Porsche Moments

How does a dream begin? For Porsche Head of Design Michael Mauer, it began exactly 20 years ago – at the Weissach Development Centre, which is where he works today. On his first day of work, he met with his predecessor, Harm Lagaay, at the brand’s design center. “After a brief handover meeting, he wished me luck and then left.” There was no passing down of the Porsche code, as every designer has to decipher it for themself. The Panamera was Mauer’s first model. He and his design team added the finishing touches to the existing basic concept. The Macan and Taycan were developed entirely under his leadership – as were several stages of the iconic 911’s evolution. “The 991 was the first car to bear my signature,” says Mauer, a style dominated by purism, tension in the surfaces, and an athletic flair. To this day, the most emotional thing is when he presents something to the family. “You’re standing there and say, ‘Mr. Porsche, this is what the new Porsche looks like.’ That’s a huge moment.”