For a car that began life associated with the original Volkswagen Beetle almost 60 years ago , the Porsche 911 evolved in a very different way. It is not just an iconic car but the prime representative of German sportscars. Owners use it daily and racing teams push it to extremes on weekends.
Now, another test of the 911’s capabilities will be carried out and this is a very challenging one because it is in an environment hostile to motor vehicles. There are no roads; the air is thin; the temperature is far below freezing; and even plant life can’t survive. It’s on the steep slopes of Ojos del Salado, Chile, the highest volcano in the world.
Porsche and Pixar Animation Studios have revealed a special Porsche inspired by one of the most beloved 911 models of all – Sally Carrera, from Disney and Pixar’s Cars. Named the ‘911 Sally Special’, the sportscar is like Sally Carrera herself – unique. Only one 911 Sally Special will ever be made – and its creation marks the first time Pixar has collaborated on such a project.
The project, which began in November 2021, reunited members of the original Cars team who created both the movie car and the life-size Sally Carrera based on a 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera two decades ago. They were joined by key members of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur’s Sonderwunsch team and designers from Style Porsche in Germany, as well as from Porsche Cars North America. Over a span of 10 months, the team worked together to create just one unique car.
“The Sally Special is based on the fastest, most engaging and agile 911 Carrera there is – the 473 bhp 911 Carrera GTS – equipped with a manual gearbox to appeal to those who love driving, just like Sally Carrera. The changes to transform it into the ‘Sally Special’ proved to be extensive,” explained Boris Apenbrink, Director Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Vehicles.
“This was one of the most intense, emotional and detailed Sonderwunsch projects our team has ever worked on. For example, the car is finished in a new and unique colour – Sally Blue Metallic – developed specifically for the 911 Sally Special. Taking our inspiration from Sally Carrera, we finished as much of the car as possible in the new colour, meaning dozens of tiny changes, many of which were carried out by hand, such were their intricacy. Of course, we didn’t forget about Sally’s pinstripe tattoo, which was an interesting challenge,” he said.
The ‘Turbo’ inspired wheels have been redesigned by Style Porsche designers in Weissach and created specifically for the 911 Sally Special. The 5-spoke design has been subtly modified to match the 20/21-inch diameter of current-generation 911 wheels, but remain true to the Type 996 Porsche.
Porsche designer Daniela Milosevic led the team working with Pixar to develop not only the unique paint colour but also almost every surface inside the car. All of which was either re-trimmed or changed in some way. “We had a completely blank canvas to work from, which was great! In the movie, Sally was a former-lawyer from California who appreciated style and elegance. But she was also down to earth and had a sense of fun,” said Milosevic. “We continued the Sally Blue Metallic theme inside the car, with the obvious highlights and much more subtle elements too –many little touches that will hopefully make the winning bidder smile.”
“Everything had to be usable and practical – we really want this car to be driven. We created special cloth trim for this car and wove subtle blue highlights into it. Then we matched this with Chalk leather and Speed Blue and Chalk stitching. The best part has definitely been working on the details – including many little nods to the movie Cars, and to Sally Carrera herself,” Milosevic added.
“Vehicles need a face and a story. And Pixar’s film Cars did just that, by bringing them to life on the big screen,” said Dr. Sebastian Rudolph, Vice President Communications, Sustainability and Politics at Porsche AG. “The story conveys values such as friendship, love and mutual support – and in the middle of it all is a Porsche: Sally Carrera. Together with Pixar, we have brought the spirit of Sally to life in a new way, not on the screen, but off the screen. With this one-off street legal 911, the Sally Special, which we are auctioning for charity, we want to help people who urgently need support, quite in keeping with the spirit of the film character.”
Two charities will be the beneficiaries of the sale of the 911 Sally Special, with the entirety of the sale price being donated. The project will also support USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which is working to provide urgent help to nearly 6.2 million refugees who have been displaced across Europe since the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
In addition to the car itself, the auction also includes a unique chronograph by Porsche Design, also created in collaboration with Pixar. Like the car itself, the coloured ring is painted in Sally Blue metallic. The chalk-coloured leather strap with Speed Blue stitching can be quickly and easily swapped out for a second strap in Speed Blue with chalk-coloured stitchings. Like the sportscar, the chronograph has a limited edition marking on the back of the case.
When talking about cars, ‘classic’ brings to mind an earlier era when cars – especially sportscars – had a unique characters. They may have lacked the reliability of today’s cars but their raw power and handling gave them a special appeal which is remembered fondly. An owner may have cursed his car for breaking down on some remote country road back then but today, it is a memory to laugh about with friends.
