SUMMARY: The term “icon” may be loaded. For starters, the word itself is used far too often, in a way that waters down the value of the label. And, in the case of a truly iconic color such as Gulf Blue (gulfblau; non-metallic / non-metallic UNI; 328; Porsche), the color also tends to get over-used by Paint to Sample clients seeking the obvious Porsche motorsport heritage play. And what a play it is.
Gulf Blue gets is name from the petroleum company bearing its name. Gulf Oil has been a longtime sponsor of racing. Its trademark livery with its blue and orange color schemes have adorned race cars from far more brands than simply Porsche. Lore suggests Gulf colors used as racing livery began in 1967, with the brand’s first major win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans painted to a Ford GT40 a year later in 1968, and then again in 1969. For 1970, Gulf shifted to Porsche and adorned the 917K. That same year, Steve McQueen and his Solar Productions crew showed up in Le Mans to film the movie by the same name Le Mans. The latter catapulted the blue and orange into the consciousness of automobile and racing fans around the world, and it kicked off a long association between Gulf and Porsche.
Gulf Blue is a non-metallic light blue, almost a powder blue and not far off from what American college football fans would call a Carolina Blue. It’s quite common in the Paint to Sample Porsche space, and often paired with other race livery colors such as navy blue and orange (a.k.a. Gulf Orange, but that’s a color for another Color Focus).
The latest 992.2-generation Porsche 911 just dropped this morning and it’s the Carrera T. Not only that, but some great new T specification equipment was revealed, along with a whole new model – the 911 Carrera T Cabriolet.
Let’s focus on the specification first. We already dug into the color-matched blue graphics and wheels on the Pure White 911 Carrera T Coupe we featured just moments ago (HERE), and this Gentian Blue Metallic (enzianblaumetallic; metallic UNI; W96; Porsche) launch specification Cabriolet appears to adopt many of the same bits minus the blue exterior accents. The same handsome tartan seat surfaces, deviated stitching, colored dials and wooden shift knob carry over, making for a much richer Carrera T experience.
The biggest news is the addition of the 911 Carrera T Cabriolet. No doubt there’s market demand for this new model, but we’ll admit we’re a little perplexed. The heavier Cabriolet doesn’t really lend itself to the lightweight driver’s concept that is the Coupe. It’s more hardcore, and less weekend cruiser for towns with “Palm” in the name – looking at you Palm Beach and Palm Springs retirees. Maybe you want something edgy too though, and we have no doubt the Carrera T Cabriolet fits the bill. We just wish it was a 911 Speedster T.
BEGIN PRESS RELEASE:
The new 911 Carrera T as a coupé or a cabriolet
Exclusively with six-speed manual transmission
Up to 42 kilograms lighter than the 911 Carrera
Available as a cabriolet for the first time
Rear-axle steering as standard and particularly agile tuning
The Porsche 911 Carrera T is about concentrating on the essentials. The focus on agility, lightweight construction and an emotive soundscape, as well as its six-speed manual transmission, make this the ideal Carrera for purists. Equipment packages specially tailored to the Carrera T offer stylish individuality. For the first time, the new version of the Carrera T is also available as a cabriolet.Stuttgart. Porsche is extending the model range of the new 911 with the addition of the light, dynamic 911 Carrera T. Weight-reduction measures, dynamic tuning and a six-speed manual transmission make this a puristic Carrera for superlative driving pleasure. With its lightweight windows, reduced insulation and six-speed manual transmission, the lightest configuration of the new 911 Carrera T, with full bucket seats, weighs just 1,478 kilograms. Equipped like that, the car is more than 40 kg lighter than the current 911 Carrera. For the first time, the 911 Carrera T is also available as a cabriolet.
The ‘T’ stands for Touring, and at Porsche this goes all the way back to the homologation of the 911 T as a touring car in 1968. The first 911 T was produced up to 1973. Since 2017, the 911 Carrera T has been back in the model range, positioned between the Carrera and the Carrera S. Pure driving pleasure, agile handling, emotive sound and a focus on the essentials are the distinguishing features of this rear-wheel drive sports car.
Powertrain: manual transmission and six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer The 911 Carrera T is driven by the 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer engine of the 911 Carrera. It delivers 290 kW (394 PS) and develops torque of up to 450 Nm. A standard six-speed manual transmission transfers the drive power to the rear axle. When shifting down, an intermediate throttle function (auto-blip) can be selected to automatically and specifically compensate speed differences between the engine and the gearbox. With the standard Sport Chrono Package, the Carrera T Coupé sprints to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.7 seconds). Its top speed is 295 km/h (Cabriolet: 293 km/h). In line with its increased power compared to its predecessor, the Carrera has a bigger braking system with an all-round brake disc diameter of 350 millimetres and six-piston fixed callipers at the front. In combination with the reduced interior insulation and the auto-blip function, the standard sports exhaust system makes for a particularly emotive soundscape.
