Wanderlust

Category: Marques

  • Audi USA Celebrates Final Model Year of TT RS with Limited “Heritage Edition”

    Audi USA Celebrates Final Model Year of TT RS with Limited “Heritage Edition”

    • Audi TT RS no longer offered after the 2022 model year in the U.S.
    • Five Audi heritage colors celebrate legendary five-cylinder engine and bids farewell to pinnacle performance of a design icon in the U.S. 
    • Limited number of just 50 (10 of each) color combinations available

    [source: Audi of America, Color Code Information Researched and Provided by Tailored Driver]

    HERNDON, VA – Today, Audi of America announces a limited offering of 50 special units of the 2022 Audi TT RS Heritage Edition that combines the power of the emotive Audi five-cylinder engine heritage along with the storied paint colors that once adorned the Audi Ur-quattro. While still available outside of the U.S., the 2022 Audi TT RS Heritage Edition signals the appropriate farewell to the remarkable high-performance coupe following the 2022 model year. The TT and TTS models will continue to be available in international markets and in the U.S. market.

    Five heritage color combinations celebrate the legendary five-cylinder engine
    For the 2022 model year, a limited number of just 50 highly collectible TT RS models will be available with the Heritage Edition nomenclature that blends five different exterior paints of the past that celebrate the heritage of the Audi Ur-quattro. The legendary Ur-quattro was powered by the storied Audi five-cylinder engine of its time with the modern version supporting the high performance Audi TT RS today. The limited TT RS Heritage Edition is available in five different color combinations, listed below in the five-cylinder firing order, and is limited to only 10 units of each.

    1. Alpine White (alpinweiß; non-metallic UNI; L90E; Audi) with Ocean Blue leather and Diamond Silver stitch
    2. Helios Blue metallic (heliosblaumetallic; metallic UNI; LA5Y; Audi) Diamond Silver leather and Ocean Blue stitch
    4. Stone Gray metallic (steingraumetallic; metallic UNI; LY7U; Audi) with Crimson Red leather and Jet Gray stitch
    5. Tizian Red metallic (tizianrotmetallic; metallic UNI; LB3V; Audi) with Havanna Brown leather and Jet Gray stitch
    3. Malachite Green metallic (malachitgrünmetallic; metallic UNI; LY6A; Audi) with Cognac Brown leather and Black stitch

    The interior leather and contrast stitching combinations are leveraged from the current Audi exclusive portfolio of upholstery selections, and include several first-time color combinations for the U.S. market. To further underline the exclusivity of the limited edition model, the TT RS Heritage Edition exhibits an understated, yet distinctive etch of “HERITAGE EDITION” script followed by the firing order of the five-cylinder engine “1-2-4-5-3”, underlined by a “quattro” script in the rear quarter glass on the right side of each car.

    Additionally, the TT RS Heritage Edition presents an exclusive list of standard equipment:

    • 20” 5-arm cutter design wheels in bi-color anthracite finish
    • Audi exclusive etching in rear quarter glass
    • 174 mph top speed limiter
    • Alcantara covered steering wheel with 12 o’clock marker in leather color
    • Alcantara covered shift lever
    • Alu-optic exterior elements including mirror housings
    • OLED taillights
    • RS logo floor mats with contrast stitching
    • Sport exhaust with black tips
    • Electric spoiler / rear wing delete

    Hear that heritage sound? It’s legendary performance.
    The five-cylinder engine has deep historical roots in Audi’s DNA, and is a fundmental pillar of the emotional connection to the Audi Sport brand. The engine has achieved countless victories in motorsports from courses in rally around the world to the tarmac in the IMSA GTO and at the Nuerburgring in the legendary 24-hour race, the 5 cylinder has prevailed. It even earned the  “International Engine of the Year Award” nine times in a row since 2010. Yet – it is the unique and distinctive sound of the five-cylinder engine that has captured the emotion of enthusiasts. Due to the odd number of cylinders, and more specifically, the 1-2-4-5-3 firing order, the Audi five-cylinder engine’s sound is unmistakable and presents a symphonic rhythm that is accompanied by deep tone characteristics. 

