Unforgettable Car Geniuses: Ferdinand Piëch

Not even a book could fully recount the true story of Ferdinand Piëch. His life was always extreme in choices, ideas, and behaviors, making it impossible to truly understand what he thought and which paths he would take to achieve his secret goals. What is certain is his ability to think big — even to the point of exaggeration. He did so in his private life with 12 or 13 children — it remains unclear — born from four different relationships. He also thought big when, still young, he worked at Porsche, where he created the invincible and magnificent 917.

The design of the Porsche 917 began in July 1968 under the leadership of Ferdinand Piëch, head of the racing department, assisted by engineer Helmuth Bott and engine specialist Hans Metzger.

When he joined Audi in 1964, the company was struggling to grow. He transformed its drivetrain from two-wheel to four-wheel drive, proving the quality of the idea by winning international rallies. He also went to extremes in 1993 when he took control of the Volkswagen Group, acquiring numerous brands including Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti, expanding the portfolio to an astonishing 12 brands, including Ducati motorcycles. His drive for the extraordinary extended to developing 16- and even 18-cylinder car engines.

Under Ferdinand Piëch’s leadership, Audi developed all-wheel drive, which was introduced with the Quattro at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show.

This obsession with excess was fueled by his greatest passion: the automobile. A passion that led to curious schemes, like his frequent visits to Ferrari in Maranello, claiming that his wife was an avid fan while he “bought” the most important and expensive models for her. His passion, combined with a sense of gratitude, also led him to bring Giorgetto Giugiaro, the legendary designer behind Italdesign, into his orbit. Giugiaro had designed the first Volkswagen Golf, reviving the struggling company in 1974. Their bond was so strong that in 2010, Piëch ensured he had Giugiaro as a personal design consultant by outright purchasing Italdesign — including its founder!

Under Piëch’s leadership, the Volkswagen Group expanded to include VW, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, MAN, Scania, and Ducati.

This dynamic and unpredictable man had a deeply ingrained DNA, reflected even in his name: Ferdinand. Born in Austria, like the famous Ferdinand Porsche and his son Ferdinand, known as "Ferry" to avoid confusion, Piëch inherited the name from his grandfather. His mother, Louise — Ferry’s sister and Ferdinand Porsche’s daughter — was reportedly a brilliant businesswoman who played a key role in the growth of the family empire.

Ferdinand Porsche with Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and Ferdinand Piëch (right), circa 1949.

We stop here. Those who want to learn more about Piëch’s life and achievements can find abundant information, including details of his sudden and unexpected death at 82. He had left the Volkswagen Group just before the Dieselgate scandal erupted. His passing was overshadowed by the dark clouds looming over the company he had spectacularly built and elevated to the pinnacle of the automotive industry.

Ferdinand Piëch passed away on August 25, 2019, at the age of 82, after leading the Volkswagen Group to the top of the automotive world.