In styling, the most important thing was to prove how contemporary an authentic car like the 911 could be. The new 911 is the most advanced car on the road today, yet it carries the inherited DNA of the 911. The new 911 aims to express that in its exterior as well.

There are many reasons why we were able to achieve this. Firstly, the design team was united in its ambition to accomplish this challenging goal. Secondly, sharing the same objective in terms of technical packaging was also significant. The new 911 has a longer wheelbase and can accommodate tires up to 20 inches, allowing us to design it without being constrained by the old platform.

Furthermore, having sufficient time was also key. Our design team thoroughly examined the proportions of all previous 911 generations before beginning the design process. This wasn't to avoid breaking past images, but rather to push the boundaries in that very way.

The most important thing is to excel beyond rivals in terms of performance, but as it's a Porsche, it must also possess excellent everyday usability, including comfort, enjoyment, and fuel efficiency. While Porsche has always pushed the limits in both aspects, this time we've taken a leap forward in both with the adoption of new electronic controls.

Of course, the rear-engine layout is a fundamental prerequisite. I've been driving Porsches for 25 years, and for a 911, there's no other way. It's impossible for a 911 to have an 'F' in its drivetrain (laughs).

No car surpasses the 911 in terms of traction. The engine offers torque from low revs and also revs high. Then there's the steering precision. As you approach the limit, you can sense, for example, 'Ah, the front left tire is about to lose grip.' That kind of steering feel is unique. The exceptional neutrality is also a key point.

When I first heard we would be using electric power steering, I was concerned, thinking, 'Will it be okay?' But the result is superb. I believe it has created a feel that wouldn't have been possible with hydraulic systems.

Ulrich Morbitzer

The 911 is, of course, a car with excellent dynamic performance, but at the same time, it offers high comfort for everyday use, such as for business travel. In the electrical field, which I am responsible for, we have introduced many new functions. In particular, to enhance everyday usability, we have incorporated features like coasting, which disengages the clutch when the accelerator is released in D-range to save fuel, and an idling stop function. The key point was to ensure that these new functions do not compromise the dynamic performance that is the charm of the 911. I believe we have achieved this at a very high level.

Although I am an electrical engineer, I have been a big fan of the 911 since I was a child. Therefore, I was excited to be involved in this project, and I believe we were able to work effectively with good teamwork among the other development members.

For the 911 to remain a 911, we meticulously examined every area to determine what must not be changed, what must be changed, and where there is potential for change. For example, we prioritized the feeling of familiarity when sitting in the driver's seat. In other words, we wanted the driver to feel 'I'm in a 911' the moment they enter the cabin.

We had no intention of adopting electric power steering unless it proved to be at least better than the conventional system. After repeated testing, we only decided to implement it when we were confident that it unequivocally surpassed the traditional system.

The throttle response remains sharp, the steering feel remains communicative, and the engine produces that quintessential 911 sound. In essence, as long as the engine is rear-mounted, it's a 911. The extended wheelbase has further enhanced the car's stability, and while many other aspects have evolved, the fundamental principles remain unchanged.

Michael Schätzle