Chassis and tuning: development exclusively for this model As always, the Sport Chrono Package, which includes the Track Precision App, is part of the standard equipment of the 911 Carrera T. Additionally, for the first time Porsche is equipping the model with rear-axle steering as standard in combination with a more direct steering ratio on the front axle, thus significantly optimising handling. Lateral acceleration is generated faster and the steering responds more directly, while stability is simultaneously increased. The tuning of the rear-axle steering was developed specifically for the 911 Carrera T.
The PASM adaptive sports suspension, which is lowered by 10 mm, is also standard and has been given model-specific, sporty tuning to make the Carrera T even better, and even more agile, to drive. The standard rear-axle steering and an aerodynamic balance optimised exclusively for the 911 Carrera T have enabled the anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to be tuned for neutral handling. The 911 Carrera T has 20/21-inch Carrera S light alloy wheels. The front tyres are 245/35 ZR20 and the rears are 305/30 ZR21.
Exterior and interior Numerous features distinguish the Carrera T from other models in the series. A sticker with the shift pattern logo on each of the triangular rear windows identify it as a manually-shifting and particularly purist representative of the model line. The model designations on the rear are in a contrasting colour, Vanadium Grey. The inlays on the rear lid grille, the upper and lower trim of the exterior mirrors, and the machine-polished light alloy wheels are painted in matching Vanadium Grey Metallic. Another feature of the Carrera T is the aerodynamically optimised spoiler lip taken from the 911 Carrera GTS.
For the Porsche Carrera T, the Legends colour scheme offers the body colours of Shade Green Metallic, Crayon, and Slate Grey Neo, while the Dreams colour scheme comprises Guards Red, Lugano Blue, Gentian Blue Metallic and Cartagena Yellow Metallic. The Shades colour scheme offers a choice of the more muted Jet Black Metallic, GT Silver Metallic and Ice Grey Metallic. Contrasts offers the solid Black and White colours. Further body colours are available via the Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus programmes. The top of the 911 T Cabriolet is optionally available in the colours Black, Red, Blue and Brown.
Sporty and black, with contrasting stitching on request, Porsche has given the interior of the Carrera T an emphatically purist look that’s typical of the T-model. The eye-catching stopwatch in the standard Sport Chrono Package is prominent on the dashboard. A number of special details emphasise the exclusivity of the 911 Carrera T as a manual sports car: the shortened gear lever is topped with an open-pore walnut laminated wood gear knob, which offers a special visual and tactile experience. In front of the gear lever is a badge with the ‘MT’ (Manual Transmission) logo. The shift pattern logo is printed on the passenger side of the dashboard. The list of standard equipment also includes the leather-upholstered and heated GT sports steering wheel, fitted with a mode switch. Alternatively, a Race-Tex steering wheel is also available. The decorative inlays in the dashboard and the centre console are Vanadium Grey, with the door panel inlays being black brushed aluminium.
Befitting the sporty character of its interior, the Carrera T has black, four-way electrically adjustable sports seats with Sport-Tex seat centres as standard. The tartan fabric pattern of the interior is exclusively reserved for the 911 Carrera T. The 911 logo is stitched into the headrests. Customers can order the Adaptive Sports Seats Plus (18-way adjustable) or particularly light full bucket seats as options.
Carrera T packages for exterior and interior The exclusivity of the 911 Carrera T is further enhanced by the Carrera T design packages for the exterior and the interior. These come in the classic Porsche colour Gentian Blue to create a striking colour contrast. On the exterior of the car, the inlays in the rear lid, the Carrera T decals on the front and rear lids and doors, the MT stickers, and the light alloy wheels with a gloss-lathed front face come in this colour. The upper shells of the exterior mirrors are in Black. Contrast stitching in Gentian Blue, instead of the standard black stitching, enhances the interior and the seats also come with Gentian Blue contrast stripes. The same colour also adorns the seat belts, the trim of the centre console and the door panels, as well as the contrast inlays and the stitched 911 logos on the headrests.
Ready for immediate order The new Porsche 911 Carrera T can be ordered now, with prices starting at 141,700 euros including VAT and country-specific equipment. The 911 Carrera T Cabriolet costs 155,800 euros.