In recent years, it seems that there has been growing interest in classic cars, not to say that there has not been since such cars have always been collectors’ items. There are the original ones, restored to perfection, and there are modern copies built to perfect resemblance. Most are the work of specialists and have limited runs, making them very exclusive.
For a full-fledged carmaker, volume is important to support a ‘business case’ as it is very costly to develop a model. But once the model is developed, many opportunities are available to grow its volume and for the upper end of the market, personalization is now big business.
Porsche also has a business making ‘classic’ cars that grew out of its Heritage Design strategy. This approach offers models that represent the more emotionally-driven concepts of the Porsche product line. “This unique approach sees the Style Porsche design department working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur to reinterpret iconic 911 models and equipment from the 1950s through to the 1980s and to revive design features from those decades,” explained Alexander Fabig, Head of Porsche Customisation and Classic.
The first of four limited-edition models made its debut in 2020. It was the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition with design elements from the 1950s and 1960s. Now comes the 911 Sport Classic as the second offering and only 1,250 cars will be available. Like its immediate predecessor, the 997-based 911 Sport Classic presented in 2009, the appearance of this model is inspired by the original 911 (1964 – 1973) and, in particular, the 1972 911 Carrera RS 2.7.
Historical design elements
The wide body – typically found with the 911 Turbo models – with a fixed rear spoiler in the style of the legendary ‘ducktail’ Carrera RS 2.7, and the double-bubble roof underscore the distinctiveness of the 911 Sport Classic.
This special model has the widest body in the current 911 model range. However, while the Turbo models have two side air inlets in the rear wings for drawing air into the engine, the 911 Sport Classic draws in air via the opening below the rear wing. The side air intakes have therefore been removed in order to create a unique look.
Classic paintwork too
As with the first 997-generation 911 Sport Classic of 2009, the designers were inspired by the Fashion Grey paintwork of the early 356 model when choosing the exclusive paint finish for the new limited-edition model.
“The new 911 Sport Classic is the first vehicle to feature Sport Grey Metallic paintwork,” said Michael Mauer, Vice-President Style Porsche. “Grey is never boring, quite often a statement and always cool.” As an alternative to the exclusive grey finish, the 911 Sport Classic is also available in solid Black, Agate Grey Metallic or Gentian Blue Metallic.”
The graphics on the flanks of the vehicle reference the brand’s connection with motorsport. These graphics are also in light Sports Grey and include a Porsche logo, a round starting number field (known as a ‘lollipop outline’) and a personalised black start number (0 to 99 is available as an option at no extra charge). The start number or the entire foil trim can be removed for drivers who do not want the complete package.
The Porsche crest is almost identical to the historic crest of 1963. On the exterior, it makes an appearance on the bonnet and on the wheel hub covers. Other notable details include the gold-coloured Porsche logo and the model designation at the rear. The brilliant shine of the lettering is due to the fact that the surface is finished with real gold!
Most powerful manual 911 today
“It’s not just the look of the 911 Sport Classic that makes it special. Its extensive technical modifications are some of its most striking features. For example, the 3.7-litre, twin-turbo flat-six engine, rear-wheel drive and 7-speed manual gearbox combine to form a powertrain that is currently unique in the Porsche portfolio,” said Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice-President Model Line 911 and 718. “The sports suspension with lowered ride height and vehicle-specific tuning deliver excellent lateral dynamics when cornering.”
The flat-six engine delivers 550 ps to the road, an output which places the 911 Sport Classic between the 911 GTS and 911 Turbo from a performance perspective. The engine is based on the options available for the current 911 Turbo models, with variable turbine geometry and wastegates that help to achieve the superior power delivery.
With a 7-speed manual gearbox, the 911 Sport Classic is the most powerful manual 911 available today. The gearbox has an auto-blip function that compensates for speed differences between the gears with a brief burst of revs when shifting down. The shortened shift lever provides a quick shift action and a crisp feel.
The suspension, based on that of the 911 Turbo and 911 GTS models, is managed by the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management. With rear-wheel drive, the axle load at the front is lower than on all-wheel drive models. For this reason, the suspension engineers have slightly reduced the spring rate on the front axle. The steering system, including the standard rear-axle steering, has also been modified especially for the 911 Sport Classic.
1960s elements in 2022 interior
Within the car, the iconic Pepita houndstooth pattern can be found on the door panels and seat centres. Pepita was available for the first time as an official option in a 911 in 1965. The pepita houndstooth pattern comprises small squares connected by diagonal stripes. The pattern made its first comeback in 2013 as part of the ‘50 years of the 911’ special model launch. The original pepita houndstooth pattern made another one-off appearance inside the ‘911 no. 1,000,000’ – a specially made, unique specimen.
