The 911 is a Car Prioritizing Design

On May 29, the Japan premiere of the new Porsche 911 (Type 992) was held in a suburb of Tokyo. As the 911 Carrera 4S and Carrera S were unveiled from beneath a veil amidst a smoky atmosphere, Yuma Tomoki gazed intently at them and remarked:

"When you say 911, it's an icon of Porsche, isn't it? For me too, Porsche means 911!"

His first impression of the new 911 seems rather cool, yet his feelings towards the 911 itself are surprisingly passionate. What was his impression of the Porsche 911 in the first place?

"The Porsche 911... it was an object of admiration. I grew up during the supercar boom, and what left a lasting impression was the manga 'Circuit no Ookami.' What amazed me back then was its frog-like design above all else. As I got older, for some reason, I began to find it beautiful. I was also captivated by the sight of seniors like photographer Kazumi Kurigami and musician Yukihiro Takahashi effortlessly driving them with such style."

The "timeless design with the RR layout that has continued since the first generation" has always been used as a compliment for the 911, but Tomoki didn't see it that way.

"I don't find what the world calls 'functional beauty' as appealing as they make it out to be. Seeing the new 911 in person and hearing from Alexander from Porsche Japan Marketing, I really understood how this new 911 is a design-first car, built with a strong emphasis on entertainment."

Page.2 The 911 Embraces Playfulness and the Unnecessary

The 911 Embraces Playfulness and the Unnecessary

Tomoki expresses a personal view that overturns the traditional perception of the 911 shared by long-time Porsche owners and sports car enthusiasts. What is the core of his perspective?

"Before even discussing whether a design is timeless or not, a design that doesn't last is fundamentally lacking in the appeal of its original form. Because Porsche has been building the 911 for many years and users continue to be fans, everyone tends to praise its timeless functional beauty. However, doesn't that perspective miss the element of 'creativity'?"

"Something with creativity evokes a certain story, and it embraces playfulness and the unnecessary that cannot be confined by functionality. I believe the 911's charm lies not only in its design but also in its excessive performance."

So, what aspects of this 992 model evoke this sense of playfulness and the unnecessary for him?

"It's about whether it makes the viewer wonder, 'Why this design?' In other words, does it possess aesthetics? At the reception dinner after the press conference, I spoke with President Shachimeki and designer Shuichi Yamashita, and they explained that the development team brainstormed extensively on how to design the new 911, incorporating various elements from past 911s to express its essence.

The two lines on the front hood and the instrument panel emphasizing the horizontal lines are indeed features found in the first-generation 911 (Type 901), making them a design revival. So, how has it changed from the most recent 911? When you observe it, it naturally looks more modern. While the front headlights, being more angled than before, should technically be closer to the classic look, why does it appear new? Upon closer inspection, the transition between the fender line and the light surface is a very subtle edge."

Page.3 The Appeal of Things You Want to Wear or Drive, Even if Not Strictly Necessary

The Appeal of Things You Want to Wear or Drive, Even if Not Strictly Necessary

Are these design details what Tomoki refers to as "playfulness"?

"There might have been an intention behind it, but it's simply beautiful, not the result of pursuing convenience or functionality. For example, isn't the single horizontal taillight when viewed from the rear incredibly beautiful? That's why I feel Porsche isn't trying to create something universally unchanging.

The very presence of rear seats is arguably unnecessary for a sports car, isn't it? Even with rear seats, the window slants towards the rear, and the roof slopes low. It's not a contradiction, but having such a quirky characteristic is what makes it cool."

In terms of fashion, what would be an iconic item that is seemingly timeless yet inherently contradictory, akin to the Porsche 911?

"In the sense that the creator's intent is expressed, it might be similar, but fundamentally, I don't believe fashion and cars can be discussed on the same level. The items in fashion that I find interesting are often what you might call 'non-functional' – difficult to wear and inconvenient. I aspire to be someone who can wear such things effortlessly. Of course, I'm not saying the 911 is the same."

"Still, what is the appeal of something that makes you want to wear or drive it, not because it's functional, but intentionally? As I mentioned earlier, the 911 is a dream car for me, so I want to drive it someday and make that dream a reality."

• To the Report on the New Porsche 911 Japan Premiere


• To the Interview with Porsche AG Exterior Designer Shuichi Yamashita


• To the Porsche Japan New 911 Special Site