Stuttgart, Germany
Porsche has announced a major design studio shuffle that feels a bit like changing the chief conductor of a world-famous orchestra — the music remains classical, but the baton gets a fresh grip.
From February 1, 2026, Tobias Sühlmann (46) will step in as Porsche’s new Head of Design, succeeding Michael Mauer (63), the man who has been shaping Porsche’s visual identity for over two decades. Sühlmann arrives from McLaren, where he served as Chief Design Officer since 2023, bringing with him British supercar flair to Germany’s most iconic sports car brand.
In short: Porsche is getting a new stylist, but the DNA remains pure Stuttgart.
The Man Who Modernised the 911
Michael Mauer joined Porsche in 2004, becoming only the fourth Head of Design in the company’s long history, following legends like Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Anatol Lapine and Harm Lagaay. That alone tells you how rare and influential his role has been.
Under Mauer’s watch, Porsche:
- Modernised the 911 without angering purists (an automotive miracle in itself),
- Launched the Panamera, Porsche’s first-ever sports sedan,
- Designed the futuristic 918 Spyder, and
- Successfully carried Porsche’s design language into the electric era.
Dr. Michael Leiters, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, summed it up perfectly:
“A Porsche must appeal to all the senses – that is Michael Mauer’s leitmotif.”
Which, translated from corporate to human language, means: it must look good, feel good, sound good, and still make your heart beat faster.
Mauer himself reflected on his journey with typical designer calm:
“Timeless design needs both durability and new impulses.”
After 22 years, he’s clearly passing the sketchbook at the right time.
Enter Tobias Sühlmann: From Bugatti to Batur to Porsche
Taking over is Tobias Sühlmann, a designer with a résumé that reads like a supercar hall of fame.
An alumnus of Pforzheim University (yes, the same legendary design school as Mauer), Sühlmann has worked across:
- Volkswagen
- Bugatti
- Aston Martin
- Bentley (where he helped design the ultra-exclusive Batur)
- And most recently McLaren
So yes, the man has literally designed cars that cost more than most people’s houses — and sometimes entire apartment buildings.
Dr. Leiters is confident:
“With his experience in sports and super sports cars, he will further sharpen Porsche’s profile.”
In other words, expect future Porsches to remain elegant, aggressive, and just the right amount of intimidating in your rear-view mirror.
A Generational Shift, Not a Design Revolution
Importantly, this is not a “tear it all down and start again” moment for Porsche. Michael Mauer will continue supporting Sühlmann during a transition period, ensuring continuity.
This is more of a generational handover — like upgrading from a legendary engine to an even more powerful one, while keeping the same iconic silhouette.
Or as Porsche fans might say:
Same soul. New heartbeat.
What This Means for Porsche’s Future
With EVs, digital cockpits, and sustainable materials becoming central to modern cars, the role of a Head of Design today is more complex than ever. It’s no longer just about curves and headlights — it’s about how technology, aerodynamics, luxury and brand heritage blend together.
And with Sühlmann’s experience in hypercars and ultra-luxury models, Porsche’s future designs may become even sharper, more dramatic, and more futuristic — without losing that timeless Porsche identity.
Because at Porsche, even change is carefully engineered.
