What The Heck Is Automotive DNA?

Think of a car that’s fun to drive. Then ask someone else to do the same, compare notes, and if your cars are even from the same manufacturer, I’ll eat this laptop.

For me, it’s a Ferrari, because when I was a kid, Ferraris were the ultimate expression of automotive excitement. For others, it might be something quite different, such as a Caterham, or a hot hatchback, or a Porsche not unlike that on these pages. The truth is that, without thinking about it, we all apply a number of parameters when considering what we individually think of as important for such a car. So we decided to apply if not exactly science then at least some thought and reasonably considered criteria to see what we felt mattered most in such a car.


Read Article

MDarringer - 8/28/2017 8:49:12 AM

+5 Boost

The question is too vague and generic. Try:

What is Corvette DNA?
What is Porsche DNA?
etc.

TheSteve - 8/28/2017 12:20:36 PM

+1 Boost

"Automotive DNA" is the term that's sometimes applied to a car's or car brand's illustrious history, which makes it much more desirable to consumers, now.

This can lead to some weird situations, like Porsche, who makes insane profit per vehicles and has options like $870 for a painted climate control panel (about the size of your hand), and Mercedes Benz, who used to make only prestigious luxury sedans but now have "new vehicle defects" numbers about the same as Ford's.

TheSteve - 8/28/2017 3:17:35 PM

+1 Boost

fiftysix: If someone buys a car "for the name" (e.g., BMW because it's The Ultimate Driving Machine, or Mercedes because it's built "Like No Other", or Lexus for its legendary reliability), then yes, I'd think of them as a "brand snob," or perhaps buying into a "larger than life" reputation that arguably does not translate into "product reality."

But if someone gets a 'Vette because it performs like a Ferrari for a fraction of the price, or they get a Porsche Carrera as a great sport car *and* a nice daily driver, then I would not consider them a "brand snob" or buying into the "automotive DNA" mindset.

In *my* mind, it's a question of whether you're buying into a legendary story (the "automotive DNA") or what the product actually is.

P930 - 8/28/2017 5:30:36 PM

0 Boost

Perhaps I am wrong, but it seems like no one has read the original referenced article which is actually quite good. It discusses the various factors that determine how much "fun" a car is to own. The DNA mentioned is the totality of these factors and which modern car(s) best meet these criteria. I agree with the author's assessment except for his elimination of convertibles, and would prefer a Boxster over the Cayman, and an MX-5 Convertible over the MX-5 RF.

MDarringer - 8/28/2017 8:59:20 PM

+2 Boost

The article was vapid and pointless.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/28/2017 10:12:23 PM

+1 Boost

Back in the day you could say Porsche's DNA was tied up in the following:

Silhouette of the 911
Key on the left side for Le Mans
Sound of the flat six engine
Odd gear box pattern
Gauge arrangement
Great steering feel

Some of these attributes are still true today.

pcar4evr - 8/29/2017 2:31:23 PM

+1 Boost

You're post lists some of the classic Porsche features - IMO, Porsche DNA is more about cars that do everything so well that they feel like an extension of your mind and body. I personally have never driven anything that year after year seem to have this amazing ability to cover ground very quickly, with comparatively small engines, and to do so in surprising comfort. As an example, even with standard suspension (not adaptive dampers) and 20" wheels, the 718 has amazing handling AND great ride quality. Try that wheels size/suspension combination in an Audi TT and you'll immediately understand that Porsche suspension guys know something that other manufacturers haven't figured out. That's DNA.

TheSteve - 8/29/2017 7:04:05 PM

+2 Boost

Just to add to what pcar4evr wrote, check out (unbiased) reviews of Porsche's PDK dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Their near universal reaction is (paraphrased): "Leave it in automatic and it reads your mind, always doing the right thing."

This *might* be an exaggeration, but it sure sounds like Porsche manages to make a superb dual-clutch automatic transmission that truly delivers on the potential benefits.