Porsche Design, the quintessential sports car brand’s (and performance crossover maker’s) in-house design department, is celebrating 50 years in 2022, so it only makes sense they’d commemorate such…

Limited edition 911 Targa created to commemorate 50 years of Porsche Design

2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design
Porsche has made a special limited-edition 911 Targa 4 GTS, plus restored a 1972 911 Targa, to commemorate 50 years of Porsche Design.

Porsche Design, the quintessential sports car brand’s (and performance crossover maker’s) in-house design department, is celebrating 50 years in 2022, so it only makes sense they’d commemorate such an important occasion with a special version of the only model still made that was available back in 1972, the legendary 911.

The new 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design, based on a 2022 911 Targa 4 GTS, features plenty of stylish upgrades along with a nice package of bundled features, including dark-silver and satin-black exterior accents on the Targa bar, a similar treatment on the centre-lock Turbo S wheels, and a set of “Porsche Design” badges, while four gloss-black painted brake calipers and a “50 Years” plaque atop the engine cover finish off the retro look.

Subtle details enhance posh interior

2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design
Both new and renewed 911s would enhance the look of any driveway.

Inside, a dash plaque commemorates the Porsche Design division’s 50th anniversary as well as each car’s placement in the 750-unit limited edition series, while the 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design cabin also benefits from a special steering wheel badge, and the signature of Ferry Porsche’s son Ferdinand Alexander (the Porsche Design division’s creator), atop the centre console lid.

Of course, the 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design model just wouldn’t be right without a set of embroidered or embossed headrests, with the latter getting the nod, while this handywork gets added to the model’s top-level 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus, while Slate Grey seat belts can be found to either side. Additionally, Porsche’s much-lauded Sport Chrono Package comes as standard equipment, with a unique Porsche Design chronograph clock placed in the usual centre position on the dash-top.

Watchmaking has long been an important part of Porsche Design’s business

2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design
The new 2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design model features plenty of styling upgrades over regular 911 Targa 4 GTS models.

Important to understand, this unique chronograph clock face has more significance in this special edition Porsche Design model’s than it would in other 911s, because the in-house styling house has been designing timepieces from its onset. In fact, Porsche Design has now reissued its first wristwatch, the 1972 Chronograph 1, limiting it to a mere 500 units. To be clear, Porsche Design watches are respected much more than the quartz-powered pieces you might find in a dealership’s parts department. The original Porsche Design watch, powered by a Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph (Valjoux is now owned by Swatch group’s ETA, while now defunct Orfina, once a highly respected Swiss watchmaker, produced watches for Porsche Design as well), was also the watch industry’s first fully black timepiece (other than some of its details), a feature, like the dials in a car’s gauge cluster, designed to minimize glare during racing.

2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design
Of course, the Sport Chrono Package comes standard, with a special Porsche Design dial, but take note the purchase also includes a Porsche Design mechanical watch.

At $7,700 USD, the new 1972 Chronograph 1 reissue is hardly inexpensive, although the price is not over-the-top for a high-quality mechanical chronograph with Porsche Design credentials, so it should sell out quickly, while a second Porsche Design chronograph, dubbed Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited Edition, a more modern take on the original design, will be included with every 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design purchase.

Each of the 750 timepieces feature an all-black design, like the 1972 Chronograph 1, with bright white used to make the sharply printed indices and sub-dial markers easy to read. Ditto for the white hour and minute hands, although Porsche Design has once again bowed to history by providing a bright red seconds hand and red lettering above the 6 o’clock position. No doubt, each 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design buyer will cherish this unique timepiece, which will more than likely appreciate over time.

Porsche’s future is all about marrying the past to the present

1972 Porsche 911 Targa
It would be tough to choose which Porsche 911 we’d rather have, new or old?

Along with the special-edition Targa 4 GTS and two Porsche Design watches, Porsche Design chose to commemorate its 50-year celebration by commissioning a completely restored 1972 911 S 2.4 Targa, which can be seen in the photos. Turning to Porsche Classic, the brand’s in-house restoration division, made sure it would receive original and hand-made components, resulting in an almost completely new version of this 50-year-old example of rolling art and celebrated performance.

The fact both new and old Porsche’s share many of the same styling details is no coincidence either, but as much as you might want to put the two 911s in a garage side-by-side, you’ll only be able to see the classic on display at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, alongside one new 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design, as well as the two Porsche Design watches.