The modern instrument cluster with two high-resolution 7-inch displays borrows several historic details. One example is the analogue tachometer which features a classic-style needle with white hands and scale markings for maximum contrast. The green digits pay tribute to the legendary 356, while the Sport Classic logo showcases the sportscar’s modern credentials. The digital displays have also been modified for the Heritage Design strategy.
Two-tone, semi-aniline leather upholstery in Black/Classic Cognac provides an elegant contrast with the exterior colour. Porsche previously used semi-aniline leather in the 918 Spyder and the 911 Sport Classic is the first model to benefit from this type of leather in the characteristic colour of Classic Cognac. Only a very thin layer of paint is applied to protect it, which allows the natural structure of the leather to remain visible and the soft feel to be maintained.
For those who want a sportscar with the style of the 1960s and 1970s, the 911 Sport Classic is available (in righthand drive as well) with prices starting from 272,714 euros (in Germany). European customers will get their cars from July 2022 onwards and those in other markets will have deliveries progressively after that.
Generally, car names are easily remembered and known but those with numbers and internal model codes that are also used in the model’s ‘name’ can complicate things, especially as the years go by. Take the Porsche 356 A 1500 GS Carrera, for example. This model originated from the Porsche 356 and was part of the refined A series. It had an engine size of 1500 cc and because of its speed, it had GS (Grand Sport) and Carrera (Spanish for ‘racing’) added as well.
Those who are devoted fans of Porsche will know all this well, but the typology of Porsche can still be confusing to many. How can a car be called a 911 and a 991 at the same time? Is that a Boxster – or a 987? Or is it actually a 982? Here’s a quick overview of how Porsche’s numbering system started and has evolved.
One number for each order
In order to understand the beginnings of the in-house numbering method, it is necessary to go back to 1931. Each order (from customers) and every project of Ferdinand Porsche’s newly established engineering design office, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche GmbH, was given a consecutive number as the in-house type designation. It started with seven, which was the design of a sedan for Wanderer, a German car manufacturer. Order number 22 was for the legendary Auto Union Grand Prix racing car and the Type 60 was the Volkswagen.
The numbers therefore rose with each new order, with each engine designed, with each drawing for an axle, gearbox or tractor. On June 8, 1948, by which time the project numbers had climbed to 356, something of historical significance happened: for the first time, an automobile was to be made under the official brand name of Porsche. And it was called the Porsche 356.
A customer collecting a 356 B from the factory in 1962.
This not only marked the birth of the legendary brand, but also an iconic model with a memorable design. The 356 underwent further development with each new model year, and substantial advances in development were indicated by adding the letters A, B and C.
901 or 911?
The engineers were fine with this system which saw internal numbers were rising faster and faster. There were orders for test engines, naturally aspirated engines, water turbines, and racing cars. For some of the new sportscar types, Porsche again used the internal plant code for the official model name, as was the case in 1953 with the mid-engined 550 Spyder.
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche and his son, Ferdinand, in Porsche 550 Spyders.
Eventually, it was the successor to the 356 that led to the custom being abandoned. In view of closer collaboration with Volkswagen, future Porsche models had to be compatible with the figures used there. As the 900 numbers had not yet been allocated in Wolfsburg, the decision-makers at Porsche quickly chose 901 for the 6-cylinder version and 902 for a subsequent 4-cylinder sportscar.
When Peugeot said no to ‘0’
However, an unexpected problem arose when Peugeot declared that they had been using 3-digit numbers with a zero in the middle since 1929 and therefore owned the legal rights to all similar number sequences in France. The French carmaker was very particular about this right to having a ‘zero in the middle’ and was known to also have approached Mazda when it marketed the Familia model as an ‘808’ in the 1970s. It’s not known what the outcome of that issue was, but Mazda still sold its car as an 808 in countries like Malaysia (and by coincidence, by the same distributor that also sold Peugeots!).
Porsche didn’t fight the matter and the zero was quickly replaced by a one, and the ‘1’ typeface, which had already been created, was simply duplicated for the brochures and type name on the rear of the car. A legend was born as the 911, which would become world-famous in the years that followed.
Expansion of the model range
Of course, the 911 did not remain the only model line from Porsche. The 914 marked the addition of a smaller, lighter mid-engined sportscar and, over the years, models such as the 924, 928 and 944 joined their elder sibling. They also received their internal number as model names. By now, the practice of using 3 digits starting with a ‘9’ had established itself for models from Porsche.
Handing over a 911 Turbo and 928 S Coupe to customers in 1981.
Inevitably, the 900 numbers began running out and competing with each other but the engineers stuck to their system out of tradition. In addition to the various road-legal models, pure racing cars also had to be allocated internal type numbers. One example was the legendary 917; unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in 1969, this racing car took overall victory at Le Mans a year later – the first of many racing successes in the first half of the 1970s under the 917 code.
