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  • Tartan: A Pattern with a History at Porsche

    Tartan: A Pattern with a History at Porsche

    Tartan fabrics symbolise tradition and craftsmanship, belonging and confidence. Exactly 50 years ago, three tartans could be found on the options list exclusively for the Porsche 911 Turbo. It wasn’t until the 1976 model year that they appeared in the 911. To this day, this check pattern classic remains timeless and stylish – on the catwalk and in the sports car.

    [source: Porsche]

    The day that Anatole Lapine woke up and decided to wear a pair of tartan trousers would be the day on which the chief designer and his team would decide to include tartan fabrics in the interior programme. Dorothea Müller-Goodwyn worked as a stylist at Porsche from 1970 to 1975, and again from 1978 to 2003. “We had a Scottish colleague in our team who recommended two traditional tartan fabric makers from his homeland to me,” recalls Müller-Goodwyn, who then contacted them both. “Unfortunately, they were unable to supply us with fabrics with the qualities that we required for the interior of the sports cars: [they had to be] lightfast and abrasion-resistant.” She finally found a supplier 50 kilometres from Weissach, in Dettingen unter Teck, on the border of the Swabian Mountains. The town is home to the Berger company, which capable of weaving series-production-quality fabrics for the Porsche Style team.

    Historical background: tartan as a symbol of identity

    Tartans typically have a crisscross pattern that is created when threads of different colours are woven together. Traditional natives of Scotland, home of the iconic fabric, wear only the tartans of their clan, thereby identifying the family line to which they belong. However, according to the Scottish law of heraldic arms, it is not forbidden to wear the tartans of other clans.

    Three Scottish patterns for the options list

    Lapine’s trousers had a blue, green and black pattern inspired by the colours of Black Watch tartan. At the 1973 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Porsche presented the 911 RSR Turbo concept with seat centres and side bolsters in Black Watch tartan. A year later, Louise Piëch was given the 911 Turbo ‘No. 1’ (Vin: 9115600042), with silver bodywork and an interior upholstered in brick-red cowhide leather, the seat centre in McLaughlin tartan and the Porsche logo on a background of the same tartan pattern. The name of the clan with this red and blue Scottish tartan can also be written ‘MacLachlan’. In 1974, chief designer Lapine and his team added Mackenzie – featuring beige, red, blue, white and olive green – to the trio of tartans. “Following the success of the exclusive tartans in the Turbo, in the next model year we also used them in the 911,” explains Müller-Goodwyn. To this day, it is a tradition at Porsche to reinterpret classic design elements and deploy them in cars with state-of-the-art sports car technology. This is a joint endeavour of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and the Style Porsche design department. As part of the Heritage Design strategy, special models are created in the Lifestyle area, which are equipped with iconographic elements. These models stem from the product strategy for highly emotive concepts with a historical connection. These concepts are often based on style-defining textiles that evoke long-forgotten times while also carrying the values of the brand into the future.

  • Color Check: Purple Sky Metallic Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package

    Color Check: Purple Sky Metallic Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package

    Back in July, Porsche shared PR images of the Taycan Turbo GT rocking the Weissach Package, presented in Purple Sky Metallic (not to be confused with Prince’s “Purple Rain,” but we can see the connection), and boy, is this a wild color.

    A few months later, we got to see it in person at the Quail Events during Monterey Car Week 2024. Purple Sky Metallic seems to be a new color for Porsche, as we haven’t seen it before on any other model. How would we describe it? Majestic, unicorn-like, dynamic, and, of course, very purple. Lighting certainly has an effect on this shade of purple, as the color can shift from a bright purple to a dark blue.

    Although Purple Sky Metallic is not a PTS color, Porsche lists it as a “Dreams” color when you’re ordering your Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package. If you’re not going PTS, this would be the way to go.

    Check out the gallery below for more photos, and let us know your thoughts on the new purple from Porsche!

  • Video: Audi Nimbus Grey on 2025 RS e-tron GT

    Video: Audi Nimbus Grey on 2025 RS e-tron GT

    It appears Audi has reintroduced Nimbus Grey on the updated RS e-tron GT. First introduced on the TTS concept and then later popularized on TT models, the first-generation TT in particular, it’s a great-looking mid-to-dark grey.

  • Color Check: Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition in Magenta

    Color Check: Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition in Magenta

    Bentley is rolling out the Global Media Drive in Andermatt Switzerland for the new Continental GT Speed and has dropped a comprehensive mix of photos of each car on location for the drive, including full build specifications. Over the next couple of days we’ll color check all of them, but figured we’d catch with the one that is likely the most attention-getting.

