Tag Archives: Porsche

Green With Envy — Porsche 911 Carrera S

Image: Porsche

Porsche owners love expressing their personalities with the colour of their cars, and the proof in the pudding is the rainbow-like palette the iconic German sports car brand puts on offer — even as standard colours.

But some colours stand out from the rest, and green in particular has the distinct honour of being Ferry Porsche’s personal favourite. Even today, Dr Wolfgang Porsche often specifies some of his cars in his father’s favourite rich, natural hue.

Image: Porsche

What’s vogue at the moment is green cars with earth-contrasted interiors. In fact, the movement is so strong that the hashtag #GreenOverTan has garnered a strong following across many social media platforms worldwide. Beyond the motoring world, the colour green has also become a favourite among watch manufactures who have debuted several timepieces in green like the new Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711A or the Grand Seiko SBGW264 — both have green dials.

Porsche Singapore brings that hashtag movement to the fore with its Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur show car — a 911 Carrera S. This striking car is finished in a seductive and sophisticated Aventurine Green Metallic, complemented by a two-tone Atacama Beige and Black Interior.

Image: Porsche

Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is the brand’s exclusive personalisation service, with more than 700 aesthetic and technical customisation options across all model series — a proud blend of creative imagination, engineering precision and immaculate quality.

Highly-trained craftsmen from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur devote their effort and time to fulfilling individual customer requests and specifications — slowly, painstakingly, and by hand.

From an embossed crest in a headrest, to an exterior colour finished in your favourite hue — with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, the sky is the limit when it comes to creating a Porsche with your own personal signature.

This 911 was created with bespoke enhancements that are a nod to the classic 911s. The staggered 20/21-inch Carrera Exclusive Design wheels call back to the nostalgic Fuchs-styled rims of the 1960s, while its exterior trims are re-finished in matte aluminium for a classic look.

Image: Porsche

In addition, the decorative racing stripes as well as Porsche’s side script decals in silver channel racing 911s of yore, adding to the sophistication and detail.

Inside the car, the Heritage Design Package option features multiple Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur elements that create an interior ambience that seduces you to come in and indulge.

Image: Porsche

Notable highlights include Porsche crests embossed on the seat headrests, posh OLEA club leather on all tactile panels, tanned using olive leaves which were selected for their luxurious ageing qualities. The centre seat console is finished in Corduroy, another material that offers elegance and refinement.

The instrument cluster on the 911 features the traditional tachometer front and centre, surrounded by two digital display screens, made extra special with white hands and scale markings contrasted with green numbers to evoke the original 356. The Sport Chrono stopwatch on the dashboard is paired up with the same classic colour scheme.

Image: Porsche

To add to the finishing touches of the classic 911 plaque on the passenger console, a Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur signature is placed on the centre console, marking out this 911 as one that is truly special.

Image: Porsche

The 911 Porsche Carrera S is an exemplary model of #GreenOverTan, and with the limitless customisation possibilities that customers can tap into with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, it’s undoubtedly a beguiling automobile marvel for the senses to behold.

To learn more about the exclusive 911 Porsche Carrera S, click here.

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Six For The Summer: Cool Cabriolets To Look Forward To

Image: Bentley

One of life’s greatest pleasures is an open-top drive in a cabriolet on a warm, balmy sunset. There’s nothing like the smell of sea salt when driving along the coast or the petrichor of the forest, freshly washed by the rain just moments before.

Driving top down also makes for a heightened sensory experience. The driver hears the engine and exhaust more clearly, and the smell of hot brakes and tyres from a spirited drive stirs the emotions to a new level. 

If you’re lucky enough to be behind the wheel of an open cabriolet on these occasions, you can literally feel the stress melt away and a smile grow on your face. It has been said, however, that the most successful people make their own luck. So to prepare you for these situations, here are six of the latest cabriolets that are guaranteed to make your day. Every day.

