Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG (Porsche AG)
Wenn der Vater Dr. Wolfgang Porsche heißt und man endlich dessen Carrera GT fahren möchte...
Der Aufsichtsratsvorsitzende der Porsche AG Dr. Wolfgang Porsche und sein Sohn Ferdinand sprechen mit mir über ihre ersten ...
About Wolfgang Porsche
In a 2018 interview for his 75th birthday, Wolfgang Porsche discussed his favorite Porsche models. He stated that while success cannot be planned, the 911 has proven itself over 50 years through continuous development. He also remarked that it is important not to constantly change cars, noting that while the 911’s form is altered, the changes are often invisible and the basic shape remains the same. Porsche commented on newer models, expressing enthusiasm for the Panamera Hybrid plug-in, which he linked to his grandfather’s early hybrid technology. He described an older Carrera model as a "wolf in sheep's clothing" due to its sporty nature and understated appearance.
Transcript (13 segments)
W
Wolfgang Porsche0:07
After high school, I got a Porsche. My father said if I started studying, I would have to give it back. I studied in Vienna and got a Beetle. I installed a 95 hp Porsche engine with disc brakes and halogen lights. I loved that car because it was so fast it could keep up with a 190 Mercedes. I sold it to a friend who put a tow hitch on it. I warned him it would overheat, but he drove to the Adriatic with a boat behind, and the engine overheated. After three weeks, the new owner crashed into a tram on Mariahilfer Strasse. The car was totaled.
I
Interviewer1:51
I got an A3 for my graduation. I kept it well. Getting my driver's license felt like freedom, almost like graduating. Suddenly you can go wherever you want. The A3 is a good car for an 18-year-old. My first driving experiences were with a Haflinger and a Beetle. I once drove the Haflinger into a wall. I never dared to steal the keys. I always asked. The Carrera GT took a long time before I could drive it. I was 23 or 24 when I was allowed. Now I'm trusted and can drive almost anything. The problem is I drive too fast. I'm glad he's in Salzburg because all the tickets come to me. I'm afraid of getting another citation.
W
Wolfgang Porsche4:28
Funny story: the Carrera GT is very sensitive. Mr. Dürrheimer told me not to wear leather shoes but driving shoes because the clutch is delicate. I stalled it the first time. He always said not to ride the clutch. The first clutch didn't last long.
I
Interviewer6:03
Driving with start-stop traffic is difficult. I made a little book of my Großglockner drives from 2017 to 2019. I drove two GT3s and even both at over 300 km/h. You really need a completely empty three-lane highway to enjoy it.
W
Wolfgang Porsche7:53
One of my favorite cars is the 993 Turbo S. I have two now. They are so nimble. The new GT3s are huge. The 356 is also special—it's the beginning. I have two 2-liter Carreras. The cars from your youth are the ones you always cherish. That's why the 993 is important to me. It was the first car I went over 300 km/h in, as a passenger.
I
Interviewer10:04
Speaking of speed, why didn't your grandfather race? Is it because a successful man stands by his Porsche?
W
Wolfgang Porsche10:17
My father didn't want us to race. He emphasized skill over speed. I remember a Porsche meeting in 1963 when I tried a car with studded tires on dry asphalt. My father gave me a lecture because that's deadly. He didn't stop us from learning to drive early, but racing wasn't encouraged. He wanted to protect us.
I
Interviewer11:49
My father accompanied him? Not anymore.
W
Wolfgang Porsche11:57
I am very happy. I have three sons and a daughter. One is a neurologist, one studies architecture, Felix is writing his bachelor's, and Steffi studied design. They are doing well.
I
Interviewer12:38
Your father also had that point of medium maturity? No interest?
W
Wolfgang Porsche12:42
I had no interest, but maybe it was almost too late. He didn't forbid Formula 1. We learned to drive early at 13 or 14. He just wanted to make sure we didn't become racers.
I
Interviewer13:20
From both you and mom, it wasn't the dream job for us, but in hindsight it's funny. Few know that, and I understand. We have racing licenses except Felix.
W
Wolfgang Porsche13:51
I enjoy the Ennstal Classic. It's about skill and navigation. I'm happy when I can enjoy the landscape.