{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"9WERKS Awards 2026 is GO… with Porsche design legend Grant Larson!","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/9werks-awards-2026-is-go-with-porsche-design-legend-grant-larson","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/883537/episodes/18850832-9werks-awards-2026-is-go-with-porsche-design-legend-grant-larson.mp3","description":"What does it take to design a legend? In this very special episode of 9WERKS Radio, we are joined by a true titan of Weissach and our 2026 Awards Guest of Honour: Grant Larson.Having officially retired at the start of 2026 after 36 years at Porsche, Grant joins Lee and Andy to reflect on a career that saved the company and defined the dreams of generations. From the original 986 Boxster Concept that rescued Porsche in the 90s to the poster-child Carrera GT and the \"return to form\" 997, Grant shares the behind-the-scenes stories from the design studio.The 2026 9WERKS Awards: Alongside Grant, we officially introduce the 2026 9WERKS Awards. We celebrate the cars, the specialists, and the community members who have defined the \"Driven Not Hidden\" philosophy over the last twelve months. Who will DNHC members reard for excellence in 2026?In this episode, we discuss:36 Years at Weissach: Grant Larson on his journey from the 989 to the 992 Sport Classic.The Boxster Revolution: How the 1993 Detroit show car changed everything.2026 Awards Reveal: A full breakdown of this year's Awards categories and why they represent the best of the Porsche world.Find your dream Porsche on the 9WERKS Marketplace: 9werks.co.uk/marketplace Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.Support the show"},"annotations":[{"startTime":280.6,"endTime":282.8,"type":"part","title":"heads","url":"/glossary/head","quote":"\"So I picked up the heads yesterday. Cool. I know, yesterday. This morning. This morning? Wow, yeah. Yeah, bit those up so that's all good.\"","canonicalId":"part:head","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Cylinder heads are the part of an engine that sits above the cylinders and houses components like valves and spark plugs. They play a crucial role in controlling airflow and combustion within the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"Heads are parts on top of the engine where air and fuel mix to make the car go. They help control how the engine breathes and works."}},{"startTime":290.8,"endTime":297.0,"type":"concept","title":"machined and skimmed","url":"/glossary/machined-and-skimmed","quote":"\"They've been machined, skimmed, valves all sorted out, that sort of thing, new valve guides.\"","canonicalId":"concept:machined-and-skimmed","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Machining and skimming refer to the process of precisely removing material from engine parts like cylinder heads to restore flatness and proper surface finish, which is critical for sealing and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Machining and skimming mean carefully fixing engine parts by making their surfaces smooth and flat again so they fit and work right."}},{"startTime":290.8,"endTime":297.0,"type":"part","title":"valves","url":"/glossary/valves","quote":"\"They've been machined, skimmed, valves all sorted out, that sort of thing, new valve guides.\"","canonicalId":"part:valves","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Valves in an engine open and close to allow air and fuel in and exhaust gases out of the combustion chamber. Proper valve function is essential for engine performance and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Valves are like doors inside the engine that open and close to let air and fuel in and let exhaust out, helping the engine run properly."}},{"startTime":297.0,"endTime":298.5,"type":"part","title":"valve guides","url":"/glossary/valve-guides","quote":"\"valves all sorted out, that sort of thing, new valve guides.\"","canonicalId":"part:valve-guides","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Valve guides are cylindrical components that guide the movement of the engine's valves, ensuring they open and close smoothly and maintain proper alignment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Valve guides help keep the valves moving straight up and down inside the engine so they work correctly."}},{"startTime":304.2,"endTime":311.0,"type":"concept","title":"classic team","url":"/glossary/classic-team","quote":"\"Yeah, it's been an expensive week with, again, like through the classic team here at Porsche Bournemouth, putting in a monumental parts order.\"","canonicalId":"concept:classic-team","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The classic team at Porsche is a specialized group that supports maintenance, restoration, and parts supply for vintage and classic Porsche models, ensuring authenticity and quality.","simplifiedExplanation":"The classic team at Porsche helps take care of old Porsche cars by fixing them and giving them the right parts."