Fashion designer, Supriya Lele, has created a new bespoke colour, Nīla Blue, inspired by her Indian heritage
Nīla Blue draws its name from the Sanskrit word for “sapphire” and represents a seamless blend of personal history and artisanal craft
To showcase Nīla Blue, Supriya co-created a one-of-one specification, working with Mulliner designers to explore the possibilities of personalisation through bespoke finishes
A Bespoke Bentayga S provides a canvas for Nila Blue exterior paintwork with pinstripes to the 22” sports wheels
Nīla Blue is as an example of how Mulliner can create unique colours from client’s aspirations through bespoke craftsmanship
Nila Blue is available to customers exclusively via the Mulliner Bespoke Studio. Enquiries can be made through Bentley retailers
[source: Bentley]
Crewe, England – Bentley Motors is proud to announce the continuation of its creative collaboration with acclaimed British fashion designer, Supriya Lele, unveiling a new bespoke colour, Nīla Blue, which will be available exclusively to Mulliner customers. Deeply inspired by Lele’s Indian heritage, Nīla Blue draws its name from the Sanskrit word for “sapphire” and represents a seamless blend of personal history and artisanal craft. This distinctive hue, infused with personal and cultural significance, represents the seamless fusion of automotive luxury and high fashion, reflecting the ultimate in craftsmanship, innovation, and personalised expression.
Bentley Mulliner is renowned for its ability to craft virtually any colour imaginable. Whether inspired by the world of fashion, art, or personal memory, Mulliner’s artisans work closely with each client to develop bespoke paints that reflect individual vision and style. Nīla Blue stands as an example of how Mulliner can create something wholly unique, translating a client’s aspirations into a lasting expression of craftsmanship.
Known for her sensual, delicately crafted, and body-celebrating silhouettes, Lele has always been inspired by the colour blue, a shade she frequently uses in her fashion collections. Her connection to the colour is rooted in her Indian heritage and further influenced by William Gass’s 1976 philosophical treatise ‘On Blue,’ which explores the symbolic significance of blue in relation to themes of sex, sleaze, and sadness. This bespoke hue, subtle yet distinctive, echoes the sense of luxurious restraint and enduring elegance that defines both her collections and Mulliner’s design philosophy.
To showcase Nīla Blue, Supriya co-created a one-of-one specification, working with Mulliner designers to explore the possibilities of personalisation through bespoke finishes. A bespoke Bentayga S provides a stunning canvas, to display the uniquely commissioned Nila Blue. The lower brightware has been matched with the rest of the exterior paintwork and using the freshly commissioned blue, a pinstripe has been added to the 22” sports style wheels. A bright Mulliner White accent to the carbon fibre bodykit provides a contrast that is echoed through to the interior. The interior includes a multitude of bespoke features, from the satin black Naim audio speaker grilles to the open pore black stained crown cut walnut veneers, all bordered by the Nila Blue edging. This exclusive edition embodies the bold and elevated confidence that defines Lele’s fashion work, featuring luxurious and experimental fabrication that evolves the fluid silhouettes synonymous with her label.
Supriya Lele, commented: “Creating the colour for Bentley has been an exciting and special experience. Colour plays a key role in both my practice and brand identity. This shade of blue feels distinctive yet subtle, slightly different from the usual. It’s this nuanced difference—the inability to exactly define it—that I love about creativity. I incorporate this subtlety into my work, so collaborating with Bentley to bring this unique color to life using my own references and brand has been truly rewarding.”
David Parker, Chief Commercial Officer at Mulliner, commented: “The Bentley Mulliner Bespoke Studio continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. This collaboration invites customers to explore a world where the only limits are those of the imagination. Nīla Blue is an expression of subtlety and depth, a tone that reflects both Supriya’s artistic vision and Mulliner’s expertise in crafting the finest bespoke finishes. It is a hue that speaks to the discerning tastes of those who appreciate quiet luxury.”
Nila Blue is available to customers exclusively via the Mulliner Bespoke Studio. Enquiries can be made through Bentley retailers.
SUMMARY: Might Nogaro Blue (nogaroblau; pearl effect UNI; Z5M; Audi) be the ultimate color for four rings cars wearing an RS badge? Well, we know it is pretty much the original. The color first launched as RS Blue when it first appeared on the Porsche-built and developed RS2 Avant. It would later reappear in the B5 S4, first-generation S3 and remain a favorite for S and RS applications and special editions through to today. The “RS Tribute Edition” take not the RS 6 Avant, itself a tribute to the RS2, remains one of the most sought-after of the C8 RS 6 models sold in the U.S.A.
