Porsche expands R&D center

Porsche is implementing a long-term strategic plan for its research and development centre in Weissach, near Stuttgart, Germany, with the announcement of an extensive construction project.

The sports car manufacturer is investing around 150 million euros in the expansion, which will see the creation of a new wind tunnel, a state-of-the-art design centre and an innovative electronics integration centre.

The technology implemented in the new wind tunnel will meet future requirements for vehicle development, which are increasingly focusing on energy efficiency. "The new facility will help us to maintain the top position of Porsche in the fields of aerodynamics and design, and to further extend our lead," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG. “Outstanding design with optimal aerodynamic efficiency has always been a classic Porsche stronghold."

The wind tunnel will be used not only for specific Porsche developments, but also for the many external projects the experts at Porsche are often contracted to consult upon. Thus, it offers direct access from the adjacent design studio and via separate entrances for the discrete completion of customer development projects.

In support of this, a new studio will offer more space for the Porsche designers who are involved from the very earliest concept phase of each vehicle development process. Due to extended tasks, this increased capacity is urgently required at Weissach for sports car development.

Sub-areas which were previously arranged within several buildings at Weissach will in the future be hosted together in the new electronics integration centre. "This spatial proximity is a major advantage. The close interaction of our suppliers' various electrical system and electronics experts together with colleagues from related specialist fields during development will contribute significantly to the success of our work, particularly in the case of electronics, which now play a role in virtually every vehicle component." Wolfgang Dürheimer added.

Besides investing in systems and buildings, Porsche is also increasing its staffing levels. Around 100 engineers are to be recruited in the first stage and will be deployed, for example, in the further development and optimization of alternative drive concepts, or cooperate in new vehicle projects such as the 918 Spyder super sports car.