Maserati MC-20 Cielo

Image: Maserati

The newest in this group is the Maserati MC-20 Cielo. Hot on the heels of the coupé that made its debut last year, the Cielo is in fact more of a targa than an outright convertible. Instead of a folding fabric or metal top, this Maserati is fitted with a state-of-the-art electrochromic glass roof panel. At a touch of a button on the central screen, the top can be transformed from clear to opaque. Best-in-class thermal insulation promises to keep heat Sun’s heat at bay while it takes just a press of a button and 12 seconds to electrically remove the top.

Impressively, the MC-20 Cielo weighs just 65kg more than the coupe, which is insignificant for the revolutionary Nettuno twin-turbo V6 engine to overcome. With 630hp at the driver’s disposal, the MC-20 Cielo is capable of reaching over 320km/h and needs only three seconds to reach 100km/h from a standstill. Just as well then, that among the various drive modes available to optimize the car’s handling dynamics, WET Mode is also there for reassuring control when the heavens open.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible

Image: Bentley

The perfect accompaniment to a cabriolet is an engine that sings. One of the best-sounding motors that money can buy is a high-revving V8 which incidentally, can be fund under the bonnet of the Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible.

Its 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine produces a characterful V8 burble through its stylish quad exhaust pipes, while offering better efficiency for a Touring range of over 800km. All in unbeatable comfort for effortlessly covering long distances. 

While a top speed of 318km/h and the ability to reach 100km/h from a standstill in four seconds, the Bentley Drive Dynamics selector allows the full breadth of performance, from class-leading refinement and comfort to focussed handling in Sport mode.

In addition, the Active All-Wheel Drive System, enables the use of rear-wheel drive as much as possible during normal driving for optimum efficiency and dynamic performance.

BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive

Image: BMW

Another brand that is increasing the availability of all-wheel drive in its model range is BMW M. This performance division of BMW is known for building some of the most uncompromising performance cars of out time.

Most recently, the M4 is available in Convertible guise. Paired with all-wheel drive, the BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive, as it is properly called, breaks new ground for the M sub-brand. Just as well since its 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder in-line twin-turbocharged engine makes 510hp.

Reverting back to a fabric folding roof after a long hiatus also means adding the convenience of opening or closing the roof on the move at speeds of up to 50km/h. 

Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance RWD

Image: Audi

The Audi R8 has matured into something of a “thinking man’s” supercar. It is well-executed; stylish, handles beautifully and has a track record of reliability that is the envy of many exotic brands.

It also offers some pedigree, too. By way of the Lamborghini Huracan with which it shares its chassis and that fabulous V10 engine! Additionally, the Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance RWD offers a greater degree of purity with a rear wheel drive layout that saves weight as well as puts the driver firmly in control. With great power, comes great responsibility indeed.

Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Image: Porsche

No list of sports cars, open-topped or otherwise, would be complete without the Porsche 911. In this case, the latest 992-generation models are so complete that even the ‘entry’ model is easily capable of delivering all the useable performance anyone could possibly need. Look further up the price list and the Stuttgart carmaker is only too happy to oblige with even more potent versions of its iconic sports car.

The 385hp output of the 911 Carrera Cabriolet perfectly subscribes to the brand’s philosophy of Porsche Intelligent Performance. In the real world, stratospheric power outputs only translate to spending more time braking for the next corner. The driver of this 911 Carrera however, would be able to spend more time, savouring the nuances of the power band and the characteristic engine notes that come with every increment of revs. All the better that this is done with the top down…

Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic Black Convertible

Image: Jaguar

Speaking of intelligent performance, one of the most beautiful cars in this group is also the most efficient. Powered by a 300hp, 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium four-cylinder engine, it generates maximum torque from just 1,500rpm. All this while delivering the expected sports car acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in only 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.

The new R-Dynamic Black variants of the F-Type take the purity and presence of its sports car ethos to a new level. For starters, the 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels known as ‘Style 5039’ are not available on any other model in the range.

Inside, more quality detailing can be found that gives this car the look and feel of traditionally British craftsmanship which adds a greater sense of luxury and sportiness.

