A best selling book titled "
Aesthetics, or styling has become an accepted
unique selling point--on a global basis. Functionality still matters. But competition has pushed quality so high and prices so low that many manufacturers can no longer distinguish themselves with price and performance. In a crowed marketplace, aesthetics is often the only way to make a product standout. Quality and price may be absolutes, but tastes still vary, and not every manufacturer has already learned to make products that appeal to the senses." Porsche reverting to its old 993 styling and not distinguishing their cars seem to be violating this concept. They did improve fuctionality.
More importantly is the concept "making special" Here is what the author had to say on the subject;
A theorist defines art as making special a behavior designed to be ' sensorily and emotionally gratifying and more than strictly necessary (my emphasis) Making special is universal and innate a part of human beings evolved biological nature.
And here is the critical point having spent a century or more focused primarily on other goals---solving manufacturing problems, lowering costs, making goods and services widely available, increasing convenience, saving energy--we are increasing engaged in making our world special. More people in more aspects of life are drawing pleasure and meaning from the way their persons, places and thinks look and fell. Whenever we have a chance, were adding sensory, emotional appeal to function"
Exclusivity and specialness do matter and we all strive for it though some are loath to acknowledge that fact. Mass producing Porsches does not add to specialness. I provide these nuggets of wisdom to my friends at Porsche free of charge.