If you love cars, even a little bit, you know Porsche is not just about speed. It’s about how a car feels when you look at it. That feeling is about to slowly change. Porsche has confirmed a new person will now decide how future Porsche cars look and feel. His name is Tobias Sühlmann, and he is stepping into one of the most important creative roles in the car world.
This is not a small update or a routine company move. Porsche rarely changes its design leadership, which makes this news stand out. Fans, designers, and even rival car brands are paying attention. Something new is coming, but what exactly? That’s what everyone wants to know.
Who Is Tobias Sühlmann and Why Porsche Chose Him
Tobias Sühlmann is not a new face in the car design world, but for many Porsche fans, his name may sound unfamiliar. He has spent almost two decades working behind the scenes at some of the world’s most respected car brands. He started his career at Volkswagen, where he learned how large car companies think and operate.
Later, Sühlmann worked with Bugatti, a brand where details matter more than anything else. After that, he moved to Aston Martin, known for emotional and elegant designs, and then to Bentley, where luxury and tradition play a huge role. Most recently, he was the Chief Design Officer at McLaren Automotive, working on high-performance and limited-run supercars. Sühlmann's sudden departure has triggered a 'Design War' between the two brands, leaving McLaren in a desperate search for a new leader after Porsche effectively poached their top creative mind.
Porsche believes this wide experience makes him the right person to guide the brand into its next design era, especially as cars move toward electric power and new technologies.
Michael Mauer’s Long 21-Year Porsche Journey Ends
Before talking about the future, it’s important to understand the past. Michael Mauer has been Porsche’s Head of Design for over 21 years, which is an extremely long time in the car industry. During his time, Porsche stayed true to its classic look while still moving forward.
Mauer was responsible for shaping modern versions of the 911, one of the most iconic sports cars ever made. He also played a key role in designing the Panamera, Porsche’s first four-door sedan, which was risky at the time but later became a success. Perhaps his most daring achievement, however, was acting as the "godfather" of the Taycan; he proved that Porsche's soul could not only survive the move to electric power but define it. This emphasizes that he didn't just protect the past; he built the electric future.
Many people inside Porsche describe Mauer as someone who protected the brand’s soul. His exit marks the end of a very stable design era, and naturally, it brings both excitement and a little nervous feeling among fans.
Why This Design Change Is Such a Big Moment for Porsche
Design at Porsche is not just about looks. It affects how drivers connect emotionally with the car. A small change in headlights, body lines, or interior layout can completely change how a Porsche feels. That’s why Porsche has only had five design chiefs in its entire history.
Tobias Sühlmann now joins a very short and respected list of designers who shaped Porsche’s identity over decades. The timing is also important. Porsche is expanding its electric lineup, updating SUVs, and preparing new generations of sports cars. All these future models will now carry Sühlmann’s design thinking.
This doesn’t mean Porsche will suddenly look unrecognizable. The brand is very careful. But over time, sharper ideas, new materials, and modern details are expected to appear.
What Could Change in Future Porsche Cars
Porsche has not revealed any specific design plans yet, and that’s normal. Big brands rarely talk openly about future design directions. Still, based on Sühlmann’s past work, some things are likely.
He has experience balancing heritage with innovation, which Porsche values deeply. Expect clean lines, strong proportions, and more focus on aerodynamics, especially for electric models. Interior design may also evolve, with better use of screens without losing the driver-focused layout Porsche is known for.
Another area to watch is limited-edition and high-performance models. Sühlmann’s McLaren background suggests he understands exclusivity and emotional design, which could influence Porsche’s halo cars in the coming years.
Why Porsche Took This Step Now
Leadership changes usually happen for a reason. Porsche is at a turning point. Electric vehicles are growing fast, design competition is stronger than ever, and younger buyers expect modern styling without losing brand identity.
Company leaders have said this is the right moment to bring in new creative energy while still respecting Porsche’s roots. Michael Mauer will support the transition for a short time, ensuring continuity. That makes this change feel planned, not rushed.
For Porsche fans, this is not about fear. It’s about curiosity. The brand has survived many changes before, and this one could shape how Porsche looks for the next 15 to 20 years.
Porsche’s New Design Chief Tobias Sühlmann Important Facts
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Conclusion
This is one of those updates that may not feel huge today, but years later, people will look back and say, “That’s where it started.” Porsche’s design future is now in new hands, and the journey ahead looks quietly exciting.
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Source(Image / Thumbnail): topgir.com.ua
