As the boss of Porsche's GT division, Andreas Preuninger has been instrumental in shaping the sports car that has become the benchmark for enthusiasts worldwide. With a career spanning over three decades, Preuninger has been responsible for some of the most iconic Porsche models, including the 911, GT3, and GT3 RS. In this exclusive interview, Preuninger shares his philosophy on creating cars that make drivers smile, his approach to innovation, and the secret to Porsche's success in the high-performance sports car market. Preuninger's journey began in the 1980s, when he first visited the Porsche headquarters in Weissach, Germany. After studying Automotive Engineering, he applied for a job multiple times before finally getting his break at Engineering Services. His early years were marked by working on various projects, including the V-Rod engine for Harley-Davidson and the 996 GT3 project. The 996 GT3 MkII was Preuninger's first major success, and it marked ...
As the boss of Porsche’s GT division, Andreas Preuninger has been instrumental in shaping the sports car that has become the benchmark for enthusiasts worldwide. With a career spanning over three decades, Preuninger has been responsible for some of the most iconic Porsche models, including the 911, GT3, and GT3 RS. In this exclusive interview, Preuninger shares his philosophy on creating cars that make drivers smile, his approach to innovation, and the secret to Porsche’s success in the high-performance sports car market.
Preuninger’s journey began in the 1980s, when he first visited the Porsche headquarters in Weissach, Germany. After studying Automotive Engineering, he applied for a job multiple times before finally getting his break at Engineering Services. His early years were marked by working on various projects, including the V-Rod engine for Harley-Davidson and the 996 GT3 project.
The 996 GT3 MkII was Preuninger’s first major success, and it marked the beginning of his tenure as project manager. He credits his passion and attention to detail for his success, stating, “The core philosophy is always to use all the available technology to make a car that makes you smile in the first instance. That is job one.”
Under Preuninger’s leadership, the GT department has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of performance. The 997 GT3 RS, 997 GT2 RS, and 911 R are just a few examples of the iconic models that have emerged from the GT division. Preuninger’s approach to innovation is centered around harnessing the deep talent within Weissach and unleashing it on perfectly conceived projects.
“What makes Porsche’s GT model line the eternal benchmark is our ability to create cars that are not just fast but also enjoyable to drive,” Preuninger explains. “We want to make something that is for the enthusiast that enjoys driving for the sake of driving. That goes for an S/T, a Spyder RS, or a GT3 RS. They each change the parameters of the final product but they are linked by pure enjoyment.”
Preuninger’s success has been recognized with the Top Gear Lifetime Achievement award, and his legacy continues to shape the Porsche brand. As he looks to the future, Preuninger remains committed to his philosophy, stating, “The freedom was complete, really. Even we didn’t realise how lucky we were. Small teams of maybe 15 or 20, pretty much working in the shadows.”
In conclusion, Andreas Preuninger’s story is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and attention to detail. As the boss of Porsche’s GT division, he has played a crucial role in shaping the sports car that has become the benchmark for enthusiasts worldwide. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate the next generation of engineers and enthusiasts, ensuring that the Porsche brand will remain at the forefront of the high-performance sports car market for years to come.
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