Porsche Registers 919 Name, Fueling Speculation on Future Model
Porsche has secured the 919 name with German authorities, prompting industry talk about its plans for new models between the 911 and 918 Spyder.
Porsche has officially registered the 919 name with the German patent office, indicating the company is preparing to use the badge on a future model. The move comes as Porsche’s management has already signalled plans for four new vehicles by 2018, intensifying speculation about the brand’s next steps in its sports car line-up.
The 919 registration has not yet been linked to a specific vehicle, but the timing coincides with Porsche’s stated intent to expand its portfolio. Company CEO Matthias Müller recently confirmed the four-model plan, though he stopped short of naming which projects would reach production first. Among the options under discussion is a sports car that would slot between the 911 and the 918 Spyder, a gap in the range that Porsche has openly considered filling.
Possible directions for the 919 badge
Porsche’s recent trademark activity mirrors moves by other manufacturers looking to secure names ahead of product launches. The 919 name could be used for a high-performance coupé, a hybrid, or even a motorsport-inspired road car, but the company has not confirmed any details. Industry observers have noted the 918 Spyder’s imminent production debut, as well as the development of the Macan crossover and a potential smaller saloon known internally as Pajun.
- 911: Porsche’s core sports car, with a wide range of variants.
- 918 Spyder: Limited-production hybrid hypercar, nearing market launch in 2013.
- Macan: Compact SUV, expected to arrive by late 2014.
- Pajun: Rumoured entry-level saloon, not yet officially confirmed.
The 919 name could logically fit a new model intended to bridge the gap between the 911 and the 918 Spyder, though Porsche has not commented on specific plans. The company’s history of using numbers for its sports cars and racing prototypes leaves the door open to several possibilities, including a motorsport connection. Porsche has previously used similar numerical designations for its Le Mans prototypes, such as the 917 and 962, and the 919 could follow this tradition if it is used for a race-derived road car or a new competition entry.
Next steps and industry context
With no official announcement on the 919’s application, the registration is likely a strategic move to secure the name for future use. Porsche’s competitors, including BMW and Toyota, have made similar filings ahead of new product launches or concept reveals. The company’s expansion plans also include SUVs and saloons, but the 919 name is more likely to be reserved for a performance model given its heritage and numerical lineage.