Nogaro Blue is a pearl effect blue that seems to hat tip the pre-war national French Blue made iconic in that era when raced on the likes of the Type 33 grand prix cars. Rumor has it that Audi designers in the Simi Valley design studio sprayed out a marine blue in a request back to the factory for company car specification, which inspired the development of RS Blue.
Don’t confuse that with Porsche’s Maritime Blue, a 90s Carrera Cup color of the same era popular on the 911 Carrera RS (type 964) and 968. The timing, Porsche DNA and and their similar appearance would suggest they might be the same code by another name, but park them next to each other and you’ll see a difference.
SUMMARY: It may say “Vintage” in the name, but MANUFAKTUR Vintage UNI (vintagblau; UNI; LU-934; Mercedes-Benz) is technically modern. Yes, it seems to hark visions of powder blue W115 or W123 E-Classes of the 60s and 70s… or maybe Gulf Blue racing liveries, but it’s decidedly different and decidedly modern. Mercedes-Benz rolled out this blue uni color as one of the colors in the palette of its modern era MANUFAKTUR tailoring service, offering a very unique look that’s both timeless and throwback.
SUMMARY: Borusan Turkish Blue (borusantürkischblau; non-metallic uni; P9E; BMW) is an intense racing blue on the green side of the blue spectrum, established as a go-to color from its use on the BMW M4 GT4 racing cars of the Turkish racing team Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport. Launched in 2008, Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport, working with BMW Individual to develop this blue as a special color specifically for its cars. In more recent years, mounting success for the team has brought their signature color to the fore.
In developing the blue hue, the team was seeking an eye-catching unique color to give their cars a distinctive look on track. Following their ordering a special edition roadgoing BMW M4 Coupé in the color, the team and BMW were so impressed with the result that the color was made accessible via BMW Individual to a wider range of BMW buyers.
Porsche is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 911 Turbo this year, and 000 Magazine is doing the same this coming weekend with their Turbo 50 celebration at Summit Skywalker Ranch. Given that, it’s worth celebrating this X Blue 911 Turbo S owned by Drew Coblitz, purchased through Porsche Main Line. It is reportedly the first delivered 911 Turbo S “000 Commission” and was recently detailed more specifically by @PTSRS.
Given all that, let’s dig into the details. For starters, the X Blue (xblau; non-metallic UNI; Z91; Porsche)color is Paint to Sample and non-metallic. This blue is a modern blue formulation created for the 911 (992.1) Belgian Legends Edition created in 2020 to honor Jacky Ickx 75th birthday. It’s a solid blue that is reportedly darker than Dark Sea Blue and is offered on the 911 and Taycan. Given the Ickx association, it’s quite likely it also harks the dark blue of Rothman’s Racing liveries his Porsches wore in races such as the Paris-Dakar Rally or 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Side Note:@PTSRS has an interesting indexing format for paints seen here (name; type; code), and we’re going to adopt that with the addition of brand (name; type; code; brand) since we cover more than just Porsche. The intention is to adopt more universal standardization of paint code identity when we know the code and type. In this case, it’s (xblau; non-metallic UNI; Z91; Porsche).
Back to the 000 Commission specification, it’s based on an “off the menu” mix created to be built in conjunction with the a 911 Turbo S with factory Lightweight Package. From there, special wishes details were chosen along a theme celebrating David Donner‘s victory at the 100th Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb. In that race, Donner’s 9 minutes 53 second record run was performed in a 000 Magazine liveried 911 Turbo S #000. A creative mix of details and easter eggs thanks to ample deployment of Sonderwunsch services complete the specification.
@PTSRS inventories the Sonderwunsch details as such:
Laser-etched “000” on Front Bumper Grille as on Pikes Peak Winner
Exterior Mirrors in Carmine Red as on Pikes Peak Winner
“Peak 100” Logo Decals on Doors
000 Decal under Rear Wing as on Pikes Peak Winner
Illuminated Door-Sill Guards in Matte Carbon with 000 Logo
Center Armrest embossed with Pikes Peak course map and “9:53”
Custom Dashboard Inlay denoting #000 911 Turbo S’s Class Win and PPIHC Certified Course Time
Derpy in the Fuel Cap
For a client to order an “000 Commission”, they must build from a 911 Turbo S Coupe allocation, adding the Lightweight Package, Full Bucket Seats or 18-way Sport Seats Plus, 20/21-inch 911 Turbo S Exclusive Design wheels, Wheel Inlays Painted High Gloss Black and Calipers in High Gloss Black.
