Opinion: Pics of next-gen. 911 induce coma
By Straight-Six, published on 2 February 2010
So, this is the next-generation Porsche 911, or the 998, due for release in 2011.
Snap! Crackle! Pop!
And, uh, yeah, let’s drop all pretense that these photos do anything except have one reaching for the snooze button. There is something deeply troubling going on here and I’m going to be frank with you as to what I believe it to be: Porsche has no real design talent. There, I’ve said it.
From the abominable Cayenne through the bloated Panamera, not forgetting the Cayman – which the Brits affectionately call the Gayman – the 911 survives as a classic only because such a timeless shape was penned all those decades ago. The only exception to this rule is the Boxster which is elegant, though not riveting, and arguably the greatest mid-engined roadster you can buy.
And however much 911 variants like the GT3 show us just how talented and unforgettable a ride the 911 stills provides today, it is inexcusable that nothing major ever happens to the shell that envelopes the same 2+2, rear-engined platform.
Look at the competition, like the Audi R8 or Nissan GT-R, to see metal in motion and genuine attempts to break the visual stranglehold Porsche has gotten us into.
Frustrated? You bet. And please don’t come back with the well-worn “but, it’s a classic design” argument. This is nothing more than laziness of the highest intellectual order.
Things can change and must change, and I demand that Porsche rethink what the 911 is and how it can take us into the future, not the past.
Flame-suit on…
All credit to www.autoblog.com and www.motorauthority.com for the photos.
Opinion: Pics of next-gen. 911 induce coma
So, this is the next-generation Porsche 911, or the 998, due for release in 2011. Snap! Crackle! Pop! And, uh, yeah, let’s drop all pretense that these photos do anything except have one reaching for the snooze button. There is something deeply troubling going on here and I’m going to be frank with you as [...]
6 Responses to “Opinion: Pics of next-gen. 911 induce coma”
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Straight-Six
3 February 2010
Adam,
Thanks for the response. Indeed, the Golf is an identical example.
I freely admit that both remain references in their respective categories, but the lack of revolutionary vs. evolutionary design is infuriating at a time when advanced materials and tooling have freed designers as never before.
Fascinate and seduce us, Porsche and VW. Please….
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[...] has come under critcism of late for their poor styling jobs – not least and most recently yesterday from us – but you can’t argue with its enviable pedigree and heritage. This video illustrates [...]
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initialjh
3 February 2010
I disagree. A classic will always remain a classic. Look at other things considered “classic designs”, eg Panerai Luminor and Radiomir cases, look at Rolex Sub (which basically has the same design since 1960s) or even the Omega Speedmaster Pro, been the same since the 145012 with the boombe lug.
I do agree the Cayenne and Panamera are not the best designs but why chance something drastically when it’s worked for so many decades?
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Straight-Six
3 February 2010
Indeed, I too rate the Submariner as an all-time classic and yet I attack the modern variants of these Rolexes (just look at the atrocious DSSD…) for having evolved into something, well, deeply unpleasant to look at. Brasher, bigger, brighter doesn’t equal better…
It’s your conclusion that so clearly displays the logic at Porsche that I’m questioning: why mess with a good thing? Why take a chance? Well, I like to think that are hundreds of designers out there who could do something fabulous and fresh with the 911, taking it to new heights from which it could climb even higher. Make the new classic.
In other words, I think it’s high time Porsche took a good long look around them and realise the level of competition they’re up against. And while I’ll put aside the performance threat (the Nissan GT-R crushes the 911 Turbo at half the price..), I think it’s the looks that so desperately need an injection of creativity.
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I’m with Initialjh on this.
The 911 has always been such a special car precisely because Porsche have always been clever and evolved its styling at a glacial pace. A 911 always looks like a 911 – it’s the most classic and recognisable of sports car designs and that’s exactly how owners like it.
Porsche would be mad to launch themselves into the sort of “keeping up with the Jones” approach to styling that you’re suggesting. Just because the Nissan GT-R looks different and cutting-edge (which I freely admit it does) doesn’t mean Porsche should try to ape it.
Now, let’s be clear, I’m talking styling here. When it comes to the sublime engineering underneath the styling, I expect that to be absolutely cutting-edge. And guess what? That’s exactly what Porsche deliver with the 911, generation after generation: the very latest technology all wrapped-up in a design that is both instantly recognisable and evocative of peerless heritage. That’s the 911 formula. It’s a winner and will continue to be so long after the excitement over the likes of the GT-R has faded away.
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Adam Sofineti
2 February 2010
I’m going to be frank too with you: I totally agree!
One more thing, Porsche is not the only one, think VW Golf. OK it’s a completely different category, but when I see their new ads on TV, about how they make other car designers envious, they make me laugh.