate" is the steeper option and gives subscribers access to 22 models, including the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Panamera 4S sports sedan and Cayenne S E-Hybrid at $3,000 (US) a month.

Porsche Passport is aimed at those wanting to drive luxury vehicles without having to worry about insurance, taxes, registration and of course, the huge initial outlay. Porsche will be carry out a pilot of its Passport service in Atlanta, applications are made through the smartphone app and, if the background and credit check come back all clear, members can start requesting vehicles in metro Atlanta starting next month. 

Depending on the demand for Porsche Passport, the company will consider expanding the service to other markets.