Porsche 917
Flexibility in naming
Flexibility became increasingly in demand when it came to naming all the Porsche models. The 911 is a clear illustration of this when, for the 1968 model year, the series received the internal designation of ‘A Series’ for the first time. In 1969, the B Series followed, then in 1970, the C Series, up until the substantially redesigned G Series, which debuted in 1973. However, special models within the series also received their own type number from time to time, as was the case with the internal Type 930, named the 911 Turbo or the Type 954 (911 SC RS).
Porsche 924 Carrera GT on a racetrack in 1980.
In 1988, a major break occurred in the 911 history with the introduction of the completely redesigned 964 model series. The 993 followed in 1993, then the 996, 997, a return to 991, and the current model 992. Between the internal codes of the 911, there are still further models to be found, with examples being the Carrera GT (internally known as the 980), the Boxster (the 986 being the first generation, followed by the 987 second generation, the 981 and the 982) and the Cayenne (955). The tradition of the 3-digit type codes is maintained today – albeit with a certain degree of creative freedom.
While enthusiasts refer to many of the models by their series numbers, the marketing people use names (or alphabets) to differentiate models. The current ones are Boxster (derived from boxer engine and roadster), Carrera, E-Hybrid, Executive, GTS (Gran Turismo Sport), RS (RennSport, or ‘racing sport’), RSR (RennSport Rennwagen, which translates as racing sport racing car), S (for ‘Super’ or ‘Sport’), 4 (all-wheel drive), Spyder, Targa, and of course, Turbo.
The Porsche 911 which was launched in 1964 remains one of the classic sportscars of all time, with its original concepts maintained (apart from air-cooling) to this day. It is obviously a collector’s item and much sought after and for those who want find one, there’s now an option from California-based Singer Group – the Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer – Turbo Study.
First restoration with turbocharging
While Singer has been offering reimagined 911s for the past 13 years, this is the first road-going one with turbocharging. The Turbo Study is a response to requests from owners for restoration services that incorporate turbocharging. More than 70 owners have reserved bespoke restorations enabled by the study.
As with all Singer’s restoration services in collaboration with owners of the 911, the Turbo Study takes the Type 964 generation (produced between 1989 – 1993) of air-cooled cars as its starting point. The study features a new evolution of the ‘Mezger’ air-cooled flat-six. Now in 3.8-litre form, the engine has twin turbochargers with electric wastegates. Bespoke air-to-water intercoolers are mounted inside the intake plenums.
The ‘shark fin’ on the rear fender is reimagined as an intake and supplies cold air to the engine bay to optimize combustion and cooling performance. The use of forced induction enables power outputs starting at 450 bhp. The availability of turbocharged torque allows for effortless speed-matching on hilly terrain to flat autobahn, together with deep reserves of overtaking ability. A higher power output may also be specified by the owner, with a more overtly sporting focus provided by a sports exhaust system and appropriate damping characteristics.
AWD or RWD
The study draws on all-wheel-drive experience that has been developed in-house since the first AWD Classic Study restoration, undertaken in 2014. In recent years, this experience has been brought together with research into turbocharging and high-performance ride and damping expertise. Customers can specify rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive for the Turbo Study.
An owner may decide to specify the AWD configuration to enhance sure-footed deployment of power and torque in all seasons and surface conditions. The RWD configuration allows owners to pursue an alternative sporting focus, if preferred. In both cases, an optimized 6-speed manual transmission underlines the driver engagement that Singer is renowned for.
Advanced materials for bodywork
A bespoke carbonfibre body maintains the careful balancing of iconic DNA with cutting-edge engineering and material science. While inspired by the turbo cars of the mid-1970s, the bodywork is reimagined to optimize aesthetic and functional performance. As always, the use of carbonfibre allows reduced mass and enhanced stiffness, further sharpening dynamic responses.
The car in Wolf Blue shown in the pictures is actually a customer’s car, customized using the results of the Turbo Study to reflect a personal vision. This owner has pursued a focus on high-performance, luxury grand touring capabilities. The interior has a Malibu Sand theme with Black Forest wood accents.
You’re probably heard of the BMW Art Cars, a series of classic models which were turned into works of art by renowned artists. They have been displayed all over the world (including Malaysia) since the first one was created in 1975.
Perhaps less well known is the fact that there are also art cars which are from another German brand – Porsche. Over the years, innovative artists have made Porsche models their ‘canvas’ and also made them works of art. Following the recent release of the 968 L’ART, here are some of the best examples of Porsche art cars, from Taycans to a 356 to a colourful array of 911 models.
