Events like Air|Water bring a wave of vibrant colors from the Porsche community. When it’s thoughtfully curated, it feels like being a kid in a candy store. @PTSRS and Air|Water teamed up to present “Colors of Air|Water,” and we spent hours capturing content for our site. The rain didn’t stop us. It added mood and contrast, bringing each color to life in both overcast light and the bright California sun.
We’re kicking things off with Maritime Blue, a color we’ve featured on the site before. In our Color Focus series, we took a closer look at its origins and where it stands today.
Here’s a quick recap: Maritime Blue (maritimblau, nonmetallic UNI, 5MB, Porsche) was either introduced or rose to prominence during the 964 era. According to Porsche Club’s Rennbow database, it was mainly available from 1991 to 1995, with a few exceptions, including a possible appearance in 1979 on the Carrera SC. Rennbow also notes it may have evolved from early Porsche Enamel Blue.
At its core, Maritime Blue is a near primary shade that echoes the early national racing colors of France, often called French Blue, made iconic in the prewar era by Bugatti.
We don’t have many details on this particular 964, but chances are you don’t need us to tell you just how rare this car really is. Built by Porsche Motorsport in 1993, the 964 RS 3.8 is one of just 55 units ever produced. Designed as a homologation special for the 964 RSR race car, it featured a widened Turbo body, a 3.8 liter air cooled flat six, and lightweight construction throughout. With most examples staying in Europe and many destined for the track, seeing one in Maritime Blue is an exceptionally rare occasion. Seeing one in the United States is even more rare.
Using the Bramo app, we get more insights on this 718 Spyder. The owner states, “Car was spec’d in collaboration with @PTSRS and our local dealership. The car originally resided in MA but has been enjoyed by myself and friends in CA for the last year and a half.” Pretty rad to spec it with PTSRS and bring it to an event organized by him.
Check out the video and gallery below for a walk around of both cars.
What: 2024 Porsche 911 S/T Color: Paint to Sample Oak Green Metallic(oakgrünmetallic; metallic uni; 265 / 22L / 60K; Porsche) VIN: WP0AE2A8XRK274488 Mileage: 5,941 Miles Price: $208,982 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: Link Location: Woodland Hills, CA Listing:Porsche Woodland Hills
The aggressive lines of a 718 Cayman GT4 RS Weissach Package take on an extra level of sophistication when you pair a more subtle Paint to Sample shade like Porsche Oak Green Metallic. That’s been paired here with fairly standard spec for a high-spec 718 Cayman GT4 RS, this includes Black Leather / Race Tex interior with grey seat centers and Arctic Grey Stiching.
Over the weekend, a close friend phoned me up, informing me he’d picked up a 718 Cayman RS. He was on his way home from the dealership and was wondering if I wanted to sample it. Of course, I did. Of course, I romped on it as it was pre-owned and already broken in. And, of course I was impressed.
Having done so and parked it, we shared a walk around. It’s an amazing thing; rowdy, raw and spartan. It got me to thinking of just one thing though, just how I’d change it if I were ordering one or… better yet… a product manager, because what I’d do to it may not even be possible via Sonderwunsch.
It’s hard not to be inspired by the 911 S/T. That version of the 911 takes the very racy 911 GT3 RS and tones it down in a steerable way. It’s the Touring of the RS lineage, yes there are differences but more exclusive and more potent. Also, that hardware’s already baked and all those cars are already sold.
Back in 2011, Porsche produced the limited edition Cayman R. Pre-dating the 911R and all that car’s mystique, the Cayman R was effectively Peridot Metallic launch color paint on a Cayman body fitted with period Boxster Spyder hardware. This was in the pre-GT4 era, so that generation Boxster Spyder was fairly light on special hardware, but it had it and the Cayman R got it.
Brandy about the letter R nowadays and there’s a whole other level of mystique thanks to the 991-generation 911R. Consider the Cayman R in that context, and such a title fits decidedly higher in the lexicon of Porsche today.
So, let’s get back to the 718 Cayman RS. If I have beef with the car, you can probably guess them. Porsche already did with the 911 GT3 RS, and they built a corresponding 911 that would make those things more livable and steerable. It got the “S/T” badge because of heritage, though I’d argue it probably should have gotten the “Carrera RS” badge because the 964 Carrera RS speaks more directly to the age group buying 911 S/Ts, but that’s a soapbox for another time.
Whatever the name, what if you took all that S/T philosophy and positioning and added it to the 718 line? It only seems to make sense really. We all know the 718 is the better footprint, and most of the work has already been done.
I turned to Porsche’s configurator tool, running it through photoshop to add S/T correct wheels and cues like that front wheel well blade, gold letter script at the rear and a few other details. I’m kind of in love, so consider this my unrequested love letter to Andy Prueninger and company to consider bringing back the Cayman R. The time is right, and this may be our last chance before this model goes electric.
