why key on left?

[SoCal]

Anybody know the story behind Porsche's putting the ignition to the left of the steering wheel?

[St. Louis Boxster]

Concept is.. in racing you can start the car with your left hand while your right hand is on the shifter. Makes it a faster transition in races when you jump into a cold car and have to start the engine at the start of the race.

[bxstr-lvr]

Quote about Porsche interior - should answer your quesiton.

"Though thoroughly modernized in this fourth-generation 911, the interior is unmistakably Porsche. The ignition key is, of course, on the left, a tradition carried through from a bygone era when Le Mans starts required drivers to run across the pit lane to their car, jump in and take off, fastening their harnesses as they headed onto the front straight."

-Scott.