}},{"startTime":346.5,"endTime":397.0,"type":"part","title":"exhaust","url":"/glossary/exhaust","quote":"Yes, exhaust, which is exhausting because I've kind of narrowed it down to the four options I said to you in the car yesterday and that's kind of gone down to three now really. But either way, it's monumentally expensive.","canonicalId":"part:exhaust","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An exhaust system is a crucial part of a car that directs and controls the flow of exhaust gases from the engine out of the vehicle. It also influences the car's sound, performance, and emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The exhaust is the part of the car that lets out the gases made by the engine. It also helps make the car sound the way it does and can affect how well the car runs."}},{"startTime":407.7,"endTime":410.1,"type":"part","title":"catalytic converter","url":"/glossary/catalytic-converter","quote":"So your cats were buggered, weren't they? Yeah. The actual ceramic material was breaking down, wasn't it? Yeah. Inside the cat.","canonicalId":"part:catalytic-converter","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A catalytic converter is an emissions control device that converts harmful exhaust gases into less harmful substances before they exit the vehicle's exhaust system. It often contains ceramic materials coated with catalysts like platinum.","simplifiedExplanation":"A catalytic converter is a part of the car that cleans the exhaust gases to make them less harmful to the environment. It uses special materials inside to change the bad gases into safer ones."}},{"startTime":462.9,"endTime":474.1,"type":"part","title":"mufflers","url":"/glossary/muffler","quote":"If they're still serviceable, why? Why go out and buy new mufflers straight away? If they're still serviceable, you like the sound?","canonicalId":"part:muffler","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mufflers are components of a car's exhaust system designed to reduce the noise produced by the engine's exhaust gases. They help control sound levels and can also affect exhaust flow and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mufflers are parts of a car that make the engine noise quieter. They help keep the car from being too loud when it runs."}},{"startTime":488.2,"endTime":492.8,"type":"part","title":"manifolds","url":"/glossary/manifolds","quote":"But this is the thing, you know, you don't want to have manifolds from one brand, cats from another and mufflers or silences, as we call them here, for another.","canonicalId":"part:manifolds","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Manifolds are parts of the exhaust system that collect exhaust gases from multiple cylinders and funnel them into one pipe. They are critical for efficient exhaust flow and engine performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Manifolds are parts that gather the smoke and gases from the engine and send them into the exhaust pipe."}},{"startTime":488.2,"endTime":492.8,"type":"term","title":"silencers","url":"/glossary/silencers","quote":"But this is the thing, you know, you don't want to have manifolds from one brand, cats from another and mufflers or silences, as we call them here, for another.","canonicalId":"term:silencers","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Silencers is another term for mufflers, especially used in some regions like the UK and Australia. They serve the same purpose of reducing exhaust noise.","simplifiedExplanation":"Silencers are the same as mufflers; they help make the car quieter when it runs."}},{"startTime":507.7,"endTime":514.6,"type":"term","title":"clamps","url":"/glossary/clamps","quote":"So they still use the same clamps or clamp system and the position of them might be in the same place. Or you might find another system that goes away totally from the standard setup.","canonicalId":"term:clamps","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Clamps are hardware used to join sections of the exhaust system together securely. They allow for easier installation and replacement of parts without welding.","simplifiedExplanation":"Clamps are like strong clips that hold parts of the car's exhaust together so they don't fall apart."}},{"startTime":584.6,"endTime":586.1,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 911 GT3","url":"/cars/porsche/911","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/2013_Porsche_911_Carrera_4S_%28991%29_%289626546987%29.jpg","quote":"I have had the GT3 back out. Yes. Oh, my God, Andy B, that I cannot tell you and I cannot overestimate just how wonderful that experience has been this week.","canonicalId":"car:porsche:911","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance variant of the Porsche 911 sports car, known for its naturally aspirated engine, track-focused setup, and exceptional driving dynamics. It is a favorite among enthusiasts for both road and track use.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 911 GT3 is a fast and sporty version of the Porsche 911. It's built to be great for driving on race tracks and also fun on regular roads.","imageAttribution":"David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":696.9,"endTime":705.7,"type":"term","title":"air-cooled engine","url":"/glossary/air-cooled-engine-f4abbeb0-a7da-4262-ab3d-c9fea5a40705","quote":"\"Um, the first four thousands, that GT3 engine, it sounds like an air-cooled engine. I know it's pretty much an air-cooled engine with water running through it. Pretty much. It's the same. Yeah, same design, really.