New 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design available now

The new model is available now, ahead of arriving in Canada this spring, for the tidy sum of $217,200, and while it may already be sold out, it probably wouldn’t hurt to contact your local Porsche retailer to make sure.

50 years of Porsche Design with a special edition 911 #Shorts (best viewed on phone or tablet):
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qrReywyb3Yw

The 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design (1:00):

Porsche Design presents the Sport Chrono Collection (1:31):

Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 with Touring Package (1:14):

The new 1919 Globetimer UTC from Porsche Design (1:48):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche Design

Not everyone’s favourite 911, but nevertheless the 1997 to 2006 996 is now the most affordable iteration available, yet it was one of the more notable for ushering in Porsche’s first water-cooled…

Porsche creates the one-off 911 Classic Club Coupe for Porsche Club of America

2022 Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe
Tell us you don’t love this 996 restomod. We think it’s brilliant, and might even cause this oddball 911 to go up in value.

Not everyone’s favourite 911, but nevertheless the 1997 to 2006 996 is now the most affordable iteration available, yet it was one of the more notable for ushering in Porsche’s first water-cooled flat-six, riding on the first updated chassis platform since the original 911 came on scene in 1963, improving interior refinement, and completely changing the face of the world’s most iconic sports car.

The latter was almost as traumatic to Porschephiles as reformulating New Coke was to cola fans, hence the quick return from “fried egg” shaped headlights to more classic ovoid lenses, but the notorious L-shaped clusters, initially introduced on the first-generation Boxster that, being codeveloped alongside the 996, also shared much of its frontal underpinnings, have a charm of their own when combined with bespoke bodywork and a cool retro-modern paint scheme.

How to make a 996 look a whole lot better in only 30 months

2022 Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe
Check out that paint! The Sport Grey Metallic and PCA Club Blue livery really sets this 996 apart.

The 996’ more raked windshield and overall sleeker body reduced wind resistance while aiding downforce and interior quietness, but that didn’t stop the in-house Porsche Classic workshop from tweaking the front spoiler, modifying the side skirts, adding a double-bubble roof, and completely reworking the rear deck lid with an ultra-cool 1972 911 Carrera RS 2.7-inspired ducktail.

Many of those changes paid tribute to a special 911 that came before, albeit not before this 1998 996, which incidentally was found in rough shape on a dealer lot in Colombia, Virginia. Vu Nguyen, executive director of the Porsche Club of America (PCA) spotted it, and then contacted Porsche with his idea of modding it to levels way beyond its original stealth Carrera ways.

The task took the Porsche Classic team 30 months to complete, and we think it was well worth the effort. First off, we doubt anyone has ever seen a better looking 996, GT3 and Turbo trims included. Speaking of GT3, Porsche located an original 3.6-litre engine from a later model 996 GT3, good for 381 tuned horsepower, not to mention suspension and brake components to make sure this lowly Carrera responded similarly to the much-vaunted track racer.

Beautiful 2009 911 Sport Classic was used for design inspiration

2022 Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe
Gotta love the ’72 911 Carrera RS 2.7-inspired ducktail!

As for the design, much of the aforementioned aerodynamic bodywork was visually inspired by the fabulous 911 Sport Classic (997) of 2009, including the roof bulges, awesome rear wing, which were honed in Porsche’s wind tunnel, and much of the paint scheme. The latter a remix of Porsche’s Sport Grey Metallic, although a lighter Sport Grey was used for the twinned centre stripes, that run the entire length of the car, as well as the rocker stripes down below.

The big differentiator are the Club Blue pinstripes highlighting the outer edges of the lighter Sport Grey stripes, which just happens to be PCA’s official livery. Finishing off the look is a sweet set of 18-inch Fuchs black-painted alloy rims, designed in classic ‘70s Carrera style. The stick fitted rubber no doubt helped keep it locked onto the track at the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach, Germany, where it underwent testing prior to being released to PCA.

Where the 2009 911 Sport Classic benefited from a limited run of 250 units going to Porsche customers, the new Classic Club Coupe is a one-off for one customer only, albeit one very big customer. PCA is Porsche’s oldest and largest ownership club, so while very few members will be able to drive it, all will adore it during club meets.

Porsche Classic updated the interior too

2022 Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe
No expense was spared for the 911 Classic Club Coupe’s interior. Check out all the photos in the gallery above…

No doubt these members will appreciate the level of detail the Porsche Classic team went into when designing and executing the interior, which also features PCA’s signature Club Blue colouring in key areas, such as the stitching on the leather key fob, and even more noticeable blue thread on the upholstery. The seats even sport embroidered “911 Classic Club Coupe” script on the front headrests, while the centre panels of the front and rear seats, plus each door panel, feature a classic Pepita houndstooth pattern woven from slate grey and black leather. The special car also gets a new steering wheel, an updated Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, and last but hardly least, a plaque on the dashboard that reads, “911 Classic Club Coupe No. 001/001”.

