Thought you folks might enjoy this piece I wrote for a U.S. Porsche magazine. Remember it is supposed to be light hearted and tailored for Porsche enthusiasts.
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The Sound of Silence
Lausanne, Switzerland, March 6, 2018
I woke up tired and grumpy, feeling every one of my 75 years. The bed was wonderful, the weather freezing and the 8:10 AM Porsche Press Conference was at least an hour away at the Geneva Auto Show. I wasn’t particularly interested in the predicted debut of the new GT3RS, as I had seen its GT2RS big brother in Washington a few days earlier. I yawned as I imagined yet another typical Porsche announcement, with smoke billowing from a giant movie screen where a new racing model screamed ear-piercingly around an imaginary track. I was getting too old for this.
But curiosity eventually prevailed. I caught the train to Geneva and arrived just as the press conference was shutting down. A Lizard Green GT3RS was on the show floor, not on stage where I expected it. What was featured on the stage was the most un-Porsche-looking Porsche I had ever seen, under a backdrop that read “World Premiere Mission E Cross Turismo”. It looked like a white oversized Lego model with black plastic parts and blue wheel rims. Was this Porsche’s version of the Toyota Rav4? I was aghast.
And the thing was all electric, flanked by signs bragging it would “quietly and seamlessly integrate into your digital lifestyle.” Was this a cell phone on wheels? Where were the flowing iconic lines of the 911, the brutal exhaust ports of the GT3RS? Where were the blaring howls of the 919s my son and I had thrilled to in Austin last September?
Amidst this confusion, I decided that what really bugged me the most was the lack of sound. Porsche certainly has a rally/off road history that the Cross Turismo could mimic, but not a silent golf cart history. And what about pure racing—the essence of Porsche’s brand? Wasn’t sound vital to the emotion and excitement of LeMans, Daytona, Sebring? Or just as vitally, to enliven daily driving in a world of soulless cars and traffic?
Over my next days at the Show, I questioned Porsche engineers and representatives about the future of sound for the brand. Did they think this was an issue? Was Porsche losing its soul?
I happily discovered that everyone is taking the matter of sound and Porsche seriously. Engineers are intensely focused on what particular sound, in the new hybrid and electric world, will assure the unique driver involvement of a Porsche. There is vigorous debate, even argument, over the path forward. As Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser , Vice President Motorsport and GT cars, told me: “ The future of sound for Porsche is a critical concern. We understand that it is connected to passion and the thrill of racing and sport driving. Our engineers appreciate its importance and we will find answers to satisfy Porsche customers.”
When I pressed for details, Walliser continued, “Whatever answer we find will not be artificial. We will not create sound that is separate from the total feel of the car. We will find a way to capture and perhaps amplify the workings of the performance components of a Porsche sports car.”
While I was more assured, I was not convinced. I kept thinking that, despite the best efforts, the sound of future Porsches would just not be the same. And I still could not force myself to like this odd creation on stage. I could possibly envision a sleek, silent, and beautiful Panamera, but not a boxy off road vehicle with raised suspension and cheap-looking black cladding.
I would have remained grumpy and disdainful but for a wonderfully enlightening conversation I had with a young entrepreneur and former professional racer. As we stood in front of the Cross Turismo, I told him that I thought it was ugly and decidedly un-Porsche, and further was dubious about the lack of sound in it and future Porsches. His comments astounded me. “ My generation does not care much about how “beautiful” a car is. We care about the most modern and efficient technology, and how the car fits our lifestyle. I can certainly see me and my family-to-be enjoying this Porsche for outdoor adventures. Of course I love the performance, but frankly I am ready to give up sound.”
To my surprise, his comments melted my criticisms. He was honestly speaking the truth, and Porsche—certainly through its market research—had correctly discerned his demographic. This car was perfect for an adventurous young generation, for hikers, bikers, climbers, skiers, surfers, paragliders, campers and fun loving families that admire Porsche performance, quality and technology. And perfect for the speed enthusiast who wants the feel the thrust of 600HP as it slams him from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds.
So now, what about the silence of it all? Gradually I began to appreciate that silence and nature--and silence and technology—complement each other perfectly. Who needs the howl and smell of an exhaust when you are in the mountains, or when you are admiring the scenery out of a full front to back glass roof? Or when the interior is filled with cool technology like gauges that turn 3D when your eyes look at them?
Of course I am further assured by knowing that Porsche is not going over the Dark Side of Pure Silence. Sport/sound enthusiasts will still be able to acquire throaty 911s or full-bore howlers like the GT3RS. But for the future, at least in concept, a new generation can also dream of a silent modern masterpiece that fits into and enhances their lifestyles. (And aging journalists can dream about quiet press conferences).
And maybe that dream has already entered the mind of this grumpy old writer who longs to be young and hip. In fact, his computer now has a new screensaver—a silver Mission E Cross Turismo parked alongside a glass-roofed cabin and facing across a silent and tranquil lake into the woods beyond...