Green Day – A Very Porsche Kind of Future

Porsche, a myth. The first Porsche 911 was presented 63 years ago. The 911 became a cult which exists to this day. How can a brand with values built on tradition face the future?

He says: With the Cayenne Electric!

She says:  Are you serious? You know there are people like me who fall in love with old cars before they’ve even turned the key. The shape, the details, the nostalgia — I love all of it. Although, admittedly, I also love how much easier driving has become.

He says: Absolutely. I am convinced that this is the future of mobility. The future looks pretty bright, or in this case even pretty green. To be precise monteverdemetallic green. How do you like this colour?

She says: Brilliant. That colour alone could convince me. It’s actually my favourite colour right now. I told you: I’m into looks and design. I might not know what’s happening under the bonnet, but I know beauty when I see it.

He says: Ok, lets get back to the roots. The 911. I get it. It’s still around. Its customers are so in love with its shape, or maybe just very conservative, that it had to be almost unchanged. Well apart from almost doubling in size and weight. I remember when the first Cayenne came out in 2002. The Porsche community was in utter shock. And look what happened? 25 years later you see more Cayennes in Zürich than VW Golf.

She says: Yes, it’s the Yummy Mummy car! School run, skiing, luggage, children, dog — everything goes in. And then the husband suddenly discovers he needs it for golf, his bike, a weekend away… Funny how that happens.

He says: People got to like the „non sportscar“ or as it is officially called the „Sport Utility Vehicle“. The Cayenne is a story of success. Period. And I believe that the Cayenne Electric will also be. Right now? Well, this will take time. Electric cars are a revolution. And a lot of people aren’ t comfortable with changes in a short amount of time. Are you?

She says: I think people will adapt faster than you expect. Look at the Cayenne itself: people were horrified, and now nobody gives it a second thought. This one has everything a family needs, but also works for traveling, carrying half your life around — and it’s an SUV. Honestly, it was born cool.

He says: I love both Porsche worlds. The old one, of course. Because I drive a 40 years old Porsche 928. But back in the late 70s the 928 created as much controversy amongst the die-hard 911 fans as does this Cayenne Electric today. And I was ready for it. As a 12 year old my wallet was not.

She says: And now you have the wallet — but you’ve lost the fresh mind. And the hair, on top of it!

He says: Beatrice, lets step into the futuristic present. We drove the Cayenne Electric for a week. What are your thoughts?

She says: Annoyingly, I liked it. I thought I’d miss the noise, the drama, the feeling of a proper engine — but I didn’t. It’s fast, ridiculously comfortable and has enough space for children, shopping bags, sport gear and all the other things we apparently cannot leave home without. It is very wide, though. Zürich parking garages suddenly feel like they were designed for bicycles. But after a week? Give me the green one.

He says: Do you know that there is something even more futuristic than this car? It is called Porsche wireless charging. There is a charging pad which you can put in your garage. When you come home, just park your Cayenne electric over it and it will charge your car without having to plug it in. That is the future my dear!

And then there’s the head-up display. Your speed and other information appear directly in your field of vision on the windscreen — technology originally associated with fighter jets.

She says: OK. So the car charges itself while it’s parked and apparently I’m flying an F-16 while driving it. I need a moment.

He says: OK, let’s get back to the present. The Cayenne Electric is expected to offer more than 600 km of range, so this isn’t just a city car or a technological toy. You can actually travel with it.

She says: Good. Because if I’m buying the green one, I’m not stopping every 200 km for coffee.

He says: You’re buying it?

She says: I thought I was waiting for you. You’re the one who finally has the wallet.