Lightweight repair expertise

For us, there's only one standard when repairing lightweight bodyshells. The Porsche standard.

We've been championing the sports car concept since 1948.
And controlling every gram.

Lightweight design. A feature of the very first Porsche: the 356/1. And of every Porsche sports car which has followed since – and will follow in the future.

Porsche bodyshell architecture has always been of crucial importance for the overall vehicle concept. After all, the selective use of lightweight bodyshell materials reduces the vehicle weight and optimises weight distribution, which improves acceleration, driving dynamics, stability and braking, thereby ensuring maximum driving pleasure and optimum performance.

Continuous development.
Also applies to lightweight bodies and lightweight bodyshell repair.

One of Porsche's major strengths is its creativity. So for us, no-one can remember things ever standing still, even in the body shop. On the contrary, this is where Porsche has developed its unique bodyshell series production – from the tried and tested smart lightweight steel bodies to the so-called multi-material mix. The difference: whilst the lightweight steel bodies primarily use steel and aluminium components, the multi-material mix bodyshells are made from a variety of materials, such as aluminium and carbon. And this makes them more complex, also in terms of repair. The weight saving is therefore enormous, as demonstrated by the current 911 (Type 991)* for example, whose bodyshell weighs around 14% less than that of its predecessor. Yet we continue to work on every single gram.

But what does multi-material mix mean for you in terms of bodyshell repair? Basically, the same as always: Porsche Service is your professional partner for all your lightweight bodyshell work. We're here if you need us. In short, we call this lightweight repair expertise.

When repairing Porsche vehicles, we're not concerned with quantity, but with quality.

If they're damaged, new vehicle technologies require new diagnostic and repair procedures. Because the new materials and assembly methods also make the repair more challenging. In the case of traditional steel bodies, the diagnostics are carried out using gauges on the straightening bench, whilst multi-material mix bodies are measured digitally – using extremely low measuring tolerances. And welding is also no longer the leading assembly method. It is increasingly being replaced by bonding and riveting.

Example 911 (Type 991)*: compared to the Type 997, the number of welding points has been reduced by around 50%. More than 2,000 punched rivets are now used (Type 997: 0), together with over 120m of adhesive joints (Type 997: 12m).

So with all this complexity, who better to perform these repairs than those who designed and built the vehicles?

After all, we have no lack of expertise. We have over 70 years' experience in repairing Porsche vehicles. Yet we never rest on our laurels. Porsche Service includes ongoing employee development, by means of both training programmes for qualified body shop technicians, and the provision of comprehensive process documentation aimed at guaranteeing repair quality. These training programmes impart expert knowledge of the new assembly methods, such as clinching, bonding and punching, for example, together with new diagnostic procedures.

To ensure that the adhesives used on structural components can harden, all Porsche workshops are fitted with thermostats. Our Porsche Centres also have modern workshop equipment – for example, an electronic measuring system for accurate diagnostics, specifically for minor to moderate damage. Today's measuring tolerance is +/– 1 mm – compared to the previously used +/– 5 mm. After all, repairs are performed using defined processes. This is how the value, safety and driving characteristics are preserved.

Incidentally: if your Porsche Centre does not have its own body shop, it will work with an approved partner which is trained and audited in accordance with Porsche guidelines and performs repairs on our behalf – to Porsche standards. Of course, even in this case, your Porsche Centre remains your point of contact.

How do we add value?
By providing additional services.

So as to ensure that your visit to our workshop is as efficient and smooth as possible, your Porsche Centre will be happy to invoice your insurance company directly. And, if necessary, we will of course provide a replacement vehicle.