Has Porsche design reached a turning point? In this special collaboration episode, 9WERKS Radio joins forces with James and Andy from the Curb & Canyon podcast to dissect the past, present, and high-stakes future of Porsche aesthetics. With the legendary Michael Mauer stepping down after two decades and former McLaren/Bentley designer Tobias Sühlmann taking the reins as the new Head of Style, we ask the big question: where does Porsche design go from here?

The team dives deep into the "Highs and Lows" of the Mauer era—from the redemption of the Panamera and the futuristic Taycan to the challenges of keeping the 911 icon fresh across the 997, 991, and 992 generations. We also tackle the "elephant in the room": the controversial transition to an all-electric lineup and how Sühlmann’s background in hypercars (like the McLaren Solus GT and Bentley Batur) will influence the next generation of Stuttgart’s sports cars.

In this 9WERKS x Curb & Canyon Special:

• The Changing of the Guard: What Tobias Sühlmann’s appointment means for the future of the 911.
• Mauer’s Legacy: Ranking the greatest (and most controversial) designs from 2004–2026.
• The SUV vs. Sports Car Debate: Can Porsche maintain its DNA as it prioritizes the Macan and Cayenne EV?
• Design "Highs & Lows": From the 918 Spyder masterpiece to the models that missed the mark.
• The "McLaren-isation" of Porsche: Discussing the influence of CEO Michael Leiters and the new design direction.

Links & Community

Follow Curb & Canyon: Search for "Curb & Canyon" on your favorite podcast app.

Find your dream Porsche on the 9WERKS Marketplace: 9werks.co.uk/marketplace

Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com

‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.

The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.

Support the show

Is the future of the Porsche community in safe hands? In this episode of 9WERKS Radio, Lee Sibley and Andy Brookes are joined by a selection of younger members from the Driven Not Hidden Collective (DNHC). We explore the passion behind the next generation of owners and how they are navigating the world of modern classic Porsche ownership.

From the affordable entry point of a Porsche 986 Boxster to the dream of owning an air-cooled 911, we discuss what draws a younger demographic to the brand in 2026. Whether it’s the heritage, the engineering, or the "Driven Not Hidden" lifestyle, these enthusiasts prove that the Porsche bug is more contagious than ever.

Inside This Episode: Porsche Passion & The DNHC

Buying Your First Porsche: Navigating the Modern Market

For many young Porsche owners, the path to ownership involves strategic buying. We dive into:

• Entry-level Porsche models: Why the 986 Boxster, 944, and 996 Carrera are the "sweet spots" for new enthusiasts.
• DIY Maintenance: How the next generation is using the internet to keep their cars on the road.
• The Daily Driver Reality: Can you really use a 20-year-old Porsche as your only car?

Heritage vs. Innovation: The Future of the Porsche Brand

We ask our guests what they value most: the analog feel of a manual gearbox or the cutting-edge performance of a Taycan or 992 GT3. We also look at the "Forever Car" — the ultimate dream Porsche they hope to one day have in their garage.

Why the Driven Not Hidden Collective (DNHC) Matters

Community is the backbone of the Porsche world. We discuss why the 9WERKS DNHC is the perfect home for enthusiasts who believe cars are meant to be driven, regardless of age, model, or mileage.

Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com

‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.

The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.

Support the show

What happens when a late-night browse on Collecting Cars goes “wrong”? In this episode, the 9WERKS team – Lee Sibley and Andy Brookes – sit down with former co-host Max Newman to hear the unbelievable story of how he accidentally became the next custodian of James May’s 2010 Porsche 997.2 Carrera S.

From the “fussy” cleaning brush included in the sale to the nerve-wracking moment the hammer fell, Max reveals the reality of buying a celebrity-owned 911, the “purist” spec that tempted him, and why this particular Carrera White 997.2 might just be the perfect daily-driver 911.

Key Discussion Points

• The “Accidental” Bid: Max walks us through the auction process and the moment he realized he was the high bidder on a piece of Top Gear and The Grand Tour history.
• The James May Spec: Why “Captain Slow” chose a manual gearbox, Carrara White paint, and a rare limited-slip differential (LSD).
• Provenance & Detail: A look at the car’s impeccable service history at Porsche Centre West London and why James May included his famous cleaning brush in the sale.
• 997.2 vs. The World: Why the Gen 2 997 remains a “sweet spot” for enthusiasts, blending analog feel with modern DFI engine reliability.
• Living with a Legend: Max’s plans for the car—will it be a “garage queen” or stay true to the 9WERKS “Driven Not Hidden” mantra?

The Car: 2010 Porsche 911 (997.2) Carrera S

• Engine: 3.8L Naturally Aspirated Flat-Six (DFI)
• Power: 380 hp / 310 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (with optional LSD)
• Exterior: Carrara White
• Interior: Ocean Blue Extended Leather
• Key Options: 19-inch Carrera Classic wheels, PASM, BOSE Sound System, and PCM 3.0 with Extended Navigation.

Links & Resources

• Find your next Porsche: 9WERKS Marketplace
• Follow Max Newman: @maxripcor
• Follow 9WERKS: @9.werks
• Sponsor: Special thanks to Heritage Parts Centre. Use code 9WERKS10 for 10% off your order.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.

Support the show