\"","canonicalId":"term:air-cooled-engine-f4abbeb0-a7da-4262-ab3d-c9fea5a40705","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An air-cooled engine is cooled by air flowing over the engine surfaces rather than using liquid coolant. Classic Porsche 911s used air-cooled engines, which are known for their distinctive sound and mechanical simplicity.","simplifiedExplanation":"An air-cooled engine is a type of engine that stays cool because air moves over it, instead of using water or other liquids. This makes the engine sound and feel different."}},{"startTime":722.0,"endTime":726.7,"type":"term","title":"RPM","url":"/glossary/rpm","quote":"\"With those early GT3s, you have to be singing past five thousand RPM for it to really start making that Mexican HALD, which is why a lot of people drive everywhere, like the Heads On Fire, I think, in those.\"","canonicalId":"term:rpm","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how fast an engine's crankshaft is spinning. High RPMs often indicate the engine is working hard and can produce more power, especially in sports cars like the Porsche 911 GT3.","simplifiedExplanation":"RPM tells you how fast the engine is spinning. When the number is high, the engine is working harder and can make the car go faster."}},{"startTime":758.3,"endTime":761.9,"type":"company","title":"Dunlop","url":"/glossary/dunlop","quote":"I've had something land in my inbox about Dunlop returning to the Nürburgring 24 Hours this year.","canonicalId":"company:dunlop","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Dunlop is a well-known tire manufacturer with a long history in motorsports, including endurance racing events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dunlop makes special tires for race cars and has been involved in big races like the Nürburgring 24 Hours."}},{"startTime":768.7,"endTime":772.1,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 911 GT3 R","url":"/cars/porsche/911","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/2013_Porsche_911_Carrera_4S_%28991%29_%289626546987%29.jpg","quote":"The Dunlop team have nabbed a Porsche factory driver as well, Julian and Lauer, they're racing the GT3R. So in the Nürburgring 24 Hours,","canonicalId":"car:porsche:911","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 911 GT3 R is a race-spec version of the 911 GT3 designed for GT3 class endurance racing, featuring modifications for track performance and durability.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 911 GT3 R is a special race car made by Porsche to compete in long races, built to be very fast and strong.","imageAttribution":"David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":788.4,"endTime":791.8,"type":"term","title":"N rated tyres","url":"/glossary/n-rated-tyres","quote":"but Dunlop have got N rated tyres on Porsches. So I feel like there's a bit more relevance there.","canonicalId":"term:n-rated-tyres","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"N rated tyres are tires approved by Porsche for use on their vehicles, meeting specific performance and safety standards set by the manufacturer.","simplifiedExplanation":"N rated tyres are special tires that Porsche says are good and safe to use on their cars."}},{"startTime":1156.7,"endTime":1160.5,"type":"concept","title":"Goodwood Festival of Speed","url":"/glossary/goodwood-festival-of-speed","quote":"I know you frequent the Goodwood Festival of Speed every year during your Porsche years.","canonicalId":"concept:goodwood-festival-of-speed","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a renowned annual hill climb event held in the UK, celebrating motorsport and car culture with historic and modern vehicles. It attracts manufacturers, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a big car event in the UK where people race up a hill and show off cool cars. Lots of car fans and famous cars come to this event."}},{"startTime":1173.7,"endTime":1184.5,"type":"concept","title":"The Revival","url":"/glossary/the-revival","quote":"Sure, various things. Of course, the revival. The funny thing was is I've always talked about I thought about going to the revival and I went there for the first time last year.","canonicalId":"concept:the-revival","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Revival refers to the Goodwood Revival, a historic motorsport event held annually in the UK that celebrates vintage racing and classic cars, often featuring period dress and authentic racing experiences.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Revival is a special car event in the UK where people celebrate old racing cars and dress up like they did in the past. It's like a big party for classic car lovers."}},{"startTime":1207.2,"endTime":1209.2,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 356","url":"/cars/porsche/356","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/Porsche_356_2014-09-07_13-51-26.jpg","quote":"Right up your street, Grant, to be honest, in really like adoring particularly three, five, sixes as well, which I guess we can talk about another time.","canonicalId":"car:porsche:356","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 356 is Porsche's first production automobile, produced from 1948 to 1965. It is a lightweight and nimble sports car that helped establish Porsche's reputation for performance and engineering.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 356 is an old sports car made by Porsche a long time ago. It was one of the first cars they made and is still loved by car fans today.","imageAttribution":"Berthold Werner (CC BY-SA 3.0)"}},{"startTime":2183.5,"endTime":2185.0,"type":"car","title":"Porsche Cayman (987)","url":"/cars/porsche/cayman","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/2015_Porsche_Cayman_GTS_S-A_3.4_Front.jpg","quote":"\"Early 987s. Really enjoying those cars back in.