Behold, the 718 Cayman R. Spoiler Delete Alert: No such car exists. At least not yet.
What: 2024 Porsche GT4 RS Color: Paint to Sample Black Olive (schwarzolive; non-metallic UNI; 2A7; Porsche) VIN: WP0AE2A80RK274760 Mileage: 2,555 miles Price at Time of this Writing: $238,992 CarFax:Link iPacket: Link Location: Porsche Exchange, Highland Park, IL Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
The myriad shades of Green seem to be in vogue, yet Porsche’s Paint to Sample Black Olive isn’t one we see often. Perhaps it’s the deeper, more subdued nature of Dark Olive which drives folks to order Nato Olive or Smyrna Green instead, but in our eyes- that’s their loss. This particular Tailored Driver is the right blend of exclusivity, must-have options, and if-you-know-you-know cred that clearly sets it apart in the age of lottery ticket Porsche allocation. Put simply, someone will be incredibly fortunate to put this GT4 RS in their driveway.
Porsche honors its legendary automotive heritage with an extraordinary creation: the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special. This one-of-a-kind vehicle commemorates the 70th anniversary of the official Porsche team’s historic participation in the first era of the Carrera Panamericana Mexico.
[source: Porsche AG]
As the final piece of a special trilogy celebrating the brand’s success in this emblematic Mexican race, drawing inspiration from the iconic 550 Spyder, it will also be auctioned for charitable causes. As a perfect addition, TAG Heuer pays tribute to this legendary race through the release of the limited TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana.
A one-of-a-kind vehicle
Porsche Latin America unveiled the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special, a one-of-a-kind vehicle commemorating Porsche’s most significant success during the1954 Carrera Panamericana Mexico. This edition is considered Porsche’s most successful among the brand’s three participations since 1952. Hans Herrmann, piloting a 550 Spyder, secured an impressive third place overall and clinched victory in the Sport category for cars up to 1500 cc. This remarkable achievement not only elevated Porsche’s status in global motorsport but also proved so memorable that—combined with the experiences of 1952 and 1953—it inspired the iconic “Carrera” naming.
Using the 718 Spyder RS as a foundation, Porsche aimed to recreate the spirit of the historic mid-engine 550 Spyder with its lightweight construction—the first vehicle specifically designed for racing that outperformed rivals with larger engines. A Porsche Latin America team, collaborating with Exclusive Manufaktur experts at Porsche’s headquarters in Germany, developed this model. Their joint effort completed a trilogy of cars created through Sonderwunsch, Porsche’s exclusive personalization program. This trilogy celebrates the 70th anniversary of three remarkable Porsche participations in the Carrera Panamericana.
“From the beginning to the modern era, La Carrera Panamericana Mexico is far more than a competition for Porsche. One only needs to look at the 911 Carrera or the Panamera—both named to honor the events that unfolded here in Mexico 70 years ago. The Sonderwunsch Inspiration cars represent exceptionally special projects, and Mexico was entrusted with three consecutive ones: the 911 Carrera Panamericana Special, the twin 718 Cayman GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Specials, and this year’s 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special”, said Tobias Eninger, CEO and President of Porsche Latin America. “The latter celebrates the legendary 550 Spyder, with which Hans Herrmann achieved remarkable feats. Each car commemorates a successful moment that individually resonated through the years, but collectively, transformed Porsche into an iconic brand.”
Celebrating Porsche’s Success in Mexico
In 1954, during the final edition of “golden era” of the Carrera Panamericana Mexico, Porsche cemented its legacy in this legendary rally. The brand achieved its best result to date, showcasing the exceptional capabilities of its sports cars in one of the most grueling races in those times. Porsche fielded a team of four official 550 Spyders, driven by an international quartet: Mexico’s Salvador López Chávez, Argentina’s Fernando Segura, Guatemala’s Jaroslav Juhan, and Germany’s Hans Herrmann. The race spanned five intense days, covering over 3,000 kilometers from the southern Mexican Border at Tuxtla Gutiérrez in the state of Chiapas, to the northern border at Ciudad Juárez in the state of Chihuahua.
The Porsche 550 Spyder featured the first race use of the 1500 cc four-camshaft engine, which was groundbreaking technology for its time. Combined with the lightweight aluminum bodywork, this engine enabled the car to reach speeds exceeding 200 km/h, allowing it to outperform heavier vehicles with engines more than three times its size. This victory was not just Porsche’s first as an official team; it also led to the Fuhrmann engine being dubbed the “Carrera Engine” and later inspired the name of Porsche’s most exclusive model line.
