5 Minutes
Porsche at a crossroad — and a fantasy flagship
Porsche is juggling the future of its sports-car DNA. On one hand the brand is accelerating into electrification: the second-generation Macan is now electric-only and the latest Cayenne has been introduced in battery-powered form. On the other, reports of internal disagreement suggest Porsche is reconsidering how far — and how fast — it should push dedicated EV sports cars.
News that the 718 Cayman and Boxster were removed from Porsche's online configurator has only fuelled speculation that the company may pause or alter EV development for its mid-engined range. If true, Porsche would be weighing a costly course correction: shelving near-complete EV programs versus reengineering the 718s for ICE and hybrid drivetrains, mirroring the multi-powertrain approach used for the 911.
The 969: a CGI idea that imagines a new rank above the 911
Enter a different kind of conversation — one shaped in pixels rather than boardrooms. Thibault Devauze, Chief Designer at GAC Milano and a prolific virtual artist on social media (thibaultdevauzedesign), recently resurfaced an old concept: the Porsche 969. Originally conceived in 2013 and modelled in 2019, Devauze fully remastered the project last year and decided now was the right moment to share it.
This unofficial design imagines a model positioned above the iconic Porsche 911 Turbo — a halo sports car that retains Porsche character while stretching the brand’s visual and performance language into a more extreme territory.
Two design directions
Devauze presented two variants of the 969 concept:
- A direction that closely follows contemporary Porsche cues — clean proportions, round headlights interpreted through modern LED signatures, and muscular haunches.
- A more futuristic take that pushes aerodynamic sculpting, sharper light graphics, and aggressive intakes.
Both versions read like a proper sports car rather than a comfort-focused grand tourer, signaling intent: the 969 would be focused on performance, driver engagement, and a clear visual distinction from the 911.
Performance, positioning and automotive context
While the 969 remains a CGI exercise, it asks important strategic questions: should Porsche develop a new flagship above the 911? If so, what powertrain philosophy should it adopt in an era dominated by EVs, hybrids and intense competition from high-performance PHEVs like the Lamborghini Revuelto and the Ferrari 849?
Key imagined highlights (artist's fiction, not factory specs):
- A focused two-seat sports car layout
- Multiple powertrain possibilities: high-output hybrid or a bespoke electrified package
- Design tuned for downforce and track use, yet street-legal comfort
Quote from the designer: 'Time to reveal this unseen project' — a reminder that many creative automotive ideas live for years before they see the light of day.
Why it matters
Porsche's product choices affect more than just its badge: they shape market perception, dealer strategies and the appetite of enthusiasts. The 969 concept taps into a segment seeking ultra-performance halo cars that blend innovation with heritage. Even as electric rivals from China and new PHEV supercars change buyer expectations, there's still a strong market for halo models that offer emotional, aspirational appeal.
• For fans: the 969 is a visual and conceptual wish-list for what Porsche could offer beyond the 911. • For the company: it’s a reminder that design-led concepts can influence future product strategy.
Final thoughts
The Porsche 969 will remain a striking what-if until (and unless) a manufacturer decides to commit to such a model. Yet in an era where electrification and tradition collide, CGI concepts like Devauze's serve a useful purpose: they keep the conversation alive about brand identity, performance hierarchy, and the shape of sports cars to come.
What do you think? Should Porsche pursue a flagship above the 911, and should it be electric, hybrid, or combustion-based? Share your views — the discussion is part of the sport.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
mechbyte
Love the 969 CGI, pure wishful thinking. Porsche needs a halo, but please not another heavy EV GT... Keep it raw and driver focused, pls
v8rider
Is this even true? Taking the 718 off the configurator screams indecision. If they ditch the mid engine ethos, fans will be furious. Hybrid ok but not forced EV
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