Will this new one-off cause the prices of 996 models to rise? Porsche might want to consider making some of the new body panels available through its parts division, not to mention a few of the interior upgrades, because we could imagine that owners of this particular model might be eager to make them look prettier. Kits have long been available to convert their headlights from fried eggs to ovals (which are arguably more fried egg-shaped as it is), but we think a kit that actually celebrates the oddity of the 996 would be an even more welcome option.

Presenting the exclusive Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe (1:13):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

Porsche is bringing its Platinum Edition back to the Cayenne lineup for 2022, after three years off the market. The 2016–2018 trim level was popular in its day, and by all accounts should be even more…

Porsche brings back Cayenne Platinum Edition for 2022

2022 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition
The new Platinum Edition combines the the Cayenne’s sporty character traits with a little more city-slicker class.

Porsche is bringing its Platinum Edition back to the Cayenne lineup for 2022, after three years off the market. The 2016–2018 trim level was popular in its day, and by all accounts should be even more so now.

Unlike the previous version, which was only available in one body style, the updated Platinum Edition can now be had in both the regular Cayenne and the more recently added Cayenne Coupe, plus it’s now available with three different V6 powertrains, including the 335-horsepower base model, the 455-hp E-Hybrid, and the 405-hp S trim.

Satin-silver details plus extra standard features combine for an upscale design

2022 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition
A special set of wheels and unique trim separate the Platinum Edition from its stable mates.

Unique Platinum Edition features include special satin-finish Platinum paint on key trim areas, such as the front fascia air intake slats, the headlight bezels, the exclusive 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, the “PORSCHE” lettering across the centre portion of the rear LED tail lamp, and the model designation just underneath. Additionally, the Platinum Edition gets sporty black side window garnishes and blackened sport exhaust pipes.

Of note, standard colours include solid white and black, while available metallics are Jet Black, Carrara White, Mahogany, Moonlight Blue, and Chalk, with the latter grey tone being a higher-priced special colour.

Platinum Edition boasts unique interior trim plus a number of key upgrades

2022 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition
Stepping inside, these model designation door sill plates greet you.

When entering the Platinum Edition you’ll need to step over an aluminum door sill etched with the scripted “Platinum Edition” logo, while other niceties include special textured aluminum inlays as well as silver trim, plus Chalk-coloured seat belts.

The Platinum Edition also benefits from standard LED headlights with the cornering-capable Dynamic Light System (PDLS), plus a set of eight-way-powered leather sport seats featuring embossed Porsche crests in the front and rear outboard headrests. Additionally, the Platinum Edition adds a modern analogue clock to the dash-top, plus a Bose surround-sound stereo system, ambient lighting, privacy glass, and last but hardly least, a panoramic sunroof.

A reasonable price bump for all the added style and features

2022 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition
Attractive textured metal inlays join more aluminum trim and plenty of other upgrades (check the gallery for more photos).

Pricing for the 2022 Platinum Edition begins at $92,800 for the base Cayenne model and $97,500 for the same engine with the Cayenne Coupe, while package upgrade starts at $109,100 in the regular Cayenne when powered by the E-Hybrid drivetrain, or $110,500 when this engine is matched to the Coupe. Lastly, the Cayenne S starts at $109,300, while the Cayenne S Coupe can be had for $112,000.

Porsche Canada will start delivering the new 2022 Cayenne Platinum Edition models this summer, but if you can’t wait that long take note that Porsche Canada is currently offering new 2022 Cayenne models with factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent. Check out CarCostCanada for all the details, plus see how their unique system can save you thousands on your next new vehicle purchase, and make sure to download their free app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

 

 

Just look up with the Cayenne Platinum Edition (0:10):

Driving the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition (0:15):

The Cayenne Platinum Edition: composed with passion (2:00):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

Porsche is adding a new “T” trim line to its most popular Macan model for 2023, and it looks to be an ideal combination of fuel-efficiency and agility. The Macan, which was updated midway through…

Porsche Canada introduces sporty new Macan T for 2023

2023 Porsche Macan T
The new 2023 Macan T adds sporty styling and sharper handling performance to the more affordable four-cylinder model.