    Besides its visibility in motorsports, the legendary engine harkens back to the Ur-quattro coupe from the 1980s, and has been a part of just two U.S. market Audi products over the last few years – the Audi TT RS Coupe and RS 3 Sedan. The engine remains one of brand’s more powerful engines with 394 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque that brings the TT RS Coupe from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

    The return of the five-cylinder. A social network comeback
    Until 2012, the five-cylinder engine remained absent from the Audi portfolio for nearly 30 years. In 2009, the first Audi TT RS made its global debut in the world markets, and was only a dream to drive on the roads stateside, until Audi of America took a stance to get the car to the U.S. In 2011, Audi of America would exhibit a signed petition on Facebook to bring the first generation TT RS to the U.S. market – the petition resulted in an astounding 12,000 signatures in just one month.

    After the success of the social media campaign, Audi of America brought the product in limited production run for just two model years, 2012-2013. In both years, Audi of America offered a total of approximately 1,200 highly collectible TT RS models properly outfitted exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, which became the final manual transmission offer in any Audi RS- model, globally.

    Fond farewell
    While 2022 is the last model year for the TT RS in the U.S., the model will live on in other international markets for some time. The 2022 Audi TT RS Heritage Edition and the 2022 Audi TT RS model are expected to go on sale in the U.S. toward the beginning of 2022. The TT RS celebrated its 10 year anniversary since its introduction as a 2012 model year in the US market. 

    The limited edition model, no doubt to become a sought after model for enthusiasts and collectors alike, celebrates the victory, performance, and expansive history of the legendary five-cylinder engine for the Audi brand which will continue to be available once the all-new RS 3 goes on sale next summer in the U.S.

    MSRP pricing detail

    Model 
    2022 Audi TT RS Heritage Edition$85,350
    2022 Audi TT RS$73,200

    Prices exclude $1,045 destination charge, sales taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

    At Audi of America, we believe the Future is Electric. Our U.S. model lineup will be 30 percent electrified, including fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, by 2025, and globally we are committed to net CO2 neutrality by 2050. In 2020, Audi sold 186,620 vehicles in the U.S., and this year, we look forward to the next chapter in our journey to reinvent premium mobility with the arrivals of the fully electric Audi e-tron GT and Audi Q4 e-tron. Learn more about who we are and how we’re working to create a more electric, innovative, and inclusive future at audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com.

    This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

  • Porsche Paint to Sample Program Expands

    Porsche Paint to Sample Program Expands

    [source: Porsche USA]

    Porsche is expanding capacity for its popular “Paint to Sample” program to meet increasing demand and improve ease of access for customers. With the newly revamped “Paint to Sample,” more than 160 pre-approved colors will be available with the option to specify a totally bespoke color through “Paint to Sample Plus,” which requires extensive feasibility testing. These colors are in addition to the wide selection of paint choices Porsche already offers, including several no-cost, non-metallic colors, and additional-cost metallic colors ranging from $650 to $840 depending on the model.  Special color options are also available for between $2,580 and $3,270 depending on the model.

    Porsche Paint shop in Zuffenhausen: batch comparison plates are painted and serve as color reference samples during the final inspection of the vehicle.

    “Individualization is at the core of Porsche. Customers have been making special requests to personalize their cars since our earliest model, the 356,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Paint to Sample is integral in satisfying that demand. With this offering, we bring many historic colors back to life and expand the catalog to a total of more than 160 choices.”

    The array of colors on offer is extensive and varies depending on the model and production facility. More than 100 additional colors beyond the standard offerings are available for the 911 and 718 variants. Panamera, Macan and Cayenne, have access to more than 50 Paint to Sample color choices. The Taycan has 65 color choices.

    Paint to Sample Plus: extensive feasibility check

    The expansion is possible thanks in large part to a new color mixing bank that went online this year in the Zuffenhausen plant where the 911, 718 and Taycan model lines are assembled. For example, Paint to Sample capacity for 911 models will increase from roughly five cars per day to about 20 cars per day. The Paint to Sample process does not increase the time required for overall production.

