F.A Porsche, creator of the Porsche 911 dies barely 2 weeks after the Launch of Porsche Centre Lagos

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, designer of the Porsche 911 passes on, two weeks after the launch of Porsche Centre Lagos; same day Porsche 911 was named 2012 World Performance Car at the New York International Auto Show

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the designer of the phenomenal Porsche 911
sports car passed on yesterday, Thursday April 5 in Salzburg, Austria,
aged 76. His demise comes barely two weeks after his latest creation, the
2012 Porsche 911 was unveiled in Nigeria at the official launch of the
Porsche Centre Lagos on Akin Adesola in Victoria Island.

Porsche created one of the most recognizable sports cars in the history of
automobiles, a feat he achieved as a 25 year old when he designed the
first Porsche 911 in 1963. Now in its 7th generation, the Porsche 911 is
just some months shy of its 50th anniversary as a premium performance
sports car.
Over 150 top Nigerian Porsche enthusiasts, celebrities, and socialites
including Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Uti Nwachukwu, Freeze of Cool FM,
Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Emmy Collins, and many others attended the exclusive
event that marked the unveiling of the new Porsche 911 in Lagos two weeks
ago – they all stood in awe at the sheer beauty of the precision machinery
that marked FA's 49 year old legacy to the world.

Sadly, the news of his demise comes on the very same day (5th April) the
all new Porsche 911 was named the 2012 World Performance Car at the New
York International Auto Show. The announcement was made at a press
conference hosted by Bridgestone Corporation. The Porsche 911 was one of
34 new-for-2012 vehicles selected for the annual awards program.

According to Moto Authority, the World Performance Car honor is awarded
each year by an international jury panel comprised of 66 top-level automotive journalists from 25 countries around the world. Jury members are appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of their expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of his or her professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of millions of automotive consumers in every corner of the globe

Known to friends and colleagues as Butzi, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, born 11 December 1935 was a legend amongst men, his iconic creation – the original 911, first shown to the public in 1963 is a testament of pure genius. His contribution to the automobile world would always be fondly remembered. His creation – the all new 2012 Porsche 911 presently on display at the Porsche Centre Lagos, will forever be a constant reminder of his passion and commitment to craftsmanship, performance, and precision; and above all else, his desire to bring his ultimate legacy closer to Nigerians.

--James Amuta