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World’s top 50 luxury brands lose US$7 billion in value

porsche taycan

Porsche ranks as the world’s most valuable luxury brand. Image: Porsche

The total value of the world’s top luxury and premium brands has declined by 3 per cent, or approximately US$7 billion.

According to Brand Finance’s Luxury & Premium 50 2021 report, the value of the top 50 luxury brands in the world shrunk from US$227.1 billion in 2020 to US$219.5 billion this year as markets grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brand Finance defines luxury as “brands that are well known for high quality but are not widely considered or purchased due to price”. This means high brand awareness and a strong reputation for quality but low purchase conversion.

World’s Top 10 Luxury Brands

Germany’s Porsche tops the list as the most valuable brand with a value of US$34.3 billion. The brand ranks considerably ahead of Gucci (second-ranked), whose brand value went down 12 per cent to US$15.6 billion.

Synonymous with timeless class and luxury, Porsche is striving to push the boundaries and redefine the future of the sportscar. The auto giant has been undertaking the shift towards sustainability through the launch of their Taycan. Porsche celebrated strong sales with this model, totalling over 20,000 units sold last year. This impressive result means more than 10 per cent of Porsche’s sales are now from its electric vehicle models.

top 10 luxury brands

Image: Brand Finance

Fashion Brands Dominate Rankings

Clothing brands are prevalent throughout the ranking, accounting for 62 per cent of the total Top 50 value of US$219.5 billion. Performances have been impacted by the pandemic as a majority of the brands have recorded a loss this year.

Coach has recorded the biggest drop in brand value this year, falling 31 per cent to US$4.7 billion. Coach’s parent company, Tapestry, has cited that forecasts across its brands are looking more positive than anticipated thanks to the e-commerce growth in the Chinese market.

Opposing this trend, however, French brand Celine is the fastest-growing luxury brand this year. It recorded a 118 per cent brand value growth jumping 13 spots to 34th in the ranking.

Hotels Check Into Ranking For The First Time

For the first time, the Brand Finance Luxury & Premium ranking includes two hotel brands: Shangri-La and Intercontinental. Both brands stand at 29th and 35th spot respectively. The hospitality industry had come to a standstill as people cancelled holidays and work trips due to the pandemic.

Shangri-La — which owns five-star luxury properties across the Middle East, Asia, North America, and Europe — is the highest-ranking hotel brand.

ferrari

Ferrari is the world’s strongest luxury brand. Image: Ferrari

Ferrari is Sector’s Strongest Brand

Brand Finance evaluates the relative strength of brands, in addition to their value. Ferrari (US$9.2 billion) is the world’s strongest luxury brand and the second brand in the world according to the Brand Finance Global 500 2021 ranking. Ferrari has a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.9 out of 100 and an elite AAA+ brand strength rating.

The next strongest luxury brand is Rolex. With a BSI of 89.6 out of 100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating. Despite the pandemic, the market for luxury watches has shown resilience.

By Sarah Ridzwan

 

TAG Heuer and Porsche enter Partnership for Formula E

TAG Heuer and Porsche have a long heritage of motorsports, the revival of this partnership heralds a new era for both brands in Formula E’s sixth season

 

Given the shared heritage and provenance of both brands in the realm of automotive racing, TAG Heuer and Porsche have elected to revive a historical partnership with the La Chaux-de-Fonds watchmaker becoming Title and Timing Partner of the Porsche Formula E Team.

As early as the 60s, Mr. Heuer himself was was already involved in motorsports. This shaped the brand’s perspective in the growing genre of automotive racing, seeing Heuer team up with  Jo Siffert who drove for Porsche from 1966 to 1971. Siffert won a number of endurance races, including leading Porsche to victory in the 1969 in the World Sportscar Championships.

