Has the Porsche 911 become too big? Chief designer thinks so

Porsche’s head of design is adamant that sports cars should be as compact and agile as possible.

Future Porsche 911 generations would be smaller, not bigger, than their predecessors if it were up to Porsche’s chief designer Michael Mauer.

Mr Mauer has been Head of Style for Porsche AG in Germany for 20 years, and although the brand’s cars – including the Porsche 911 – have become physically larger under his purview, it’s no secret that he’s keen for next-generation models to go the other way.

“Personally, I would love to [create a smaller sports car], to see what the possibilities are in terms of packaging,” Mr Mauer told a small group of media including Drive.

“And in the end to come to an even more compact car, or [to] stop this growth.

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Mr Mauer points out the average human size is bigger today than 50 years ago and cars have to be bigger as a result. Customers are not against having a little bit more space in the car too, he says.

“But there, I think, it is then important to find the right balance to respect and address the requirements and wishes of the customers and still, how should I say, stay true to your brand identity,” said Mr Mauer.

The current-generation Porsche 911 is the biggest the model has ever been, taking on the widebody shape that was previously reserved for only the most powerful and grip-demanding variants such as the 911 Turbo.

With technological advancement comes extra equipment and componentry, all of which has to fit in a finite space.

This is only set to become more difficult as Porsche incorporates big battery packs and electrified drivetrains into its forthcoming sports cars, such as the updated 992-generation 911.

“But it is, as well, very much driven by [government regulations] and the [car’s] performance,” said Mr Mauer.  

“Whenever, if you go back in 20, 30 years ago, how much horsepower the 911 had and how much it has today, that drives the size of the wheels, the size of the brakes, all this stuff.

“And this is very challenging. Especially for me, since I believe a 911 sports car should be as compact as possible. And again, I would love to see where are the boundaries, how far could we push this to come back to a very compact little sports car.”

Mr Mauer believes there is a point where even electric cars will become smaller once again.  

“But… it is still this discussion around the range and the capacity of the batteries and the infrastructure,” said Mr Mauer.

“I think as soon as range issues and infrastructure [problems] have been solved, that it is as easy to recharge the car as it is today to refuel it, then we will see smaller batteries.

“And as well, we will see there a development for more efficiency in the cells and everything and the chemistry. And then we will see definitely, or I am convinced we will see, as well again, smaller cars.”

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