From there, they can coordinate with their Porsche dealer to create a Sonderwunsch order with the factory. And while the “000 Commission” can be ordered on any color 911 Turbo S so-fitted, they’ll also need a Paint to Sample allocation if they wish to do special paint like the Coblitz X Blue car.
So far as we know, the car you see here is the first Aston Martin Valour to hit the open market and come publicly available. We found it via UK Aston Martin specialists Nicholas Mee, and rather unsurprisingly… it is UK spec with right-hand drive.
Specifically, this car is believed to be one of just 20 UK-specification cars built, Aston Martin’s Q division finished it in Special Caribbean Pearl, a color that is a throwback to the 1960’s era of production. Inside, the car boasts bespoke Onyx Black, Sahara Tan and Alcantara.
Optional extras added to the specification of this car include; 110th anniversary pack, Bronze anodized front grille and rear strip, Bronze interior brightwork, walnut gear knob, Bronze coloured brake callipers, Carbon Fibre performance seats, Dark Knight carpets, gloss Carbon fibre lower package, gloss carbon fibre side fender vent and Exo blades, gloss Carbon fibre interior upper package, gold under bonnet pack, Q sill pinstripes, Q 21” Bronze tinted wheels, Q Satin Carbon fibre treadplates, Sports steering wheel with Carbon fibre and Alcantara, Havana Tan interior stitching and Tan seatbelts. Further, unique features to this particular car also include, Union Jack Aston Martin wing badges and leather headlining with Aston Martin artwork. A full and detailed specification is available on request.
The Valour is undoubtedly a future classic, with design highly-inspired by Aston’s one-off Victor. It’s powered by Aston’s 5.2-liter V12 twin turbo boasting 705 bhp and 550 lbs ft of torque. That’s all paired to a 6-speed manual transmission, offering the highest performance paired with an analog experience.
Check out more photos and an in-depth description on the Nicholas Mee website HERE.
This isn’t the first time we’ve featured BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue (borusantürkischblau; non-metallic uni; P9E; BMW). Just a few weeks ago, BMW M shared an M4 Competition in the hue on their social media channels. This week, BMW Welt / BMW Museum is doing the same, only this time it’s a long roof.
We should probably start by applauding BMW Welt / BMW Museum. That the brand has their own social media channels for their headquarters consumer welcome facility is worth noting. Not all brands do it, but BMW spent a lot of money on creating the ultimate year-long BMW Group auto show space just across from the iconic cylindrical BMW Museum so why chince out when it comes to budget to communicate it. BMW didn’t, and as a result owners like the guy taking delivery of this M3 Touring get highlighted on an official platform, and nerds keeping track of attractions at the brand’s Münich headquarters or keeping close eye on tailored builds such as this one benefit from the extra effort. Kudos to you BMW.
And, kudos for cars like this one getting built. Borusan Turkish Blue as a color is a bright and bold blue, set on the more cyan/teal side of the blue spectrum. It’s not altogether that different from something like a Porsche Riviera Blue, and we’d love to see the two next to each other. One of the reasons we ran this story even though we recently featured that other post by BMW M is because these are real world shots in bright sun, whereas the previous post was in a medium to low light studio. That contrast gives those keeping track a better idea of the color, so we wanted to include it.
Alas, we don’t get the M3 Touring in the United States and that’s a real shame, but we are about to get the M5 Touring and BMW Individual is also alive and well on this side of the pond. To that end, we hope you feel inspired. We know we do.
McLaren Special Operations will do just about whatever you want, and the original Tailor of this McLaren 765LT (VIN: SBM14SCA9NW765146) made it their mission to push the limits. The result is a vehicle with not just one, but two bespoke MSO paint hues, and a claimed $40,000+ in MSO touches. Mission accomplished.
This McLaren 765 LT features MSO Velocity paint, in this case fading from the bright MSO Fistral Blue to the more subdued MSO Atlantic Blue, with matching MSO painted brake calipers (Fistral up front, Atlantic out back), which we can confirm was worth the risk. It’s an absolutely stunning finish, making it all the better that this Tailor kept the interior tame. Black vented fabric on matte Carbon Fiber Racing Seats was the move, and MSO stitching on the headrest with model designation is a tasteful play.
In all, the McLaren 765LT you see here carried an original sticker of just over half a million dollars. Fortunately for someone, this Tailored Driver could be theirs for $639,765, representing an appreciation of about $80/mile experienced by the prior owner. We’d say that’s money well spent.
Get all the details on this Tailored Driver, by checking out the full listing here.