Porsche is adding a new “T” trim line to its most popular Macan model for 2023, and it looks to be an ideal combination of fuel-efficiency and agility.

The Macan, which was updated midway through 2021 for the current 2022 model year, gets refreshed exterior styling as well as an updated interior. Key details inside include a new centre stack and console, incorporating a 10.9-inch touchscreen filled with a fully-networked Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment interface up top, plus a stylish glass-like interface with touch-sensitive switchgear below.

Macan T adds special styling details

2023 Porsche Macan T
Grey Agate metallic and high-gloss black trim, plus 20-inch grey alloys from the Macan S add some aggression to the new T’s visual character.

The new 2023 Macan T adds some nice exterior and interior design details such as Agate Grey metallic trim elements outside, specifically on the front fascia, mirror caps, side blades (which also include “Macan T” script), the rooftop spoiler, and the rear bumper cap, plus glossy black exterior window trim and exhaust pipes, as well as Dark Titanium 20-inch Macan S alloy wheels and the choice of 13 plain, metallic and special colours.

Stepping inside reveals “Macan T” branded black aluminum door sill plates, a multifunction GT steering wheel featuring a heated leather-wrapped rim (that can optionally be covered in Race-Tex), and heatable eight-way powered sport seats with grey pinstriped Sport-Tex centre panels and embossed Porsche crests on the front headrests. This exclusive upholstery is based on the Macan’s Black leather package, and therefore features silver stitching on the seat bolsters, headrests, and steering wheel rim.

Lightweight four-cylinder Macan prioritizes handling

2023 Porsche Macan T
The mirror caps get the Grey Agate metallic treatment for a sportier look.

Up until now the “T” designation has never been used outside of Porsche’s 718 and 911 sports cars lines, and due to this the Macan T is the first Porsche with steel suspension components to bear the name, plus the first four-door model to do so. T, which stands for Touring in Porsche-speak, was originally used for the 1968 911 T, but now is a trim level that designates lightweight, affordable performance, particularly emphasizing handling dynamics.

To this end the new Macan T’s suspension is lowered by 15 mm and comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), although take note that a further 10 mm drop can be achieved by opting for the brand’s adaptive air suspension. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive is also standard, which is expected, but it receives more rear torque bias in the Macan T in order to improve at-the-limit cornering. Additional standard features include stiffer front anti-roll bars and specific chassis tuning that Porsche says is “the perfect suspension for the vehicle and powertrain.” Additionally, those opting for the Macan T’s available Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system will find that it’s been further retuned to enhance performance through tight, fast-paced curves.

Upgraded powertrain is identical to entry-level 2022 Macan

2023 Porsche Macan T
Here’s a badge you’ve never seen before… It dares you to keep up in the corners.

As part of its 2022 refresh, the base four-cylinder engine received a bump up from 248 horsepower to 261 hp, and 273 lb-ft of torque to 295 lb-ft, which translates into much stronger get-up-and-go. In fact, the model’s zero to 100 km/h sprint time has been reduced by 0.2 seconds, from 6.7 seconds to 6.5 in the new model, while base models upgraded with the Sport Chrono package see their sprint times drop from 6.4 seconds to 6.2. The Macan T comes standard with the Sport Chrono package, so it benefits from quicker acceleration, while its top track speed is limited to 232 km/h.

Along with the Sport Chrono package is a dash-top mounted stopwatch/lap timer, plus a convenient steering wheel-mounted Sport Response button that makes switching between drive modes quick and easy. This can be used to shorten the shift increments of its standard seven-speed dual-clutch automated Porsche’s Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, the latter standard across the entire Macan line.

Speaking of alternative Macan models, those wanting more straight-line performance can choose the revised 348-hp 2022 Macan S that hightails it from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.8 seconds, while the latest 434-hp Macan GTS blasts from standstill to the same speed in just 4.5 seconds, which incidentally was the previous Macan Turbo’s sprint time.

Macan T slots in between base Macan and Macan S trims

2023 Porsche Macan T
Macan T script on the black aluminum door sill guards greets driver and passengers upon entry.

The Macan GTS costs a cool $85,500, by the way, which is fair value considering its performance and Porsche pedigree, while the Macan S will set owners back a much more affordable $70,600. The new Macan T will fit right in between the S and base model, the latter of which starts at just $58,500, plus it benefits from the four-cylinder engine’s considerably lower running costs when it comes to fuel-efficiency. Currently we only have the base model’s numbers of 12.2 L/100km in the city, 10.2 on the highway and 11.3 combined, but these shouldn’t change in its transition to T trim, whereas the 2022 Macan S is rated at 13.1 in the city, 9.6 on the highway and 11.5 combined, and GTS at 13.5 city, 10.5 highway and 12.2 combined.

