Porsche, a name synonymous with automotive excellence, consistently pushes the boundaries of design and innovation. To truly understand Porsche is to delve into the experience it offers, and a significant part of that experience is the Porsche Interior. More than just aesthetics, the Porsche interior is a carefully crafted environment designed to enhance the connection between driver and machine, blending heritage with forward-thinking technology. For Porsche designers, shaping the future means respecting traditions while boldly embracing the new, and this philosophy is profoundly evident in their approach to interior design.
The team at Weissach Development Centre, led by figures like Ivo van Hulten, director of user experience design (UX), chief designer Michael Mauer, and head of interior design Markus Auerbach, are constantly exploring the evolving needs and expectations of Porsche drivers. They understand that user experience extends beyond mere functionality; it encompasses convenience, flexibility, and a sense of timelessness that defines the Porsche brand. Their methodology is rooted in what they call ‘first principle thinking,’ a process of dismantling assumptions and conventions to uncover fundamental functions and future possibilities. Instead of relying on familiar patterns, they question the very essence of a Porsche interior, exploring what it could be and, equally importantly, what it should not be. This rigorous approach allows them to answer questions yet unasked, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations in Porsche interior design.
Insight into this innovative thinking can be gleaned from projects like the Porsche Vision “Renndienst,” a design study featured in the book Porsche Unseen. This concept minivan, accommodating up to six passengers, challenged the designers to reimagine the Porsche interior in a completely new vehicle category. The Renndienst is not just about space; it’s about applying Porsche’s design language to uncharted territories and exploring the potential of autonomous driving within a luxury context. Such exercises are crucial for keeping Porsche’s design ethos fresh and adaptable to future mobility landscapes.
The Interior of the Future: Redefining the Porsche Cabin
Michael Mauer aptly summarizes a core question driving Porsche’s interior innovation: “How could we still give a distinctly Porsche flair to a passenger compartment that is so far removed from the classic sports car interior? And how could autonomous driving be designed?” While Porsche acknowledges the symbolic link between sports cars and self-determination, they are not bound by current norms when envisioning future interiors. The Renndienst study exemplifies this boundary-pushing approach, particularly with its central driver position. This configuration offers an unparalleled cockpit feel when driving is desired, yet it also allows the driver’s seat to rotate 180 degrees, transforming the space for social interaction in autonomous modes. This adaptability underscores Porsche’s commitment to designing interiors that cater to a spectrum of driving experiences.
The Porsche interior of the future, as envisioned in projects like the Renndienst, prioritizes the digital lifestyle and the intricate relationship between driver, passengers, and the vehicle itself. Van Hulten points to the Porsche Taycan as a precursor, stating, “In the Taycan, we have shown how much we think ahead.” The focus now is on the next wave of innovation, working “from the inside out” to define the future Porsche interior experience.
A striking aspect of the Renndienst’s interior is its asymmetrical design. One side offers a private retreat with a screen, while the other features a panoramic window for an expansive view. Markus Auerbach explains this concept: “One side is closed; passengers can retreat there. The other side enjoys a large window bank for an unobstructed view outside. When we close the doors, the interior feels like a protective capsule.” This design philosophy emphasizes both individual comfort and shared experiences within the Porsche interior. The ergonomically designed bucket seats in the front row and the floating headrests in the rear further contribute to a sense of spaciousness and enhanced visibility. This adaptable space is made possible by the underlying electric powertrain, neatly integrated into the vehicle’s underbody.
UX as a Cornerstone of Porsche Interior Design
For Porsche, user experience (UX) is not an afterthought but a fundamental success factor in Porsche interior design. Ivo van Hulten emphasizes the evolving expectations of modern consumers, particularly the smartphone generation. He notes that while product aesthetics were once paramount, today’s consumers are equally, if not more, captivated by the opportunities a product offers. This shift necessitates a more holistic approach to interior design, one that considers modularity, adaptability, and seamless digital integration. The Porsche interior of the future must be capable of evolving, receiving updates, and adapting to changing user needs over time.
Markus Auerbach further elaborates on the interplay between the digital and physical realms within the Porsche interior. He acknowledges the immersive potential of digital experiences but stresses the irreplaceable value of physical interaction and tactile sensations. “A digital journey can open a gateway to a universe for us, but it can never replace the physical experience. A car is a space that moves whether I’m driving it myself or not.” The Renndienst’s seating exemplifies this philosophy, with seats designed to support and accommodate the body during movement, ranging from sporty bucket seats to a lounge-like bench seat that encourages social interaction and relaxation. Looking towards the future of materials, Auerbach highlights renewable resources like wood, reimagined and combined with metals and sustainable plastics, suggesting a potential resurgence of natural elements in Porsche interiors. He also points to smart materials that can respond to external stimuli or adapt to occupant ergonomics, further blurring the lines between technology and tactile comfort within the Porsche interior.
Imbuing the Porsche Interior with Soul and Emotion
Porsche’s vision for the Porsche interior transcends mere functionality and aesthetics; it aims to create spaces with a soul. Auerbach emphasizes the emotional connection between driver and car, stating, “Cars with an unsatisfactory interior do not survive for long, because no emotional connection can be built with them.” He believes that while digital interfaces are increasingly important, physical controls like buttons and switches will remain relevant, especially in driving-focused scenarios. The balance between analogue and digital controls is carefully considered to ensure intuitive operation and minimize driver distraction.
Van Hulten envisions the Porsche interior gaining a ‘soul,’ drawing inspiration from iconic examples like K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider. He imagines a future where cars are not just machines but intelligent partners, anticipating needs and offering seamless interaction. This aspiration drives Porsche’s design team to move from grand visions of the future back to tangible solutions for tomorrow, always guided by the brand’s DNA and the desire to create Porsche interiors that are not only technologically advanced and luxurious but also emotionally resonant. The journey forward for Porsche interior design is about creating spaces that are both cutting-edge and deeply human, embodying the true spirit of the Porsche brand.