    Customers can specify Paint to Sample through their local Porsche dealer. In the future, it will also be possible to visualize the extensive Paint to Sample color palette on the Porsche Car Configurator. Pricing depends on the model and variant. Paint to Sample costs $11,430 for most 911 and 718 models. For 718 GT and 911 Turbo, Turbo S as well as the 911 GT3 models, the price is $12,830.

    For unique color requests, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers Paint to Sample Plus on all models except Cayenne. In these cases, the customer provides a color sample to their dealer that is sent to Porsche AG and subjected to extensive quality and feasibility testing. The customer car is not finished in the bespoke color until feasibility testing – up to 11 months in certain cases – is complete. If the paint color is not feasible, Porsche covers the cost of the feasibility study. Pricing example for Paint to Sample Plus: $22,860 for most models, and $25,660 for 911 Turbo and GT models as well as 718 GT models.

    About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur

    A sports car as individual as your own fingerprint, as unmistakable as your own lifestyle: in an interplay of craftsmanship and attention to detail, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur creates extremely personal customer vehicles. Highly qualified employees with decades of expertise devote their full attention to every detail and enhance it through hand craftsmanship. The experts can draw on a wide range of visual and technical customization options for the exterior and interior. The highest standards are fulfilled with respect to material and finishing.

    Alongside the individual customer vehicles, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also produces limited small series and editions. Here, high-quality materials are combined with modern production technologies to create a harmonious overall concept. Porsche dealers provide advice on the range and possibilities offered by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur as the first point of contact alongside the online Car Configurator. Around 100 Exclusive Manufaktur partners are available to customers all over the world to help fulfill particularly individual wishes. These are Porsche dealers that are specially equipped and trained to provide advice on the Exclusive Manufaktur product range. In addition, advice is available for all models at the heart of the brand in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, in cooperation with the Porsche dealer and on the basis of a commission number. The main plant specializes in individual paint finishes: Werk 1 has the largest collection of Porsche color samples and sample vehicles painted in Paint to Sample.


  • New MANUFAKTUR Label – Exclusive Equipment for Individual Customer Wishes

    New MANUFAKTUR Label – Exclusive Equipment for Individual Customer Wishes

    Stuttgart. The Mercedes-Benz brand stands for luxury and fascination like hardly any other. The design, styling and different equipment lines express the personal lifestyles of customers. With the new “MANUFAKTUR” label, Mercedes-Benz is doing even more justice to customers’ growing desire for more individuality, and is enhancing the existing product portfolio with additional exclusivity and luxury: selected materials which are predominantly processed by hand, exclusive paint finishes and high-quality embellishments in the interior offer a wide range of options for an individual appearance. A corresponding programme has already been available for the G-Class for several years: the “G manufaktur” presents its own selection of materials and colours specially adapted to the vehicle architecture. With the introduction of the new MANUFAKTUR label, Mercedes-Benz now also offers a corresponding customisation programme for other model series such as the CLS, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door coupé and the S-Class long-wheelbase, as well as the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.

    [source: Mercedes-Benz]

    Buying a new vehicle means making numerous decisions at the same time. After all, your own car is always part of your personal everyday life, and an expression of your own lifestyle. In addition to a choice of engine, colour, interior equipment and comfort features, Mercedes-Benz customers are offered many options with which they can tailor their dream vehicle to their needs. For those who are also looking for something special in terms of paintwork, leather upholstery and interior design, Mercedes-Benz now offers further, exclusive customisation options for selected model series with the new MANUFAKTUR label. These combine luxurious craftsmanship, the highest quality materials and fascinating design.

    Mercedes-Benz customers can expect an ambience characterised by an equally aesthetic and extraordinary colour concept, the finest materials, sensual comfort and exclusive trim elements in piano lacquer or wood. The excellence of the craftsmanship is visible and tangible in the embroidery, the leatherwork and the carefully applied trim elements. The attention to detail is particularly highlighted in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class long-wheelbase and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, by the MANUFAKTUR lettering in chrome look on the centre console and as discreet embroidery on the parcel shelf, as it is a result of a high-quality manufacturing process with selected, first-class materials.