    On the outside, the most striking part of this build is its Magenta paint, with granite finish on the typical brightwork and rounded out by grey painted 22-inch ten-swept-spoke wheels with machined faces. Inside, the cabin is monotone with Gravity Grey leather and Magenta accents, dark tinted Diamond Brushed Aluminum trim and Magenta contrast stitching nearly everywhere.

    Worth noting, the car also has several options that we’ll list here along with U.S. pricing. These include First Edition Specification ($39,940), Carbon Ceramic Brakes with Painted Calipers ($18,820), Extended Range Solid and Metallic Paint ($8,655), 22-inch Ten Swept Spoke Wheels ($4,400) and Contrast Stitching ($3,930).

    First Edition Specification includes Touring Specification, Front Seat Comfort Specification, Front Wellness Seating including postural and lumbar adjustment, Naim Audio, Bentley Rotating Display, Technical Veneer Choice or Single Finish Veneer, Animated LED Welcome Lamps by Mulliner, Mood Lighting Specification, Deep Pile Overmats front and rear, First Edition Exterior Badge, First Edition Treadplates, First Edition Embroidery to Seats, Garage Door Opener and Valet Key.

    Front Seat Comfort Specification (included in First Edition Specification) includes Adjustable Seat Bolsters, Adjustable Seat Cushion Length, Power Adjustable Headrest, Ventilation and Massage, Heated Front Armrest and Hide Trimmed Seat Belt Buckles.

    Touring Specification (included in First Edition Specification) includes Lane Guidance, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Night Vision and Head-up Display.

  • Market Find: Audi exclusive Vegas Yellow S5 Coupe

    Market Find: Audi exclusive Vegas Yellow S5 Coupe

    When you think of Las Vegas, chances are that images of bright lights come to mind- whether those lights are on the strip, or perched atop one of the city’s many slot machines. Along with those thoughts also come strong feelings, as Vegas is a fairly divisive love-it-or-hate-it kind of town. Perhaps through that lens, Audi naming this hue “Vegas Yellow” is appropriate in more ways than one.

    Currently for sale at friends of the site Audi Wilmington (Delaware), this Audi exclusive Vegas Yellow S5 Coupe (VIN: WAUP4AF54PA036139) was initially ordered by a dealer employee who is a card-carrying member of Team Fun. While most would not consider Vegas Yellow, we think this S5 pulls it off quite well, especially having been paired with the Black Optic package. On the inside things are much more tame, with black leather sport seats featuring deviated stitching and carbon fiber trim.

    We were big fans of Vegas Yellow when it debuted on the Audi TT S and S3, and we’re also big fans of Audi Wilmington. So call us biased, but if you’re in the market for an S5 with Tailored Driver cred, we think it’d be pretty hard to do much better than this. See the full details of this Audi exclusive Vegas Yellow S5 on Audi Wilmington’s website, here.

  • Vigilante Unveils Fastest Vintage Jeep Ever Created with Viper-Powered 1979 Cherokee S

    Vigilante Unveils Fastest Vintage Jeep Ever Created with Viper-Powered 1979 Cherokee S

    • The Perfect Pairing of Power and Elegance is Evidenced by a Blistering 825 Horsepower from the Reimagined Cherokee Along with a Stylish Two-Tone Colorway & Corresponding Denim Interior

    [source: Vigilante]

    JOHNSON CITY, TX – With a well-deserved reputation as the world’s finest restorers and enthusiasts in the vintage Jeep sector, Vigilante is consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible underneath the hood of a classic-style Jeep. In keeping with the company’s tradition for building the finest custom Jeeps available in the marketplace today, the Texas-based builders have once again established a new high watermark of performance and drivability from a classic-style Jeep. In a true masterclass of design and engineering, Vigilante is proud to unveil a completely reimagined 1979 Cherokee S imbued with Viper V10 power good for an astonishing 825 horsepower and 750 lb.-ft. of torque. In successfully incorporating the dominant V10 powerplant into this 70’s-era Cherokee, Vigilante has created the fastest vintage Jeep in the world.

    “I am proud to say that we have built the fastest vintage Jeep in the world. This 1979 Cherokee S with a Viper V10 is the result of countless hours of design, engineering, fabrication, paint, and so much more. It’s a true labor of love, and you’d be hard-pressed to find another team around the globe who has as much knowledge and experience working in Jeep restoration and modification as we have here at Vigilante,” comments Vigilante Co-Founder and CEO Daniel van Doveren. “We encourage all Vigilante customers to think big when designing their dream Vigilante Jeep, and the Viper V10 Cherokee is our latest example of pushing the boundaries of what a classic Jeep can do.”