968 L’ART by Arthur Kar
Embodying the connection between vehicles and fashion, this outstanding redesigned car – the brainchild of L’Art de L’Automobile’s founder Arthur Kar – transports a retro look to the modern era. Unveiled at Paris Fashion Week this year alongside a matching capsule collection, attendees saw the worlds of fashion, art and cars collide to mark the 30th anniversary of the 968. The 968 L’ART comes alive in Green Pearl, with the added mystique of appearing to be three other hues, depending on which angle you view it from. TAG Heuer created a matching chronograph to accompany this one-off car, while the roof was removed and Recaro seats were added, incorporating graphic leather in the centre panel that matches the exterior colour. A custom-designed audio system by BOSE was also installed and the headlights were elevated with chrome.
996 Swan by Chris Labrooy
Porsche offered Scottish digital artist Chris Labrooy the opportunity to transport one of his digital artworks into the real world for the first time. The result is the 996 Swan, which was designed for the anniversary ‘20 years of Porsche in China’. The 911 Type 996 was the first car sold in China two decades ago. The choice of ‘swan’ is because, in China, the swan stands for happiness.
911 Carrera by Nelson Makamo
Famed South African artist Nelson Makamo always knew he would own a Porsche, but what he didn’t expect was the manner in how it happened. Having fantasised since childhood about what it would feel like to hold the keys to one, it was an unexpected meeting with a modern-day example during a residency in Western Cape that reignited his Porsche dream and he would eventually own a Jet Black Metallic 911 Carrera. The painter ordered his first ever Porsche with the view to putting his mark on his most unusual canvas yet. Makamo’s Porsche art car saw him hand-paint a number of elements, from the rear bumper to the seat mouldings, door panel inserts and side mirror covers. Look closely enough and you’ll find three letters – ‘Mma’ – in the left door panel insert, which mean ‘mother’ in his native tongue. For Makamo, the art car in its entirety is a reflection of his success, the important people he’s met along the way and his hope that his work will spark the imagination of children all over the continent of Africa.
Taycan Art Car by Richard Phillips
This is the kind of artwork that makes watching paint dry a legitimately fun pastime, thanks to American artist Richard Phillips. His vision has applied an artful second skin for the all-electric sportscar which bloomed to life in Zurich. There, it was created live at a pop-up restaurant in December 2020. To create the final masterpiece, Phillips applied his 2010 painting, Queen of the Night, onto the body of a Porsche Taycan 4S, with the lush piece spreading its leafy and floral arrangement from the front bonnet to the rear. Earlier this year it was auctioned off for charity, with all proceeds being donated to a non-profit organisation which supports artists hit hard by the pandemic.
Taycan with Artwork by Dale Chihuly
Another electrifying artwork also sparked to life in 2021. The horticultural oasis of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay not only plays host to a diverse collection of over 1.5 million plants but became the temporary home for this floral Taycan. With Porsche as the official automotive partner for American glass artist Dale Chihuly’s ‘Glass in Bloom’ exhibition, audiences were exposed to the idea of sportscars beyond the simple need for speed. Wrapped in an unmissable livery from Chihuly’s Persians series – comprising ultra-bright flowers in a diverse palette – the car was more than a match for its foliage-laced surroundings. Sitting pretty on a pedestal, set against the futuristic backdrop of the SG50 Lattice – it provided a harmonious reflection of the future-forward DNA of the sustainable Taycan, all amid an organic green oasis.
Taycan Artcar by SUMO!
On the occasion of the opening of the Porsche Centre Roost, Porsche of Losch Luxembourg decided to create a unique artwork on the theme of ‘Future’ in collaboration with the renowned Luxembourg artist SUMO!. In close cooperation with the Porsche Centre team, the car was first completely disassembled. Then the individual parts were transported to an unknown location where SUMO! could begin its work over the next 5 months. The interior, the inside of the doors, the rims and the keys of the car were also painted.
Janis Joplin’s 356 C
Rock legend Janis Joplin sung ‘my friends all drive Porsches’, and she actually owned a number herself. She bought this car in 1968 in Dolphin Grey using it as an everyday car that fans would soon come to recognise as one of her closest companions. Describing the 1964 356 SC as having a colourful paint job is somewhat of an understatement. Janis paid her roadie, David Richards, $500 to portray ‘The History of the Universe’ on the car in almost every hue possible. It was a history that included images of her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Californian landscapes, the eye of God, Capricorn, skulls, mushrooms and much more. It became so synonymous with its owner that fans would leave notes to her under the windscreen wipers. When it was stolen in 1969, the thief tried to hide his crime by spray painting over the giveaway mural, only to be caught by police.