    One of the most expressive features of a vehicle is its colour. The MANUFAKTUR range offers an exclusive selection of special paint finishes – both silky matt and high-gloss metallic, or rich non-metallic colours. Some of these colours are reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz history. MANUFAKTUR silicon grey uni was already part of the colour range until the early 1960s, and e.g. adorned the legendary 300 SL “Gullwing” as a special colour. MANUFAKTUR graphite metallic and MANUFAKTUR olive metallic were among the exclusive exterior options in the 1980s, while MANUFAKTUR vintage blue uni was a popular choice for the E-Class (W123) and the S-Class (W126) in the 1980s. The trend towards a satin finish is reflected in fine, elegant finishes such as MANUFAKTUR cashmere white magno and MANUFAKTUR kalahari gold magno, or the sporty MANUFAKTUR night black magno. All MANUFAKTUR paint finishes exude high quality, and underline the fascination of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and their dynamic lines.

    Fine, high-quality nappa leather with unusual contrasting colour concepts characterises the ambience in the interior. This is where the classic MANUFAKTUR deep white/black comes back to life, as does the iconic special upholstery colour MANUFAKTUR pastel yellow/black, which was available for the S-Class until 2012. Also in combination with black, other leather colours such as MANUFAKTUR nut brown/black, MANUFAKTUR truffle brown/black or maritime MANUFAKTUR yacht blue/black stand for the highest individual elegance. The intricate diamond-pattern stitching further enhances the exclusive look, and ensures particularly pleasant seating comfort. The package also includes tone-on-tone additional cushions with an embroidered logo – depending on the model and equipment requirements, either the Mercedes-Benz star, the double-M rhombus of Mercedes-Maybach or Mercedes-AMG lettering in the floor mats, for example. If the customer chooses one of the optional Emblem packages available for the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the trademarks can also be embroidered in gold or platinum to further enhance the luxurious ambience.

    In combination with the selected upholstery, customers receive further refined components for a coherent and consistently high-quality overall impression. For example, the handcrafted, two-tone MANUFAKTUR leather steering wheel as well as the door centre panels, the armrest and the lower section of the instrument panel are also lined with fine nappa leather. The precise stitching and excellent fit are testament to the high level of craftsmanship of the saddlers who fashion all leather components from the finest materials.

    Another noble highlight that can be additionally selected is the MANUFAKTUR headliner made entirely of nappa leather with double-stitched Maybach rhombus. It consists of a rear central panel in a contrasting colour with diamond quilting and a middle central panel in a contrasting colour without diamond quilting. The harmonious interior is complemented by high-quality thick-pile floor mats edged with the chosen nappa leather in a contrasting colour. Depending on the line and the choice of Emblem package, they are embroidered with the Mercedes-Benz star, the Maybach logo or Mercedes-AMG lettering. The brand logos are also repeated on the door sill panels, where they are additionally illuminated and bordered by the current Mercedes Star pattern or, in the case of the Mercedes-Maybach, by the current Maybach pattern.

    A real eye-catcher that underlines the brand presence is the MANUFAKTUR surround lighting with animated projection. When the doors are opened, animated Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-Maybach patterns using sophisticated LCD technology light up and elegantly illuminate both the front and rear entry areas. This special lightshow is made possible by four LCD projectors embedded in the front and rear doors, which deactivate themselves after ten minutes.

  • One-of-a-Kind Porsche 911 Honors Mexico’s Greatest Racer

    One-of-a-Kind Porsche 911 Honors Mexico’s Greatest Racer

    Fifty years after the death of Mexican racing driver Pedro Rodríguez, a Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ has been commissioned, with plans afoot to auction it off for charity.

    [source: Porsche AG]

    With two Formula One Grand Prix wins, a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and four triumphs in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Pedro Rodríguez is undoubtedly the most successful Mexican racing driver of all time. During his illustrious career he walked away with 11 titles in the World Championship of Makes – now known as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) – and he helped Porsche to win the series in 1970 and 1971. Eight of his 11 wins were in the Porsche 917 KH with the distinctive Gulf Oil livery.