    Following months of design and preparation and involving thousands of hours of dedicated authentic restoration, Vigilante’s Viper V10-powered Cherokee is an exceptional example of what these Texas Hill Country automotive innovators are capable of. Starting life as a solid-colored 1979 Jeep Cherokee S, Vigilante began the modification process by completely stripping the body down to its bare metal. The backbone of the new Vigilante 1979 Cherokee starts with a newly developed modern chassis designed exclusively by the company following a complete 3D scan of the original vehicle to ensure no body modifications are necessary. A purpose-built wiring harness and all electrical components are then implemented to ensure that all modern upgrades and components plug-in seamlessly.

    Known for meticulously restoring classic Jeeps to a level that few others are capable of, Vigilante’s new 1979 Cherokee S features an astonishing level of speed and control by way of modern upgrades expertly implemented throughout. The Mopar Gen V Prefix Viper 550/9.0L V10 crate engine provides stunning performance figures with a peak RPM of 6400 and 550 cubic inches of displacement. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission that is HEMI compatible and with four-wheel drive capabilities allows the Cherokee S to handle much smoother than the original. Performance is distributed to all four wheels via the Atlas-II transfer case and durable Dana 44/Dana 60 Currie Enterprise axles. To ensure optimal handling and comfort, the 4-link Eibach coil suspension combined with Fox Racing shocks provides a more balanced stance and smoother ride for all within the cabin. Braking performance is enhanced by signature 6-piston brakes with Hydroboost power assistance, delivering confidence-inspiring stopping power when needed. Stainless steel exhaust manifolds mated to a Borla dual in-out muffler with mandrel bent stainless steel dual exhaust system provides a boisterous engine note that commands attention out on the open road.

    The absolute genius of each Vigilante build goes far beyond just performance and drivability. Paying homage to one of the finest 70’s-era Jeeps ever built, Vigilante chose to implement a stylish Frosted Glass Blue & Stratus White two-tone paint scheme along with a tribal stripe on the Cherokee’s exterior. Utilizing the original 1979 Jeep body, no reproduction panels are incorporated at any point. 

    In order to effectively match the 70’s-era aesthetic adoring the outside of the Cherokee S, Vigilante incorporated original Levis Denim interior fabric along with Moore & Giles fine leathers to create a stylish vintage interior. Each seat also underwent an extensive restoration, including a thorough powder coating process, along with the installation of new springs, foam, and padding for unparalleled comfort. 

    Other cosmetic accouterments include signature machined Vigilante wheels, mirrors, grille, and emblems placed strategically throughout. Vigilante’s impressive attention to detail is evident throughout every build aspect, ranging from the careful restoration of the Cherokees chrome trim to the extensive noise-canceling Dynamat soundproofing. Modern climate control for both the front and rear seating along with Bluetooth radio compatibility are also subtly inserted under the dash, interfaced with the original-style radio & HVAC controls. 

    “Our team at Vigilante is committed to building the finest custom Jeeps on the planet. We take great pride in the sheer level of attention-to-detail that goes into each new creation, down to every last nut and bolt,” continues van Doveren. “We specialize in preserving the classic Jeep aesthetic while subtly empowering these legendary vehicles with the performance and reliability our customers need and deserve for modern-day driving. It is our great pleasure to breathe new life into classic Jeeps such as this 1979 Cherokee S, and we look forward to making our clients dreams continue to come true with new custom Jeep creations in the future.”

    Representing the pinnacle of Vigilante’s skill in restoration and engineering, the exclusive custom Viper V10-powered 1979 Cherokee S commission was recently sold. 

    All Vigilante builds are available with a starting price tag of $295,000.  For more information about Vigilante’s Viper-powered 1979 Cherokee S, or to inquire about vintage Jeep custom commissions, please visit www.vigilante4x4.com or email info@vigilante4x4.com. 

  • Color Check: Aventurine Green Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years in Marketing Shots

    Color Check: Aventurine Green Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years in Marketing Shots

    Maybe you caught it at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, or perhaps you’ve been cruising the Porsche configurator and building your own. We find it hard to ignore when Porsche throws their internal product creative teams at styling modern Porsche models with iconic design cues all wrapped up in a timeless way… ways like the 911 Turbo 50 Years package.