Tragically, Joplin died in 1970, just 2 years after purchasing the car. Her beloved Porsche eventually found its way into the hands of her siblings, with her brother restoring it to its original Dolphin Grey condition, as it had deteriorated. Then, in the 1990s, it was decided to return it to psychedelic glory, with her family commissioning artists Jana Mitchell and Amber Owen to replicate the original mural. After doing the rounds at museums for decades, it was finally put up for auction to support charities in their sister’s name. The price? An astonishing $1.76 million – breaking all records for the sale of any Porsche 356 at public auction.
911 RSR Le Mans by Richard Phillips
This 911 RSR is more than just a work of art. It also became the first Porsche art car to win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when it took victory in the GTE Am class in 2019. Its existence is the result of a firm friendship between the artist, Richard Phillips, and the Porsche factory driver, Jorg Bergmeister – a relationship that had already resulted in Phillips designing a helmet for Bergmeister in 2013. It proved to be a stepping stone, 6 years later, to designing this Porsche art car, when the artist used some of his existing work to project an intricate 2D livery onto the car. The oversized details and bold contrasting colours meant there was no need to have a grandstand view to take in the full design – spectators could more than follow it from afar.
911 Fat Car NFT by Erwin Wurm
Austrian sculpture and painter Erwin Wurm is known for his larger-than-life artworks – his collection of Fat Sculptures has spanned the subject areas of houses and cars for 2 decades. On the 20th anniversary of his iconic Fat Car, in 2021, Wurm’s quirkiness came to the fore once more to breathe life into – literally his first NFT, entitled ‘Breathe in, breathe out’. The video showcases his interpretation of what it would look like if a 911 inhaled in and breathed out. Already well-known for his eccentric depictions of day-to-day life, and with a signature nudge and a wink as he takes a sideways look at consumer society, the disfigured style on show here is an example of Wurm’s inimitable style.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur (PEM) , a department within the sportscar company, offers services to personalise and create exclusive versions of the various Porsche models. Being part of the company, it has access to all the engineering information as well as the expertise and technology to customise cars individually. From the first custom Porsche 356 in 1950 to the numerous models in today’s range, PEM can make subtle changes or extensive modifications as required by customers.
The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition is one of the special models developed by PEM. Based on the new 992 generation 911 Targa, it has design elements influenced by the 1950s and 1960s. Many of the elements, inside and outside, have been reinterpreted and combined with the latest technology by PEM.
Classic colours and graphics
The Cherry Metallic exterior colour exclusive to the 911 series brings to mind the style of the 1950s in a modern interpretation. Alternatively, two solid colours (Black and Guards Red), a metallic colour (GT Silver Metallic) and a special colour (Crayon) are also available. There are also other colour choices for those who want something that is more unique.
A striking design feature is the ‘Spears’ motorsport graphic on the front wings which are high-quality white livery elements in the shape of a spear. These ‘spears’ recall the early days of Porsche motorsports history, when the racing cars were painted after collisions to hide any marks. Later, the spears were used as a kind of ‘warpaint’ and became one of the first design elements customers used to personalise their vehicles.
There are also motorsport graphics with a historical design on the sides of this special model, conveying a high level of recognition of the 911 Speedster Heritage Design package of 2019. The sporty look can be supplemented by race numbers from 0 to 99 on request.
There’s also gold-coloured lettering at the rear and on the Targa bar, as well as the historic Porsche crest on the wheel hub cover and the bonnet. The Heritage Design Edition comes with 911 Carrera Exclusive Design wheels in high-gloss black (or, optionally, in platinum satin gloss) in 20-inch or 21-inch sizes and black-painted brake calipers with the classic look. Other design features include the Porsche Heritage badge on the luggage compartment grille and silver sports tailpipes.
The 20-inch and 21-inch wheels are designed in the shape of a wing, or cloverleaf, and are reminiscent of the legendary Fuchs wheels that were first used on the 1967 911 S.
Corduroy comeback inside
The snug cabin has brushed aluminium panels bearing the words ‘911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition’ with Heritage Design floor mats as a matching detail. The Bordeaux Red 2-tone leather upholstery and Atacama Beige OLEA club leather (black is also available) were designed exclusively for this edition. Customers can also choose two-tone leather upholstery in Black and Atacama Beige.
Corduroy, a fabric already used in the 356 model, makes a comeback and brings the fashion style of the 1950s back to life. This soft ribbed fabric is used on the centre panels of the seats and in the door panels. The interior appointments are rounded off with perforated Alcantara in Atacama Beige on the headlining and the pillars.
Historical bonds of instruments
The instrument panel with 2 high-resolution 7-inch displays creates historical bonds in various ways. One is the classic pointer on the analogue tachometer. When the engine is started, the colour of the hands and digits changes from white to green. The equally green scale lines are derived from the 356. The clock from the standard Sport Chrono package on top of the instrument panel also has green digits.