\"","canonicalId":"car:porsche:cayman","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche Cayman (987) is the first generation Cayman produced from 2005 to 2012. It shares many components with the Boxster but features a fixed roof coupe design.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche Cayman (987) is a sports car made between 2005 and 2012. It is like the Boxster but has a hard roof instead of a convertible top.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2538.0,"endTime":2542.3,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 718","url":"/cars/porsche/boxster","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Porsche_718_Boxster_GTS_4.0_1X7A0320.jpg","quote":"Obviously, it's well documented where Porsche is at with the 718. That platform is just so popular with enthusiasts.","canonicalId":"car:porsche:boxster","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 718 is a mid-engine sports car series from Porsche, including models like the Cayman and Boxster. It is well-known for its balanced handling and enthusiast appeal, making it popular among sports car fans.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 718 is a type of sports car made by Porsche. It’s known for being fun to drive and is popular with people who like sporty cars.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2727.8,"endTime":2733.4,"type":"term","title":"internal combustion engine","url":"/glossary/internal-combustion-engine","quote":"when Porsche announced that there will be a future for the internal combustion engine in the 718 platform, my reaction was almost one of relief.","canonicalId":"term:internal-combustion-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine where fuel combustion occurs inside the engine itself, producing power to move the vehicle. It is the traditional engine type used in most cars before the rise of electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"An internal combustion engine is the part of the car that burns fuel inside it to make the car move. It's how most cars have worked for a long time."}},{"startTime":2986.0,"endTime":2990.7,"type":"company","title":"Singer","url":"/glossary/singer","quote":"Singer won the award and then dropped it and shattered.\nSo I have no physical evidence of what that award was.","canonicalId":"company:singer","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Singer Vehicle Design is a company known for its high-end restomod Porsche 911s, combining classic styling with modern engineering and performance upgrades.","simplifiedExplanation":"Singer is a company that takes old Porsche 911 cars and fixes them up with new parts to make them faster and nicer, but they still look like the original cars."}},{"startTime":3473.7,"endTime":3475.8,"type":"part","title":"manual gearbox","url":"/glossary/manual-gearbox","quote":"I like a red interior. I like a manual gearbox. I like a set of buckets. This has got it all.","canonicalId":"part:manual-gearbox","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A manual gearbox is a type of transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. It provides more driver engagement and control over the car's power delivery compared to automatic transmissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"A manual gearbox means you have to use a stick and a pedal to change gears yourself when driving. It makes driving more fun because you control when the car changes speed."}},{"startTime":3475.8,"endTime":3477.7,"type":"part","title":"bucket seats","url":"/glossary/bucket-seats","quote":"I like a manual gearbox. I like a set of buckets. This has got it all.","canonicalId":"part:bucket-seats","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Bucket seats are individual seats designed to hold the driver and passenger firmly in place during spirited driving. They typically have higher side bolsters for lateral support compared to standard seats.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bucket seats are special car seats that hold you tightly when you drive fast, so you don't slide around. They are shaped to fit your body better than normal seats."}},{"startTime":3500.9,"endTime":3502.7,"type":"part","title":"Alcantara inserts","url":"/glossary/alcantara-inserts","quote":"It does have black steering wheel, black lower door cards, Alcantara inserts in the bucket.","canonicalId":"part:alcantara-inserts","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Alcantara is a premium synthetic suede material often used in car interiors for its soft feel, durability, and sporty appearance. Inserts of Alcantara in seats or trim add a touch of luxury and improved grip.","simplifiedExplanation":"Alcantara is a soft, fancy fabric used inside cars on seats or panels. It feels nice and helps you not slip around when you sit down."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Andy Brookes","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Lee Sibley","role":"host"},{"id":"s3","name":"Max Newman","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/9werks-awards-2026-is-go-with-porsche-design-legend-grant-larson/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}