    We noticed Porsche added some great official marketing shots of the car to their social media platforms recently. The marketing specification is great-looking Aventurine Green that’s almost a grey at times… when seen either in these shots or live at Monterey Car Week.

    If you want to see the post in question, check it out HERE and give them a follow. And, if you want to build your own, HERE is a link to the car in their U.S. configurator tool.

  • Market Find: Audi exclusive R8 V10 RWD in Siam Beige

    Market Find: Audi exclusive R8 V10 RWD in Siam Beige

    If you want to make a paint color forgettable, call it “beige” and make it a launch color on your first EV. That’s exactly what Audi did with the paint color you see here. Dubbed “Siam Beige” it debuted on Ingolstadt’s first e-tron. And while debatably it may very well have been the best-looking paint color offered on the e-tron, product managers shared with us at the time that it had the lowest install rate of any color sold standard on that car.

    Why? It was called “beige”. That doesn’t exactly spell out excitement. Even still, we’d argue Siam Beige should get more love than it does. If you’re a fan of subtle tonal colors like Porsche’s Chalk, Crayon or Fashion Grey, then Audi exclusive’s Siam Beige is worth a second look. Alas, when it comes to client-chosen Audi exclusive colors, it often gets overlooked just as it did in the original e-tron’s color guide.

    So, when we see car’s like this, we’re reminded why we love it so much. The car you see here is a MY2021 Audi R8 V10 RWD that’s part of the Audi Certified Pre-Owned inventory at Audi Melbourne… (Florida, not Australia).

    While we wish Audi Melbourne would have closed the ajar frunk on the R8 for their photos, we applaud them for listing the color in the ad listing. The latter is especially helpful on a color like this shot in a showroom where it can be mistaken for a silver or other grey, leaving it nearly impossible to identify without the aid of the individual who used care filling out the listing. Hat tip to them then.

    We find a car as in-your-face as an R8 often looks great in an understated yet handsome tone. Siam Beige fits the bill just fine, and we applaud the original owner for building it to that spec. Should you wish to be the next owner, check it out at Audi Melbourne.

  • Market Find: BMW Individual Slate Green Metallic M3 Coupe

    Market Find: BMW Individual Slate Green Metallic M3 Coupe

    Woof. When this BMW Individual Slate Green Metallic (slategrün; metallic; 449; BMW) M3 Coupe (VIN: WBSBL93422JR16526) popped up on our radar, we were quite simply floored. A claimed 1-of-1 spec in a color that may have raised more than a few eyebrows in Munich when ordered, Slate Green Metallic paired with Cinnamon leather and Style 163M wheels commonly found on the Competition package is peak M3.

    Currently on offer at Ryan Friedman Motor Cars, this M3 has covered just 8,947 miles since new. That works out to be about 406 miles annually, which means the car really was never used, and likely never really will be either. So what we have here is genuinely a real contender for best E46 M3 in existence, which will go on to be a crown jewel in someone’s private collection, or become s centerpiece at one of the world’s more prestigious museums.

    If you’ve got the means, do not hesitate to give Ryan Friedman Motor Cars a call, or if you’re feeling frisky just click the Buy It Now button on their site and work out the details later. After all, this is one that you likely won’t see again. Check out the full listing for this Tailored Driver, here.

  • Color Check: New M5 Touring in BMW Individual Speed Yellow at BMW Welt

    Color Check: New M5 Touring in BMW Individual Speed Yellow at BMW Welt

    Few manufacturers have grander factory showrooms than BMW Welt in Bimmer’s home town of Münich, Germany. Rolling through M Town and the BMW Museum, it’s always a pleasure to catch sight of the latest BMW Group models, not to mention special builds like this yellow M5 Touring.

    Just in case you’re not passing through the space regularly, or not an M Town local, we find the BMW Welt | BMW Museum to be an excellent and constant reminder of why we need to get back to Münich as much as possible. Why? They post photos of display cars like this BMW Individual Speed Yellow M5 Touring.

    Worth noting on that color, “Speed Yellow” is not an uncommon name for yellow paint codes. This one is attributed to BMW Individual, so their recipe for an eye-catching sporting yellow.

    Stroll around the M Town and you’ll find display zones for BMW M, BMW i, Rolls-Royce, MINI, a huge BMW brand shop… and you’ll also find cars like this. In a post world auto show era, places like M Town are where you’ll find these special factory builds on display. Should you find yourself in Bavaria, you should make a point of stopping.