Each owner gets the car key painted in the exterior colour and a key pouch made of 2-tone leather, also enhanced with the historical Porsche crest. The leather document folder and the specially designed indoor car cover underline the vehicle’s aim of being a true collector’s item.
Same powertrain as latest 911 Targa
The powertrain, chassis, and driver assistance systems are similar to that found with the latest new 992 generation 911 Targa. It is powered by a 2981 cc 450 ps/630 Nm biturbo 6-cylinder boxer engine which, with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, can propel the 911 Targa (with Launch Control) from 0 – 100 km/h in less than 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 304 km/h, it is claimed.
The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition is now available from Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP). With the sales tax exemption (till the end of 2021), it is priced from RM1,677,409 (excluding insurance).
“We’re bringing back our iconic looks from different eras and proving that Porsche stays true to its roots, even in the age of electrification. The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition evokes the memories of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s and translates these elements into a modern-day sports car that excites Porsche customers through the lifestyle dimensions,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
First Classic Partner Centre in Malaysia
“In addition to the arrival of the new 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, Porsche Centre Johor Bahru will be the first Classic Partner Centre in Malaysia and is scheduled for opening at the end of this year. This will further enhance the customer experience where Porschephiles can now refurbish and upkeep their classic Porsches at this new facility,” Mr. Hunter added.
Everrati Automotive Limited, a British company specialising in converting iconic cars to run with electric powertrains, has unveiled its new flagship, the 500-bhp Signature. It is developed from a fully restored 1991 Porsche 911 964 and has been given widebody treatment with carbonfibre elements.
The Signature joins other Everrati electrified models such as the Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda (its first conversion in 2019), along with 911 (964) Coupe and Targa models, a 911 (964) Gulf Signature Edition, and a Land Rover Series IIA.
Carbonfibre parts, including roof
To create the wide body, Everrati replaced the steel front and rear wings and bonnet with custom produced carbonfibre parts. The same material is also used for the doors, although these are reinforced with high-strength steel to retain side impact protection.
A carbonfibre roof is offered, along with the choice of a steel item for customers who wish to retain a sunroof where fitted to their car. The front and rear bumpers are refitted with genuine Porsche widebody items, to which RS Cup air vents are added. Thanks to this high-tech and meticulous approach to weight saving, the Signature widebody weighs less than the original 911 (964) Coupe.
A key part of the meticulous, sympathetic restoration and re-engineering process is the integration of the car’s new, sustainable-focussed heart – the electric propulsion system. “We install a state-of-the-art EV powertrain, which has its power delivery optimised specifically for the Signature widebody and is coupled to a 53-kWh battery pack and battery management system,” explained Everrati Director of Engineering, Mike Kerr.
500 bhp and 500 Nm
Sending 500 bhp to the rear wheels, the Signature widebody has more than double the power output of an original 1990s Porsche 964. With 500 Nm available from almost standstill, the car can accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds and depending on driving style, travel for 240+ kms on a full charge, it is claimed. Recharging the battery pack to full from 10% is said to be possible in less than an hour with a DC fast charger.
Everrati retains the car’s aluminium rear trailing suspension arms, refurbished to new, with all bushes and drop-links fully uprated. Customers are offered a choice of two suspension settings: standard suspension with fully adjustable motorsport-grade coil-over spring/damper units, and a fully adjustable package with adaptive dampers that are fully programmable from within the cockpit via a touchscreen.
Brembo stopping power
The EV powertrain provides regenerative braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, capturing energy that would be wasted. The driver can adjust the level of regenerative braking force available to enable one-pedal driving. The uprated mechanical braking system features fully renewed Brembo Porsche calipers with new drilled, ventilated discs all around. An optional, even more powerful braking system is available with larger Brembo calipers front and rear.
Customised and original
As for the interior, the cabin can be personalised to customers’ individual tastes in numerous ways, thanks to a wide range of optional materials and fittings. The original Porsche seats are fitted, which are significantly enhanced for comfort and replicate the look of the original RS Touring Seats, and optional Carbon RS seats provide an even more sporting ambience. The upholstery can be in leather, alcantara, or other materials and in a wide choice of colours and optional finishes and textures.
Customers can also have custom-designed heating and air conditioning system and add a modern Porsche Classic Communications Management with full touchscreen navigation, DAB+, Bluetooth, and Apple Car Play. All of the car’s traditional gauges are replaced with Porsche-inspired EV gauges, and as with the internal combustion engine and transmission components, the original gauges can be retained for the customer on request.