2023 Porsche Macan T
The seats get Porsche crests on the headrests and grey pinstriped Race-Tex inserts.

Macan T pricing and detailed ordering info will be announced early this spring, but take note that all of the other models mentioned can currently be had with factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent. Check out CarCostCanada’s 2022 Porsche Macan Canada Prices page for more detailed info, plus the ability to price out each Macan trim including options on their configuration tool. CarCostCanada will also keep you apprised of any other manufacturer deals, like rebates, if you become a member, and you’ll always have access to dealer invoice pricing info, which can help you save thousands when negotiating your next new vehicle deal. In fact, CarCostCanada members are saving an average of $1,250 when purchasing the new Macan, impressive considering how tight inventories are these days, so be sure to check out how their system works and definitely download their free app from the Google Play store or Apple Store.

 

Dare forward: the new Porsche Macan T (0:54):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

If you hadn’t already heard, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (kind of like an all-electric version of the F1 racing series) is heading back to Canada, although Vancouver will be the host for…

Porsche Taycan is the new Official Safety Car of Formula E in 2022

2022 Porsche Taycan Official Formula E Safety Car
The new Taycan Turbo S will be the Official Safety Car for the 2022 season of Formula E.

If you hadn’t already heard, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (kind of like an all-electric version of the F1 racing series) is heading back to Canada, although Vancouver will be the host for the 2022 event, and when the show literally gets on the road, a new Porsche Taycan Official Safety Car will be seen along with Porsche’s Formula E team.

Formula E will hit the streets of lotus land on the weekend of June 30 through July 2, which means season eight of the FIA-sanctioned all-electric street racing series will already have eight races under its belt for the 2022 season. A total of 15 races will be completed by the time the year ends in Seoul, Korea on August 14, with others taking place in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Mexico City, Rome, Monaco, Berlin, Jakarta (Indonesia), New York City, and London (England).

2022 Porsche Taycan Official Formula E Safety Car
The 750 hp Taycan S Turbo should be able to take care of on-track emergencies quickly.

Those old enough to remember the Molson Indy Vancouver held in the city’s False Creek area during the 1990s, will know the Formula E circuit well. The electric cars will course along Pacific Boulevard, between Griffiths Way and Quebec Street, before powering down Quebec Street, between Pacific Boulevard and Central Street. A total of 56,000 spectators will be able to enjoy the spectacle from grandstands and other viewing areas, which makes it an outdoor party you won’t want to miss out on.

“We’re proud that Formula E has entrusted a Porsche with this task – one that is important for the safety of its drivers,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “With the Taycan Turbo S as the official safety car, we’re making an important contribution to track safety and also underlining the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport.”

2022 Porsche Taycan Official Formula E Safety Car
The Taycan Official Formula E Safety Car is stock, other than some specific details needed for its job on the track, like this row of emergency light toggles.

The three-day Formula E race weekend will also coincide with another Vancouver event held in the same False Creek setting. Canadian E-Fest will be a one-of-a-kind festival that includes a creative business conference on sustainability, plus a major esports tournament. Tickets to the event start at just $70, and can be purchased directly from the Canadian E-Fest website.

“Formula E is delighted the Porsche Taycan Turbo S will serve as the Championship’s safety car from Season 8,” said Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E. “The Porsche Taycan Turbo S is the pinnacle of high-performance electrified vehicles and will light up Formula E city racetracks around the world. In designing the Formula E safety car, Porsche reimagined the critical on-track safety function to be a powerful symbol of the championship’s commitment to an electrified future and the unity of the competitors in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.”

2022 Vancouver E-Fest
The race weekend coincides with the 2022 Vancouver E-Fest.

Incidentally, the new Formula E Safety Car is based on the 2022 Taycan Turbo S, the most capable variant of Porsche’s plug-in electric sport sedan. The new Turbo S is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, due to 750 horsepower (with Overboost) and 774 lb-ft of torque with Launch Control engaged, while it is also able to zip from standstill to 160 km/h in only 6.1 seconds. The 2022 Taycan, which now comes in three different body styles and many more trims, ranges in price from $119,900 and $218,000 (plus options).

 

Formula E: make it matter in season 8 (0:45):

Story credit: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche and Vancouver E-Fest