Completing the trilogy: the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special, distinguishes itself through aesthetic enhancements, exclusive equipment, and historical nods. Centenaire silver adorns nearly all aerodynamic elements, including the carbon fiber components from the Weissach package. This striking color extends from the NACA ducts on the front, through the fascia and lower air intakes, to the rear spoiler in Gurney Flap format. The Magnesium wheels are complemented by high-gloss black ceramic composite brake calipers (PCCB), offering a contemporary twist.
To mark the 15th anniversary of the customer and club sport series “Porsche Sports Cup Germany”, Porsche is offering a limited special-edition model in motor sports design: the 718 Cayman GT4 Sports Cup Edition.
[source: Porsche AG]
The sporty and exclusive model celebrated its premiere as part of a special event for Porsche fans at the Hockenheimring on Saturday, 12 October, 2019. With a large “Sportscar Together Day” event, the sports car manufacturer is celebrating both the opening of the new Porsche Experience Centre Hockenheimring and the season finale of the Porsche Sports Cup. The 718 Cayman GT4 Sports Cup Edition is available for a limited period from 14 October, 2019 in the 88 German Porsche Centres.
Alexander Pollich, Managing Director of Porsche Deutschland GmbH and Alexander Fabig, Head of Individualisation and Classic at Porsche AG, present the 718 Cayman GT4 Sports Cup Edition at the Sportscar Together Day (l-r)
“At the ‘Sportscar Together Day’, Porsche enthusiasts from all over the world can experience the multi-faceted fascination of the brand,” says Alexander Pollich, CEO of Porsche Deutschland GmbH. “The large meeting of our customers and fans directly at the race track provides the ideal backdrop for the premiere of our 718 Cayman GT4 Sports Cup Edition. We have designed this special-edition model for the German market together with the experts from Style Porsche and the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.” Alexander Fabig, Head of Personalisation and Classic at Porsche AG, adds: “High-quality customisation from the factory is the core competence of the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. With the new Sports Cup Edition, we show once more how very special sports cars are created through the combination of craftsmanship and passion for detail.”
The exterior: numerous colour contrasts
The edition will be offered in the exterior colours Black and White. Multiple red highlights provide a distinctive contrast and underline the motor sports design. On the driver’s side, a red double stripe with Porsche logotype extends over the entire vehicle. This is complemented by a red Porsche logotype on the rear wing. Its supports are painted in Guards Red.
A red stripe also decorates the side view. The number “15” is integrated here. This is designed like a race number and refers to the anniversary of the Porsche Sports Cup. The 20-inch wheels are painted Black (satin gloss), while the rim flange is finished in Guards Red. The brake callipers and logotypes on the rear are in black. The special edition is delivered as standard with an exclusive indoor car cover. Its design in black with red double stripe picks up the features of the special-edition model.
The interior: with special driver’s seat and high-quality details
Based on a black leather/Alcantara interior, various highlights in red also create a link to motor sports in the cabin. In addition to the decorative stitching on the dashboard and door panels, the seat belts and door opener loops are also in Guards Red.
A red centre panel made of Alcantara distinguishes the driver’s seat from the passenger seat. Other features include the Alcantara steering wheel with red 12 o’clock marking and the black gear lever with red shift pattern. The trim elements in the doors, dashboard and centre console are finished in black brushed aluminium.
The decorative trim on the passenger’s side and the door entry guard made of carbon bear the lettering “718 Cayman GT4 Sports Cup Edition”. The centre console armrest is made of Alcantara and features an embossed “Porsche 15 Jahre Sports Cup Deutschland” logo. The package is completed by individual floor mats with leather border in black and Guards Red stitching as well as the steering column trim in Alcantara.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4: the entry into GT road vehicles
The basis is the new 718 Cayman GT4 with the 309 kW (420 PS; Fuel consumption combined 10.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 249 g/km) four-litre, six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. The distinctive features include the aerodynamics concept with large front spoiler lip, air curtains, diffuser and fixed rear wing. The GT running gear permits an emotionally charged driving experience thanks to its outstanding cornering dynamics. The PASM damping system (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is designed specifically for race track driving. Lowering by 30 millimetres also improves the transverse dynamics potential.
Porsche Sports Cup: race events for everyone
The Porsche Sports Cup is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2019 and is the most successful customer and club sport series in the world with up to 1,200 drivers per season. The Porsche Sports Cup consists of six race series. Depending on the series, drivers both with and without a licence as well as a wide range of different Porsche models, including race and classic cars, can take part. The race weekends are held on famous race tracks.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
The main focus of the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is custom personalisation for all Porsche models. Perfect craftsmanship and high-tech are combined to create very individual customer vehicles. 30 highly qualified employees devote their full attention to every detail and take the time needed to optimise these details to perfection by hand. The experts can call on an extremely wide range of visual and technical personalisation options to realise custom-tailored exteriors and interiors. Alongside the special customer vehicles, the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also produces limited small series and editions which combine high-quality materials with modern production techniques to create a harmonious overall concept.