Reversible engineering
“At Everrati, it is sacrosanct that all engineering is reversible, should current or future owners want to revert back to the car’s factory specification,” said Nick Williams, Everrati’s Founder and COO, who previously held senior roles with Daimler and the Volkswagen Group. “If customers wish, the car’s original internal combustion engine and transmission can be refurbished and placed in storage, or even incorporated into a piece of art, such as a glass gable or Perspex box. Whatever the customer can imagine, we will do our utmost to make it a reality.”
Over the coming months, the Signature widebody will continue to undergo its full development programme. For those who are interested in acquiring one, prices start at £250,000 (about RM1.47 million), based on a customer-supplied donor car.
At the request of a long-term client, Singer Vehicle Design has looked to a golden era of Porsche rallying in the 1980s, and to automotive heroes including the 911 SC/RS and the legendary 959, to reimagine his air-cooled 911s as World Rally Championship-inspired, all-terrain competition machines.
Singer doesn’t manufacture or sell cars and its main business is to restore and reimagine 1989 to 1994 Porsche 911s, based on the 964 chassis for its clients. Its latest services will enable clients to go off-road racing, with a Porsche 911 modified by Singer for all-terrain use.
Two machines commissioned
The All-terrain Competition Study (ACS) undertaken by Singer, in partnership with renowned 911 rally specialist Richard Tuthill, in response to the request from their client for modifications to his air-cooled 911 that would enable the car to compete in off-road racing and to demonstrate extensive all-terrain exploration capabilities.
To highlight the broad repertoire of the ACS, the client has commissioned two machines, one – in Singer’s iconic Parallax White – focused on high-speed desert rallying and a second – in Corsica Red – configured for high-speed, high-grip tarmac events and disciplines.
Porsche 911s prepared by UK-based off-road competition specialist Richard Tuthill have dominated rally events for decades, a recent victory being in the 2019 East African Safari Classic. It was a remarkable 4th win in the gruelling 5000-km event across Kenya and Tanzania. These successes sit alongside deep expertise from the world of WRC competition and events such as the Paris-Dakar.
The Porsche 959 in the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1985 and 1986, finishing 1-2 overall in the second year.
Reimagining the iconic Porsches
“We’ve taken particular inspiration from the iconic Rothmans-sponsored 911 SC/RSs and 959s that conquered events like the Qatar International Rally and Paris-Dakar in the mid-1980s and, at the request of our client, have reimagined these all-terrain 911’s in their honour while utilizing fresh perspectives and state of the art know-how,” said Rob Dickinson, Founder & Executive Chairman of Singer Group Inc.
In developing the Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer ACS, Singer engineers gave it off-road competition capability for events such as the Baja 1000 and Dakar Rally. This called for dramatically increased ride height, suspension travel and overall strength to cope with all kinds of terrain.
Engineered for the roughest terrain
The specialised long-travel suspension has twin, 5-way adjustable dampers per corner (8 dampers total). Forged aluminium 8×16-inch wheels with BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres are fitted and behind them are 4-piston, monobloc steel disc brakes with a hydraulic handbrake.
The strength designed into the car’s structure and components is a response to the forces encountered during high-speed, off-road endurance events and pathfinding.
The bodywork has carbonfibre panels not only for their lightness (which offsets the extra weight of the roll-cage) but also quick replacement and easy underbody access. Carbonfibre also allows for curvatures to be formed easily. There is also effective breathing and cooling for the powertrain.
Cabin for off-road racing
Inside, the ACS reflects the demands of off-road racing. FIA specification seats and harnesses sit within a full roll cage. The car is equipped with a race GPS navigation system while both driver and navigator have access to in-seat rehydration systems.
3.6-litre twin turbo engine
As with all Singer’s restoration services for owners of the 911, the car takes the Type 964 generation of air-cooled cars as its starting point. At the heart of the machine is an evolution of the ‘Mezger’ air-cooled flat-six in 3.6-litre, with twin symmetrical turbochargers and fly-by-wire individual throttle bodies.
There is a sequential racing transmission with front, centre and rear limited-slip differentials and permanent AWD. The performance characteristics of the engine can be tuned depending on the demands of competition and the owner.
“We feel confident this machine can appeal to off-roading enthusiasm of all kinds, whether it be in the pursuit of professional competition at the highest level or adventure and exploration. ACS advances Singer’s capabilities in forced-induction, all-wheel drive, off-road ability and dynamic response – all of which will support our ongoing mission. This pursuit of focused competition studies is something you will see more of from us in the future,” said Dickinson.
The awesome folks from Porsche have announced that their 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S and 4S Coupe will come with a seven-speed manual transmission at no additional charge for those who love living on the wilder side of life. Starting next year, customers can opt-out the very capable standard eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. (more…)