    Now, 50 years after he lost his life at the Norisring street circuit in Nuremberg, Germany on 11 July 1971, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico have commissioned a special tribute. Working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, a unique car has been built – the Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ Pedro Rodríguez, which was unveiled during a Sportscar Together Day at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento Pegaso, in Toluca, Mexico.

    “Pedro Rodríguez continues to be the Latin American driver who has given Porsche the most triumphs and joy,” explained George Wills, President and CEO of Porsche Latin America. “With this unique car in the world we want to pay tribute to a unique, irreplaceable driver, an idol of the past and a legend of today.”

    Distinctive details and design

    In paying tribute to a racing driver who was a one-off himself, the unique 911 created in his memory had to have a distinctive design and details. “This car has unique elements that no other car in the world could have,” says Camilo San Martin, Director of Porsche Mexico. “This configuration, with these specific details and equipment, has been locked in the Porsche configurator, as well as in the production system, so that this car is literally unrepeatable.”

    As well as working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico worked alongside Rodríguez’s family and the Porsche Museum to create a car that not only pays tribute to the legendary Mexican driver, but also the 917 KH with which he achieved glory.

    The Gulf blue 917 KH as inspiration

    Painted in iconic Gulf blue with an orange stripe running across it, the ‘One of a Kind’ is based on the 911 Turbo S. The specially designed wheels are painted in high-gloss black, with an aluminium centre lock and the doors feature a black number two in a white circle.

    Another distinctive element is the plaque located on the B-pillar, which bears a silhouette of the 917 KH in the colours of the Mexican flag and the name and signature of Rodríguez. This same detail is reflected in the carbon moldings on the lower door frames, which light up when opened. Similarly, the names of the eight races he won with the 917 KH are engraved under the rear spoiler.

    nside, the 911 is fully upholstered in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and while the 917 silhouette features on the front seat headrests, Rodríguez’s signature can be seen on the centre armrest and on the carbon fibre dashboard trim.

    The car’s personalisation even goes as far as the accompanying key, which not only features the signature of the two-time world endurance champion but is painted in Gulf blue. The car also includes a bespoke luggage set in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and details.

    The Porsche 911 Turbo S “One of a Kind” Pedro Rodríguez will be auctioned off later this year. The proceeds will go to various charitable causes.

  • Porsche Individualization: Specialists in Meeting Individual Customer Sishes

    Porsche Individualization: Specialists in Meeting Individual Customer Sishes

    Meeting the wishes of customers is an important part of the global offering from Porsche, which pursues this goal with its Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, Porsche Tequipment and Porsche Classic divisions. Now the company is planning to meet these special requests to an even greater extent, with a new and significantly extended range of products and services.

    [source: Porsche AG]

    This new offering includes various options to individualise Porsche sports cars, turning them into true one-offs. Porsche is extending the personalisation options for individual components directly in the Car Configurator, while a Performance Parts range will supplement its offering for new, pre-owned and classic vehicles. As part of its Co-Creation strategy, Porsche’s Sonderwunsch (special request) programme of the late 1970s is being reinterpreted too, making it possible to design individualised one-off cars in future – co-created by the customer and realised professionally by Porsche.

    The range of individualisation options for new vehicles currently extends from personal customer consulting during the configuration process through to realisation of limited small series. Through Tequipment, Porsche also offers numerous accessory products and retrofit options and when it comes to classic vehicles, Porsche currently focuses on spare parts supply and factory restorations.

    The Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer is now significantly extending its offering in all business areas. “It is our goal to provide customers around the globe with even more accurately tailored and demand-based products within the context of classic, existing and new cars, and to also offer a comprehensive range of individualisation options,” says Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualisation and Classic. “With the new offerings we are responding to the great global demand for our products. Starting with new possibilities for individualisation and personalisation of individual components, through the additional range of Performance Parts, up to the realisation of uniquely individualised sports cars, we have the right option for every customer.”