Heuer with a Gulf-liveried Porsche driven by Michael Delany in the movie Le Mans

 

“We are truly honored to begin our partnership with Porsche, a move which further strengthens our presence in Formula E. Beyond sharing the same passion for motorsport and having the same challenger spirit, our two brands have the same uncompromising love for quality and technology.” – Stéphane Bianchi, TAG Heuer CEO

 

TAG Heuer and Porsche enter Partnership for Formula E with La Chaux-de-Fonds brand becoming Title and Timing Partner

By the 1980s, “TAG-Turbo made by Porsche” powered Formula 1 cars won two Constructors’ Championships (1984 & 1985) and three Drivers’ Championships (1984-1986). The 90s saw TAG Heuer becoming a sponsor of the Porsche Supercup and today, both brands will cross new frontiers with their partnership in Formula E, the world’s first electric street racing series currently into its sixth season.

 

“We are delighted to welcome TAG Heuer again at Porsche Motorsport. Looking back on our successful history, both brands will build on former achievements for this new era in Formula E.” – Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport

 

In terms of popular culture, the Swiss watchmaker’s association with the car maker was catapulted globally when Michael Delaney (Steve McQueen), a Porsche driver, wore the iconic Heuer Monaco in the movie, Le Mans. In the real world, TAG Heuer has been synonymous with motorsport since the earliest part of the 20th century, with leading partnerships extending across all areas of the sport. The brand is also one of the founding partners of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship,

Just today, a Porsche Taycan prototype, driven by Lars Kern, set fastest 4-door electric car record at Nürburgring Nordschleife. The Taycan, which will officially debut September 4, completed the 12.8-mile course in 7 minutes and 42 seconds.

Earlier in July, the Porsche Taycan appearaed as part of the grand finale of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in New York, where it showed off its capabilities by completing several fast laps on the race circuit, prompting Porsche works driver Neel Jani to opine, “Like our Formula E car, it has a Porsche drivetrain that is designed for performance and reliability. No matter whether it is a racing car or a series-production model, it is extremely important to drive many miles in the test phase and to gain experience with the vehicle.”

The Taycan prototype has made three appearances on three continents (China, Great Britain and the US ). Heuer also recently launched the third of their limited edition Monaco racing chronographs.

The Porsche Taycan prototype makes its fastest lap in Germany

This article was originally published on www.luxuo.com

 

Legendary Sportscar Maker Celebrates Millionth Porsche 911 Production

After 54 years of continued production, the vehicle that redefined what a sportscar should be is marking yet another milestone on its iconic journey. Even in the world of the automobile, terms like legend and icon may be used far too frequently, but in the case of the Porsche 911, all superlatives are completely justified. Just recently, Porsche unveiled its millionth 911, commemorating the brand’s legacy and dedication to its work.

For over a half-century the 911 has constantly pushed the envelope in terms of performance, handling and reliability. It is the most successful car in autosport history, having won more races in more events than any other model (the 911 accounts for over half of Porsche’s entire 30,000 race wins to date) and, thanks to choosing a path of evolution over revolution in terms of outward appearance at least, despite its comparative rarity on the road, it is one of the world’s few universally recognizable cars.

“We have continued to enhance the technology of the 911, refining and perfecting the sports car,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, “that’s why it remains a state-of-the-art and technically innovative vehicle.”

However, it offers that technology in a way that the brand’s dedicated legion of fans will accept and that, more than any other reason, is why it has managed to stay relevant even as competition increases from the likes of Mercedes and McLaren. “54 years ago, I was able to take my first trips [in a 911] over the Grossglockner High Alpine Road with my father,” said Dr Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “The feeling of being in a 911 is just as enjoyable now as it was then. That’s because the 911 has ensured that the core values of our brand are as visionary today as they were in the first Porsche 356/1 from 1948.”

The loyalty that the 911 stirs up in owners, along with the fact that unlike Italian automotive exotica, Porsches are built to last, is also why over 70% of all 911s ever built are still on the road today. In other words, the number of 911s currently in use is equal to the total amount of cars ever built by Aston Martin in its 103-year history.

The millionth 911 will not be offered for sale. Instead it will be going to the company’s museum, but not before it is goes on a global road trip over the course of the year where it will hit the Scottish Highlands, lap the Nurburgring and take in the US and China.