Michael Mauer started in 2004 as the fourth Head of Design in Porsche’s history. His predecessors were Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Anatol Lapine and Harm Lagaay. Mauer studied automotive design at the Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences and came to Porsche via positions at Mercedes, Smart and Saab. At the beginning of his tenure at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, he was responsible for the revision of the Cayenne, the new Panamera and the 918 Spyder sports car.

“Timeless design needs both: durability and new impulses. In view of Porsche’s strategic realignment, now is a good time to bring new perspectives to the design as well. It was a great pleasure and honor for me to be able to help shape and develop Porsche’s design philosophy over such a long period of time,” said Mauer.

Sühlmann also studied at the University of Applied Sciences in Pforzheim. The future Head of Design started at Volkswagen in 2005 and then moved to Bugatti. As Head of Exterior Design, he went to Aston Martin before working for McLaren for the first time. At Bentley, he was later “significantly” involved in the design of the Batur. In September 2023, he joined McLaren as Chief Design Officer.