    More personal than ever before: individual enhancements

    The Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is successively expanding its range of products that can be individualised and personalised – and many more options will be available here in future. Examples include exterior wrapping options, individual starting numbers, prints on the floor mats, illuminated door entry guards and logo projectors in the vehicle doors. Customers can also choose to become designers themselves during the ordering process. The personalisation options at this stage include individual design elements such as colours, logos, lettering and text.

    Using a digital application in the Porsche Car Configurator, it is possible to specify own designs for various items. For example, customers can have their own signature embossed on elements in the vehicle interior, such as the leather-covered cover on the centre console. The range is rounded off by personalised wraps and decals on selected exterior areas and individual paint finishes on the wheels.

    New components for GT models and classic cars

    Porsche will offer a large number of new components for new vehicles as well as pre-owned and classic cars with its Performance Parts programme. The Porsche Tequipment range for new and pre-owned vehicles is aimed at drivers who are motorsport enthusiasts and amateur racing drivers. Porsche Classic will offer new developments with a historical reference, components for performance enhancement and also lifestyle products for both newer and more historic classic cars. The aim is to increase performance or improve the cars’ everyday usability.

    The Classic division has created a pair of show cars, based on two first-generation Cayenne models, which showcase the possible new individualisation offerings, with both an outdoor and an off-road focus.

    Modern and classic sports cars as one-offs

    As part of its Co-Creation strategy, Porsche is now offering a new interpretation of its legendary Sonderwunsch (special request) programme from the late 1970s and will make it possible to design individualised one-off cars in the future – co-created by the customer and realised professionally by Porsche. The expansion of this offering is divided into different areas: Factory Commissioning for individual customer colour and material wishes directly in production, and subsequent Factory Re-Commissioning and Factory One-Off services for after a vehicle has been delivered to the customer.

    Whereas Factory Re-Commissioning is all about individual colours and materials, the Factory One-Off service is a systematic, technical new development. Depending on the age of the vehicle in question, either the technical experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or the specialists at Porsche Classic will take care of implementation.

    About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Porsche Tequipment

    Across all model series, customers can currently choose from more than 700 Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur options. The demand for individualisation is increasing all the time. The level of vehicle enhancement is particularly extensive in 25 per cent of all 911 models delivered worldwide: they visit the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur workshops at the parent plant in Zuffenhausen for exclusive re-commissioning. Sonderwunsch one-offs and limited small series are also produced in the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.

    Current examples are the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition and a limited 911 special model which was produced to mark the 20th anniversary of Porsche China. Porsche offers numerous accessory products and retrofit options via the Tequipment division. The overall range of initially around 150 parts has continuously grown to now include more than 500 Tequipment options.

    About Porsche Classic

    Porsche Classic is responsible for spare parts supply and factory restorations of all of the brand’s road-approved classic cars. The range extends from a selection of various accessories and technical literature through to classic spare part supply and new editions of spare parts that are no longer available. Every year around 100 classic vehicles from the Porsche 356 through to the 911 (Type 996) and Boxster (Type 986) pass through the Classic workshop for accident repairs and other repair work. Complete restorations are available for all cars prior to the 996 generation of the 911, the Boxster Type 986 and the Carrera GT.

    The current spare parts range includes more than 60,000 items. This is supplemented each year by an average of 300 new issues of spare parts that are no longer available as well as new accessory, lifestyle or performance-enhancing parts. Porsche is also extending its international dealer and service network with the Porsche Classic Partner programme. These are existing Porsche Centres with specific expertise in handling classic Porsche cars. The network currently comprises 76 locations, including four Porsche Classic Centres.

    Info

    The vehicles shown are show cars. They are for illustrative purposes only and have been modified from their series production condition and equipped with accessories, some of which do not originate from Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG and which cannot be purchased from Porsche or from the Porsche sales organisation. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG has not tested these modifications and accessories and has not approved them for use.

  • Ferrari Opens Tailor Made Center in New York City

    Ferrari Opens Tailor Made Center in New York City

    Redesigned showroom becomes the first of its kind in the Americas, allowing clients to customize every element of their car.

