Rolf Sprenger

Porsche engineer who initiated the 1978 Sonderwunsch programme, later headed the customer centre, and proposed the 964 Turbo S Lightweight in 1992.

Born in Stuttgart, Sprenger studied mechanical engineering at the state university of applied sciences for civil and mechanical engineering in Constance. He worked as an automotive test engineer at Bosch in Stuttgart and Simms in London before joining Porsche’s engine-test department in Zuffenhausen in 1967. Porsche credits him with helping convert its six-cylinder engines from carburettors to petrol injection and bringing the system to series production.

After taking over Porsche’s factory repair department, Sprenger and his staff handled individual customer care; Ferry Porsche personally tasked him with advising customers worldwide on technical matters and special requests. Porsche says Sprenger initiated the Sonderwunsch programme in 1978 for chassis, engine, body and interior customisation. He later headed the customer centre, founded the Porsche Exclusive special-request department, and, after retiring, ran an automotive-engineering office in Weissach.

In January 1992, the head of Porsche Exclusive, Rolf Sprenger, proposed a lightweight 964 Turbo using the working title “Porsche 964 Turbo RS.” His team prepared a Geneva Motor Show prototype for March; a 22 May 1992 memo set 80 cars as the small-series target. Porsche ultimately completed 86 Turbo S Lightweight cars. A contemporary guide calls it the first car developed entirely by Porsche Exclusive.