we all know that a car, no matter if it is a series model or a race car, is the result of infinite design studies and engineering work. It all starts with sketches, and just a very small percentage of them become reality. And nothing else is true for a high-end car manufacturer like Porsche. Michael Mauer, head of design at Porsche, leads a team of close to 120 designers. Thousands of designs are hidden for the public in drawers and archives.
In “Porsche Unseen”, Michael Mauer opens the doors to the secret design archives of Porsche. “Porsche Unseen” unveils some of the most insane, outrageous, extraordinary, fascinating, or surprising concept cars created under his direction. Photographer Stefan Bogner was exclusively allowed to take pictures in the Porsche Design sanctum, aha-experiences guaranteed. The Porsche DNA is recognizable in any of the models shown, despite being completely different from the Porsches we know. Stefan Bogner took photos of all of them – either as models or ready to drive. Jan Baedeker was responsible for the text, completing the information that goes along with the pictures.
The 15 cars that are unveiled in “Porsche Unseen” are divided into 4 categories, each in its own chapter. The “Spin-offs” and “Little Rebels” may look very familiar, as they are modern versions of cars once actually produced by Porsche. These include the Porsche Boxster Bergspyder, the Porsche Le Mans Living Legend, the Porsche Vision Safari. The Porsche 904 Living Legend and Porsche Vision Spyder remind us visibly of the Porsche 904 and Porsche 550 Spyder.
Watching the period pictures of the ‘original’ of these concepts, you’ll immediately know where the inspiration came from. “The Hypercars” undoubtedly remind you of the cars like the Porsche 919 Hybrid, the Porsche 918. The concept car inspired by the legendary Porsche 917 was unveiled previously, at the exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 917.
Conclusion
“Porsche Unseen” is an extraordinary expedition of discovery through the world of Porsche Design!
It explains to the reader how an idea transforms from a simple sketch to a 1:1 hard model or even prototype. The stunning photographs by Stefan Bogner. It is a very informative, and wonderful coffee-table book. The text is bi-lingual (German / English).
At a price of €68.00, you won’t be disappointed.
Buy the book at
Amazon USA
Amazon UK
Amazon Germany
Amazon France
Amazon Netherlands
BOL.com
Delius Klasing Verlag Gmbh
November 12, 2020
Hardcover
328 pages / 190 pictures
German / English
978-3-667-11980-3