    [source: Ferrari]

    Englewood Cliffs New Jersey, 3 October 2019 – Ferrari opens its first Tailor Made Center in the United States today in New York City.  The only space of its kind in the Americas, this new Center continues the long-standing tradition of car customization and personalization that began at the factory in Maranello in the 1950s and later grew into the inception of the Tailor Made Center in 2011, followed by the Shanghai Tailor Made Center in 2014.

    The Tailor Made Center in New York City serves as an extension of Ferrari’s completely redesigned showroom, increasing the size of the previous showroom to 6,600 square feet. The new space includes an owners’ lounge, as well as display space for five cars.  The dedicated Tailor Made Center features an endless array of specification options to meet any Ferrari owner’s personality and tastes including an extensive range of fabrics, leathers, woods, colors and finishes.  Alongside this is an additional dedicated space for a Ferrari Atelier, equipped with the standard range of specification options.

    Three collections function as the starting point for the Tailor Made Program, serving as a connection to the deep history on which the concept is founded. Each has been developed through ongoing research by the Ferrari Design Center, pulling inspiration from the brand’s core values of innovation, elegance and passion. From the sporty and race-driven Scuderia Collection, to the Classica, drawing inspiration from the heritage and history of the house, and the Inedita, which allows free reign for experimentation, options for customization are endless.

    Owners are guided through the Tailor Made process by a Personal Designer, who collaborates with each client on every element of the car’s aesthetic to create the final configuration, from inception through delivery.

    The Ferrari New York Showroom is sure to become a destination for Ferrari clients and enthusiasts in North and South America and is located at 410 Park Avenue.

  • Jay Kay’s Verde Signal LaFerrari a Crowd Pleaser at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Jay Kay’s Verde Signal LaFerrari a Crowd Pleaser at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Maranello, Italy – Ferrari was definitely one of the main attractions over the three days of the Festival of Speed held at Goodwood this weekend, both with the drivers and F1 cars of the Scuderia and its road cars. The one that drew the most admiring glances in England was definitely the LaFerrari. On the Goodwood hill, there were no less than two, one of which caught the eye, not just because of its exclusivity and performance, but because it is painted green.

    Editor’s Note: By most accounts, the color on this LaFerrari is Verde Signal, better known as Signal Racing Green (signalgrün; non-metallic uni; 22S / R6001 / 6829 / 217 / 7878 / L62Y / 22S / M1; Porsche).

    [source: Ferrari]

    The car belongs in fact to Jay Kay, lead singer with Jamiroquai, who is a major Ferrari collector. He drove his car up the hill and also signed autographs for the crowd. “I own an F40, an Enzo and now the LaFerrari, three unique cars and with the last one, it’s incredible just how much advanced technological research is behind it. Tackling the Goodwood hill in the LaFerrari is an incredible feeling,” added Jay Kay. “My Enzo is black with a green interior and so I went for the same scheme but switching the colours round. I’ve always liked green cars and green interiors and green in general. It gives me a thrill”.

  • Birth of Audi RS marked by commemorative RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection

    Birth of Audi RS marked by commemorative RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection

    • Anniversary model based on the Audi Avant RS2
    • Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection to celebrate world premiere in Geneva

    [source: Audi UK, photos by Audi UK and Audi France]

    Editor’s Note: This special edition model was produced for the European market and was never sold in North America.

    It is almost exactly twenty years since the once clearly defined boundary between versatile estate car and extreme sports car was blurred by the Audi Avant RS2, so the trailblazer for a high-performance breed which continues to flourish is being commemorated by the new RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection. The new special edition will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show with Nogaro blue paint finish and exclusive equipment.

    The customised Nogaro blue, pearl effect paint finish is the most immediately apparent tribute to the esteemed RS2 in the anniversary model. In addition, the frame of the Singleframe grille and the window surrounds are painted high-gloss black, and the roof rails matt black. The RS sports exhaust system terminates in two oval, high-gloss black tailpipe trims.

