Through extensive construction projects, Porsche is implementing a long-term strategic site plan for its research and development centre in Weissach, Germany. The sports car manufacturer is investing around 150-million euros (CDN$200-million) in a high-tech wind tunnel, a state-of-the-art design centre and an innovative electronics integration centre.
The technology implemented in the new wind tunnel will also meet future requirements on vehicle development, which is increasingly focussing on energy efficiency.
“The new system will help us to maintain Porsche’s top position in the fields of aerodynamics and design and to further extend our lead,” said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Porsche AG Board of Management Member for Research and Development. “Outstanding design with optimal aerodynamic efficiency has always been classic Porsche strongholds.”
The system will not only be used for Porsche’s internal developments, but will also be extensively available for Porsche customer development, it offers direct access from the adjacent design studio, and separate entrances for the discrete completion of customer development projects.
Above all, 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, increased capacities are urgently required in the Weissach centre of competence for sports car construction.
Sub-areas which were previously scattered throughout several buildings at Porsche’s Weissach site can be bundled in the future electronics integration centre.
Besides investing in systems and buildings, Porsche is also increasing its staffing levels. Around 100 engineers are to be recruited in the first stage alone.