Model facelift upgrades: when are they planned?
Discussion
Was just thinking in the shower this morning, given the amount of engineering that has to go into adding an option/changing something on a performance car like a Porsche and still have it reliable/up to standard, does anyone know when the people there start making desisions as to what the .2 version of the car will have? Anyone have any ideas? Anyone actually been involved in those sort of decisions at a manufacturer?
e.g. for the engine power hike that invariably comes, I suspect they know at the time of the .1's release and "under engineer" it so that squeezing at extra 20bhp out of it is no probs. Whereas things like changing a bumper I imagine would happen very late in the game.
Those 2 examples are easy, but what about people who think that rear wheel steer, hydraulic steering, 6 speed proper 'box might be (or would like it if they were) available think? Could Porsche for instance drop in a 6 speed 'box at a year's notice based on public feedback?
e.g. for the engine power hike that invariably comes, I suspect they know at the time of the .1's release and "under engineer" it so that squeezing at extra 20bhp out of it is no probs. Whereas things like changing a bumper I imagine would happen very late in the game.
Those 2 examples are easy, but what about people who think that rear wheel steer, hydraulic steering, 6 speed proper 'box might be (or would like it if they were) available think? Could Porsche for instance drop in a 6 speed 'box at a year's notice based on public feedback?
I think things like bumpers are planned well in advance.
Take the 997 gen 1 GT3 front bumper, very similar in design to the 991 GT3 gen 1.
The 997 gen 2 GT3 front was made smoother and less fussy looking by removing 2 x small air intakes.
I can't help thinking the 991 gen 2 GT3 front will follow the same pattern.
Just IMO.
Take the 997 gen 1 GT3 front bumper, very similar in design to the 991 GT3 gen 1.
The 997 gen 2 GT3 front was made smoother and less fussy looking by removing 2 x small air intakes.
I can't help thinking the 991 gen 2 GT3 front will follow the same pattern.
Just IMO.
I would imagine that lifecycle of a model is planned out at the very beginning. It is expected that there will be at least one 'facelift' during this cycle and it is needed of course to give people a reason to change.
Porsche seem to have it nailed, they just up everything by 5%, smooth a few things out and add the things that were not ready for the first car.
And of course, it gives them a chance to 'release' the new car to the press and all of the media that comes with that.
Porsche seem to have it nailed, they just up everything by 5%, smooth a few things out and add the things that were not ready for the first car.
And of course, it gives them a chance to 'release' the new car to the press and all of the media that comes with that.
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