Porsche is preparing for a major leadership transition in its research and development division, with longtime R&D chief Dr. Michael Steiner set to leave his position in May 2027 after more than two decades shaping the German automaker’s engineering strategy. Jörg Bartels has been selected as his successor, bringing more than 26 years of global automotive experience to one of Porsche’s most important leadership roles.
Michael Steiner’s Departure Marks the End of an Era
Steiner, 62, has played a central role in defining Porsche’s technical direction during his extensive tenure on the company’s executive board. His leadership helped bring several major engineering projects to production, including the original Taycan, the high-voltage 800-volt architecture and the T-Hybrid system introduced in the 911 Carrera GTS.
His influence also extended beyond road cars, with Porsche’s motorsport divisions achieving significant success during his time overseeing research and development.
However, Steiner also made difficult strategic decisions involving engineering resources. These included ending the company’s most competitive racing program in selected sectors while redirecting development investment toward Formula E and sustainable consumer technologies.
New R&D Chief Faces Major Engineering Challenges
Porsche has selected Jörg Bartels to replace Steiner next spring. Bartels currently leads global powertrain development at Mercedes-Benz and brings more than 26 years of experience in the international automotive industry.
His background in powertrain engineering will be particularly relevant as Porsche manages an increasingly complex mix of electric and combustion-powered vehicles.
Bartels will take charge of the R&D division following a period of strategic adjustments under Steiner, particularly concerning the global transition toward electrification.
Porsche Adjusts Its Electric and Gasoline Vehicle Strategy
One of Steiner’s most important recent decisions involved adjusting Porsche’s electrification strategy in response to changing consumer demand. With buyers continuing to show interest in gasoline-powered vehicles, the company moved away from some of its stricter electric vehicle targets.
The revised approach allows Porsche to extend the lifecycle of highly profitable combustion-engine models rather than pursuing an exclusively electric-focused direction.
Bartels will be responsible for carrying this dual-powertrain strategy forward while preserving the distinctive driving dynamics associated with the Porsche brand.
Electric Porsche Models Could Gain Simulated Manual Shifting
Among the technical projects initiated by Steiner’s engineering team is an effort to make future high-performance electric vehicles more engaging for drivers.
Engineers are developing advanced software designed to make simulated manual shifting feel authentic in electric performance cars. The project addresses the challenge of recreating a tactile driving experience in vehicles that do not rely on traditional combustion-engine powertrains.
The development highlights Porsche’s efforts to combine digital technology with the mechanical character and driver involvement that remain important to its performance identity.
2027 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Remains a Performance Priority
While Porsche continues developing new electric technologies, its combustion-engine programs remain an important part of its performance strategy.
Recent spy photography shows engineers testing high-performance Weissach package upgrades for the upcoming 2027 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. The development indicates that the company continues to invest in powerful gasoline-powered models designed for track-focused performance.
These projects reflect the continued importance of combustion-engine vehicles within Porsche’s product development plans, even as the automaker advances its electric vehicle technology.
Bartels Inherits Porsche’s Engineering Roadmap
As Steiner prepares to hand over leadership of Porsche’s Weissach development operations, Bartels will inherit an engineering organization managing several major technical priorities.
His responsibilities will include advancing electric performance technologies, maintaining the competitiveness of combustion-powered models and implementing the company’s adjusted electrification strategy.
The leadership transition in May 2027 will place Bartels at the center of Porsche’s efforts to build on Steiner’s engineering legacy while managing the challenges of an evolving automotive powertrain landscape.