    450PS: the high-revving V8

    Under the bonnet of theAudi RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection sits a high-revving V8 naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 4,163 cc. The 4.2 FSI delivers 450PS of power at 8,250 rpm, with peak torque of 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The resonant eight-cylinder engine powers the anniversary model from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds and takes it to a governed top speed of 174mph. Its combined fuel economy is 26.4mpg – for a CO2 equivalent of 249 grams per kilometre.

    With its high efficiency and tall top gear, the standard seven-speed S tronic also contributes to fuel efficiency. The driver can let the lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission shift operate automatically or change gears themselves using the selector lever or the steering wheel paddles.

    The core of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive is the self-locking crown gear centre differential. The compact and lightweight component distributes torque at a default ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axles. This ratio can be broadly varied as required – with up to 70 per cent of the power going to the front and a maximum of 85 per cent to the rear. The crown gear centre differential cooperates with the wheel-selective torque control, which makes handling at cornering limits even more dynamic through selective, small brake impulses. At the rear, the standard sport differential also actively distributes the power between the rear wheels.

    The Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection rides on 265/30 series tyres. Behind the gloss turned finish 20-inch wheels in 5-V-spoke design gleam red-painted brake calipers bearing RS emblems. The brake discs featuring a wave design are internally ventilated, perforated and joined to the aluminium brake disc chambers by pins. Carbon-fibre-ceramic front discs are available at extra cost. The Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) offers a sport mode and can also be entirely deactivated as required.

    Black and blue: the interior

    In the purposefully styled interior, Audi offers two different upholstery versions for the electrically adjustable S sport seats with their integrated head restraints. In both cases, the side sections are covered with black Valcona leather; the Alcantara trim for the centre sections and door trim inserts are coloured either black as well or Nogaro blue – in homage again to the Audi Avant RS2. The armrests are covered with black leather, with blue contrasting stitching providing accents. Black or Nogaro blue piping frames the black floor mats.

    Black leather with blue stitching also refines the steering wheel rim and the selector lever boot. Blue threads run through the carbon inlays. A badge on the RS selector lever knob of the S tronic and the logos on the door sill trims refer to the special status of the anniversary model.

    The Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection will be available in mainland Europe later in 2014 as a limited edition. The possibility of UK specification production is still under discussion.

    A modern classic: the Audi Avant RS2 from 1994

    The Audi RS2 of 1994 was the first RS model from Audi and also the first high-performance model from the brand to combine full everyday suitability with a dynamic character, becoming the founder of a whole family of peformance-focused models. Audi developed the RS2 in conjunction with Porsche, with assembly taking place at Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.

    Its appearance alone was indicative of the power of the first RS model. The front bumper featured powerful air inlets, and the grille was painted black. The exterior mirrors came from Porsche, the rear was embellished by a full-width band of light, and the emblems were large-sized. The RS2 optionally left the assembly line with an exclusive Nogaro blue paint finish, recalling the two victories achieved by Frank Biela on the Nogaro circuit in the French Touring Car Championship of 1993.

    The engine drew on Audi’s extensive experience in touring car racing. The 2.2-litre five-cylinder engine delivered 315PS by way of a large turbocharger, high boost pressure, expanded air ducting and adapted engine management. At 3,000 rpm 410 Nm (302.40 lb-ft) of torque was available, with the limiter only taking effect at 7,200 rpm. The RS2 accelerated from 0 to 62mphin 5.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 162mph. A six-speed manual transmission delivered the power to the quattro drivetrain, which had a manually activated locking differential at the rear axle.

    The suspension with its all-round transverse links was derived from the set-up of the performance car which laid the foundations, the Audi S2. The shock absorbers were even firmer and the springs were shortened. Porsche supplied the 17-inch wheels, the large, internally ventilated brake discs and the red-painted four-piston calipers.

    The interior was dominated by Silk Nappa leather and Alcantara in the colour anthracite, blue or silver grey, and the Recaro seats were electrically adjustable. The instruments bore white dials, while small indicators on the centre console kept the driver informed about the oil pressure, oil temperature and vehicle system voltage. CFRP inlays were optionally available.

    Audi offered the RS2 at a base price of £39,500 in the UK. Within a construction period of barely two years 2,908 units were produced – more than the quantity originally planned.