Porsche Project: The Eternal Porsche

The Vision Behind the “Eternal Car”

Porsche Project developed the “eternal car” to face the oil crisis that shook the world.

In 1973, the German brand introduced the Porsche Project FLA at the Frankfurt Motor Show. FLA stands for Forschungsprojekt-Langzeit-Auto, which translates as “Long-Term Automobile Research Project.”

In essence, this project sought to create an eternal automobile, challenging the conventional idea of planned obsolescence in the automotive industry.

Porsche engineers set themselves the challenge of developing a vehicle that could be kept in perfect condition for more than 30 years. This initiative responded directly to the Club of Rome report, which warned about the consequences of unchecked economic growth and the potential depletion of natural resources.

Engineering for Longevity

The FLA engine generated 75 hp and sat in a rear transverse position. It featured a 2.5-liter displacement, and Porsche selected an automatic gearbox to improve reliability and reduce long-term maintenance.

To further enhance sustainability, Porsche engineers opted for a large oil reservoir and aluminum tubes instead of copper, as aluminum is easier to recycle.

The vehicle also used a non-contact ignition system. Additionally, the wiring harnesses were split and removable, allowing technicians to replace only the damaged section instead of the entire system.

Body Design and Materials

The main body of the FLA, although never shown publicly, took the form of a practical hatchback. Engineers built it using aluminum panels and a multi-tubular skeleton, specifically designed to prevent corrosion over time.

Despite lacking modern safety features or luxury accessories, the FLA anticipated recycling and sustainability concepts that have become far more viable today thanks to modern technological advances.

Porsche and the Chinese Sedan Project

In 1994, Porsche received an invitation from the Chinese government to design a four-door sedan for the local market.

This vehicle did not carry the Porsche emblem, yet it represented a significant effort for the brand. At the time, Porsche faced financial concerns due to its heavy reliance on the 911 model.

The sedan measured approximately 4.05 meters and featured a 65 hp gasoline engine, with rumors suggesting a possible turbodiesel version.

Despite Porsche’s commitment, the company failed to obtain a license to enter the Chinese market. Local manufacturers ultimately considered the project too expensive, and it never reached production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

✅ What was Porsche Project FLA?
➡️ Porsche Project FLA was a long-term research initiative launched in 1973 to develop an “eternal car” designed to last over 30 years with minimal maintenance.

✅ Why did Porsche create the “Eternal Porsche”?
➡️ The project responded to the global oil crisis and concerns raised by the Club of Rome about resource depletion and planned obsolescence.

✅ Was the Porsche FLA ever sold to the public?
➡️ No. The FLA remained a research project and was never officially released for public sale.

✅ What made the Porsche FLA different from conventional cars?
➡️ Its focus on durability, recyclability, modular components, and corrosion resistance set it apart from typical production vehicles.

✅ Did Porsche design cars outside its brand identity?
➡️ Yes. In 1994, Porsche designed a four-door sedan for China that did not carry Porsche branding.

✅ Why did Porsche’s Chinese sedan project fail?
➡️ Porsche did not receive a production license, and local manufacturers considered the vehicle too expensive to produce.