ANDREAS PREUNINGER

The boss of Porsche's GT division has fashioned a sports car winning streak like no other... what's his secret?

- WORDS JETHRO BOVINGDON PHOTOGRAPHY MARK RICCIONI

It’s not often I’m disappointed by anything Andreas Preuninger says.

His official job title is project manager GT vehicles but you could also call him Godfather of all the Porsches you really, really want: GT3, GT3 RS, S/T, GT4 RS, Boxster Spyder RS, GT2 RS... you get the picture. He’s a dude. And I love talking 911s or just cars generally with him. But when I ask about his dream ‘no rules forget emissions go crazy’ project, he stutters for a few moments and then basically says, “The S/T and the GT3 RS.” Not exactly a revelation... upon reflection, though, it's the perfect answer. And the only one he could give.

Why? Well, the 911 in general and the motorsport division cars in particular are about relentless evolution. Incremental gains chased ruthlessly, the interrogation of every single detail to strive for perfection. This philosophy isn’t just born of all the challenges facing the teams engineering sports cars these days – noise and emissions legislation, for example. It’s intrinsic to the very DNA of the GT department cars and those who lovingly and diligently hone every dynamic facet. So, conceiving of something outside of this process for Preuninger is pointless.

The answer reveals a fundamental truth about the man and the philosophy of the GT department: forget fantasyland, don’t lament ever tightening regulations and just get on with making the 911 formula as exciting, intense and enjoyable as possible. What could be more fun than an S/T and GT3 RS, respectively the latest and greatest road and track products developed under his watchful eye? Well, they haven't figured that out yet.