“Time isn’t the main thing. It’s the only thing” – Miles Davis
A new year is upon us. We might want to believe that, in the world of Porsche Cars, every year is a milestone year. Whether its design or technology or a marketing approach, there’s ALWAYS something new and unique. But there’s already a good argument to make that 2019 is going to be one of those years that we will look back at and say, “that year was a turning point”. As an example of a turning point, many might agree that the shift from the air-cooled to water-cooled 911 was a milestone, and that as a result, the period of 1998-1999 was a “special” time in the history of the brand. At that moment in time, I’m told that lots of people thought that going water-cooled would be the end of the 911. For the same reason, I would argue that the 2019 introduction of certain 2020 model year Porsches will be seen as equally as “special”. I’m careful to use the words “special” and “milestone” because I’m not judging either good or bad. That judgment will be up to each of you, depending on where you stand on the continuum of new technology to collectable nostalgia.
The reason for this special milestone point is electrification. By now most of us have heard about or seen press images of the 2020 Taycan, Porsche’s first all-electric car. Initially rumored to be one model, it appears that due to high anticipated demand, the late 2019 introduction will come in two variants.
Another milestone, but along the same electric path, is a bit more hidden. It’s hidden in the architecture of the new generation 911 (model designation 992). While there is certainly no announcement of a hybrid powered 911 as of yet, the packaging of the 8-speed PDK gearbox is set up to allow space for the addition of an electric motor in the rear section. Clearly we’ll have to wait for a hybrid 911, but 2019, with the introduction of the 992 platform, is the year that will enable that era.
Regardless of the changes that will eventually be ushered into the full product line as the result of full or partial electrification, some reactions will be predictably the same. Sentimentalists will pine for the sound of the exhaust and the turbo whine. Even for that smell imparted to the garage after a particularly spirited drive. Technocrats will embrace the efficiency of the new platforms and the ability to get more combined power and torque out of less weight and space. They’ll gush about instantaneous torque from a fully electric Porsche, an even lower center of gravity, and (I suspect) a near 50/50 front to rear weight distribution.
In the end, the Cars and Coffee conversations among all of us geeky PCA members will change…but just in the details. However, the joy of the having argument, as well as the delight in having someone to have the argument with, will remain the same. And in THAT sense, every year is a special year.
Wishing all Zone 9 PCA members a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Rich Sanders
Zone 9 Rep, PCA