Porsche’s chief designer has successfully kept the 911 philosophy – and evolved it

Mauer’s task as head of design at Porsche (his official title is Vice President, Style Porsche) is perhaps one of the toughest in the entire automotive industry. With the 57-year-old 911 closely protected at the company’s core, its design is integral to Porsche’s product identity as a whole. And yet here’s the conundrum: with the 911’s design blueprint practically unchanged since its 1960s inception, Mauer is solely responsible for safeguarding that same iconic design, yet also somehow evolving it. That, though, is something the German has managed to do very successfully since joining Porsche as head of design in 2004.

One of the early developments in his tenure was the 997’s switch back to a more traditional front end, though in fairness much of this was already scheduled in place before the German joined. The 911’s evolution since has been measured, its simple design standing out more than ever today against the hard edges and flamboyant curves of its rivals.

Particular credit must go to Mauer for the open-topped 911 offerings of late. The 992 Cabriolet at last follows the exact same silhouette as its Coupe sister, with a largely comparable drag coefficient of 0.30Cd against the Coupe’s 0.29Cd. Most impressive though was the development of the 991 Targa, Mauer and his team reviving the classic model’s ‘roll bar’ look while bringing a very modern, sophisticated solution to its need for an electrically removable roof. Sales for the Targa increased handsomely over the ‘sliding glass panel’ 997, the 991 also rekindling affection among enthusiasts for the classic 911 Targas, which for years had been largely unloved. Years of upwards growth in sales shows customers are voting for Mauer’s work with their wallet, the clearest possible indication that Mauer is indeed managing to succeed in the impossible job.