Porsche collaborates with Tag Heuer to create tribute cars for Carrera Panamericana

MANILA: Porsche Latin America, in partnership with Tag Heuer, created two exceptional cars based on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the 550 Coupe’s participation in the prestigious Carrera Panamericana race and the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Carrera Chronograph.

The “Tag Heuer x Porsche - Legends of Panamericana” Sonderwunsch project drew inspiration from the 550 Coupe in which two customer teams competed in the 1953 Carrera Panamericana. The Sonderwunsch car with the racing number 154 was unveiled at the Rennsport Reunion 7 held in the United States.

“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 program of Porsche AG is capable of,” Porsche AG Vice President for Individualization and Classic Alexander Fabig stated.

Porsche and Tag Heuer’s long-standing connection with the Carrera Panamericana is referenced in several design elements of the Sonderwunsch car. The doors and roofs were painted with the number 152 and 154, respectively. They are surrounded by a yellow racing number substrate.

Le Mans Silver Metallic paint is applied on the two cars. The same color is used on the window angles, the panels of the air intakes at the front and sides, and all the carbon-weave finish parts. This special paint was developed by Porsche France, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, and the experts at Porsche AG especially for the 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition, referencing the color of  the first-ever winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a 356 SL Coupe.

The Tag Heuer logo is displayed in the middle of the bonnet and on the side blades of  the rear wing. The air filter box of the mid-engine and the wheel hub covers of the central lock rims also bear this figurative word mark.

Inside, the Guards Red leather seats strikingly contrasts with the black dashboard and door panel trim. The on-board interior package has an aluminum black anodized finish. The tricolored cross-stitching of the colors of the Mexican flag is featured on the dashboard and the steering wheel rim. “GT4 RS Panamericana Special” is imprinted on the cup holder on the passenger side and engraved on the door entry guards.

Two elements of the Carrera Panamericana logo — the lettering and the stylized racing driver cap — were sewed into the headrests of the seats by the experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. The latter can also be found on the valve caps. The armrest between the driver and the passenger also has the Tag Heuer logo embossed on it.

The Tag Heuer stopwatch module in the center console is a unique feature of the car with racing number 154. The time is displayed on the left clock, which features the signature Heuer Carrera Design. Line indices for the hours are raised on the black dial, while the minutes are indicated outside on the bezel. This three-hand mechanical clock has a power reserve of eight days. A stopwatch with a scale is located next to the clock to assist the driver in maintaining the average speed that is often specified for rallies.

“This new collaboration with Porsche represents the peak of our shared dedication to precision and performance. It's a fusion of our racing heritage and a celebration of the spirit of motorsport. And it is the next logical step of our partnership. These cars are a testament to what's possible when two iconic brands come together to create something truly exceptional, so it was only logical for this occasion to pay homage to the “Carrera” by designing a very special feature of the car: the Tag Heuer stopwatch module in the center console,” Tag Heuer Chief Marketing Officer George Ciz said.

Photos from Porsche

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