5 Ways Porsche Stays Ahead of the Curve

Keystone People

Assembling the right group of people will directly affect the way the cars perform. Porsche finds the right people to head every one of their departments. A great example of this is Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser. The new head of Porsche motorsport has worked to develop everything from the 918 to the Le Mans RS Spyder as the General Manager for Motorsport Strategy. Yes, that is an actual title. Porsche knows who delivers and allows these people to perform in creative ways. The revolutionary 918 is a prime example.

Never Deviate

Part of the reason Porsche is so good at staying ahead of the competition in track times—take Nurburgring times for example—is that they have been developing and building on the same philosophy for decades. The 911 is their bread and butter of Porsche and has been improved upon, not changed, over the course of years and years. They also have extensive motorsport presence from which to draw information. When you combine a mountain of experience with the same product, it only makes sense you are going to be better than the rest. You can feel this in the 991 especially. 

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Material Science

Every small detail in the material science department also helps the Stuttgart-based giant smash down new barriers. Remember when the 911.R came out? While everyone was ranting and raving about a manual transmission, the real devil was in the details on this car. Implementing a magnesium alloy roof and fenders on the R wasn’t just a move to save weight, that would be too simple. By removing weight high up in a chassis, you can change the center of gravity enough to make a noticeable difference. 

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Compete in What Matters

As an industry insider, one of the most misleading marketing terms is “motor racing improves the breed.” Many people fail to realize just how different a Formula 1 car is from the car they park in their home, and, if they think that technology is “trickling down” they are believing a substantial amount of marketing drivel. Porsche understands that people who drive the 911 are their core consumer base, so they go off and race the 911 in sports car-oriented series. It’s a really simple exercise that has practical implications AND marketing ones alike.

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Apex Predator

The final way Porsche stays ahead of the curve is arguably the most important going into the new year: they push the envelope. Stagnation spells demise in the automotive industry and this is one area that Porsche has concentrated its efforts in recent years. The Mission E is coming to bring a major fight to Tesla, and let’s make one thing clear right now, it’s going to be a better car to drive. No fear is the motto when it comes to entering into unknown territory whether it’s on the race track or designing a new all-electric sports car. One this is for certain, whatever the future brings, you can guarantee Porsche will be ahead of the curve.

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