Stuttgart/Geneva Show Impressions(long)
Just returned from visits to Stuttgart and Geneva Show--here are some impressions:
The factory in Zuffenhausen was--on the day I took the tour--operating at it usual pace. No visible signs of a slowdown. The new engine room--which will produce all model engines--is enormously impressive, and to me shows the real value of Porsche's financial success. Our young guide was well informed, enthusiastic and set on becoming an engineer at Weissach--another good sign of Porsche's appeal as a company. There was a FL prototype (probably TT) circulating at the factory, but we did not see it.
The museum is visually striking, maybe too much so for my taste. While it is certainly a clean and stunning design, I had the impression that function was following design (to reverse the old Porsche axiom). The cars are arranged on pure white floors, and seem a bit like models in a display case. Having said all of this, I think I should have strolled and dreamed a bit more, and should have checked out the audio head set offered at the entrance. I did like the idea of a working museum (there is a large window into the workshop where cars are being prepared and serviced), and the fact that many of the cars on the display floors are moved in and out for road and track use. If you go, plan for at least a two hour stay, and get the head set (or read more about the museum's purpose and history) to get a more in depth feel for the spirit and history of Porsche.
The Geneva show was more exciting than I feared. I was there for both press days, and the floor was filled with journalists and press conferences. Were it not for "green" cars everywhere, it could have been any of the past years' shows. My favorite cars, in no particular order: the new Mercedes E coupe; a stunning white Veyron GT; the Bentley GT; the new Rolls concept car; the Brabus Smart. I certainly cannot afford some of these super high end cars, but the secret of life is to admire without desiring.
The Porsche stand--even with its new red GT3, seemed a bit uninspired. It could be that Geneva is no longer a real showground for Porsche, or it could just be that Porsche is more about engineering than new concept cars and thrilling changes, but one feels a bit let down especially after seeing other exciting displays around the exhibition halls.
One thing that is striking, however, is the financial success--or at least apparent power--of Porsche under Weidiking. While the Porsche stand may have been understated or lacking in excitement, one cannot not help to notice the breadth of Porsche's reach. As I walked along one entire side of the large upstairs hall, there was VW, Audi, Bentley?, Lamborghini--all somehow now under Porsche's control or influence. What this means for Porsche as a niche sports car company can be debated exhaustively, but one is certainly impressed.
A few parting notes. I found myself next to Weidiking for a considerable length of time in the Porsche press lounge. I was impressed by the fact that he moved around easily and spoke cordially to everyone there, and spent at least 15 minutes talking with the catering staff personnel. I got a nice impression of him--I was happily surprised.
Finally, I saw a Cayenne Turbo S, in almost the exact configuration I have ordered for Leipzig pick up in April, and I am more than out of my mind with excitement!
If ever I collect another new car from the factory in Zuffenhausen then I definitely plan to make a visit to the new museum.
