PORSCHE AND TAG HEUER COLAB RESULTS IN A PAIR OF STUNNING CARRERA PANAMERICANA TRIBUTE CARS
We’ve decided to stop counting the motoring-related anniversaries and milestones that have been popping up throughout the year. This one from Porsche feels like it’s easily the fifty-twelfth we’ve seen so far in 2023, but while we’re not counting anymore we’re still loving seeing all these awesome creations. This latest one comes with a collaboration with premium watchmaker TAG Heuer to celebrate anniversaries of both brands. A good 70 years ago a pair of Porsche 550 Coupés took part in the Carrera Panamericana in the hands of privateer teams, while 60 years ago, Jack Heuer himself created a chronograph wristwatch made specifically for racing drivers, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph that was named after the iconic Mexican road race. Porsche and TAG have been in cahoots for many years now, so this colab is nothing surprising. The ‘TAG Heuer x Porsche – Legends of Panamericana Sonderwunsch took inspiration from those cars that raced in the 50s, but packed all of that nostalgia into a pair of modern and utterly desirable 718 Cayman GT4 RS models. The Sonderwunsch #154 and #152 cars début this weekend at Rennsport Reunion 7 where they will be on display as part of the ‘TAG Heuer Heritage Experience’ exhibition. The latter will then head to auction in 2024 to raise funds for a yet-to-be-determined charity. Oh, and Sonderwunsch, that’s German for Special Request, which is exactly what these cars and timekeepers are. “We are delighted to be presenting one of our pair of Sonderwunsch one-off cars as a highlight of this year’s Rennsport Reunion. Both cars incorporate design characteristics of the legendary Porsche 550 Coupé. At the same time, the project demonstrates once again what the Sonderwunsch programme of Porsche AG is capable of,” explains Alexander Fabig, Vice President of Individualization and Classic at Porsche AG.
These two 718 Cayman GT4 RS models have been given some great treatments to make them special. The race numbers are painted on the doors and roofs and they’re recessed in negative lettering and bordered by a yellow racing number substrate. Both cars are painted in Le Mans Silver Metallic, along with the components like the window angles, air intakes at the front and the sides and all the carbon-weave parts. The TAG Heuer logo is found in the middle of the bonnet and on the side blades of the rear wing in a slightly darker grey. A Pegasus motif is found on the front-left wing one #152 and on the rear-left wheel arch of #154. Inside, there are Guards Red leather seats with a black dash and the door panels and the shiny bits have an aluminium black anodised finish. The leatherwork features tricoloured cross-stitching in the colours of the Mexican flag and the TAG Heuer logo. The Carrera Panamericana logo is stitched into the headrests of the seats along with a stylised racing driver cap. ‘GT4 RS Panamericana Special’ lettering is milled into the door entry guards and is also found on the passenger side cupholder.. The latter also appears on the valve caps. A TAG Heuer logo is embossed on the armrest between the driver and the passenger. Car #154 features a TAG Heuer stopwatch module in the centre console, and it was specially commissioned for this homage car and isn’t available to buy. The left clock displays the time and has a typical TAG Heuer Carrera Design, and next to the clock is a stopwatch with a scale that helps the driver to maintain the average speed, often needed for rally exploits. There only these two models, so as sought-after as they will be, one will remain at Porsche and one will head to auction for a no-doubt ridiculous price tag, which will surely appreciate fast. “The Carrera Panamericana has a very special status, as for a long time it was seen as the toughest race in the world. I’m privileged to be following the path of Porsche’s early motorsport successes and TAG Heuer’s legendary Carrera, and to be at the starting line of the prestigious race this year,” says Patrick Dempsey, US actor, racing driver, and brand ambassador for TAG Heuer and Porsche.
Take a look at the YouTube video from the folk at DPCcars who are always the first to get the media content online. This vid shows off the amazing new limited-edition Porsche Cayman GT4 RS models created in conjunction with Tag Heuer to celebrate milestone anniversaries for both brands: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Special Edition | DPCcars
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