Amrit Balraj

The Porsche 959 is a halo supercar from the ’80s, that was ahead of its time for a number of innovations. Essentially, a predecessor to the 918 Spyder and the iconic Carrera GT, the 959 started out as a Group B Rally car, known internally as the 953. The 953s were initially entered in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, finishing 1st, 6th, and 25th. Porsche built the 959 as a road-legal version to satisfy F.I.A. homologation regulations, which required a brand to make at least 200 units.

In the world of custom Porsches, everyone has heard of RWB and Akira Nakai. The renowned Japanese tuner has been modifying 911 with dramatic fender flares, exposed rivets, and double wings, since the late 90s. Before he established RWB he was the leader of a wild drift crew, aptly named Rough World. Rough World drifters mainly altered and raced with the legendary Toyota AE86, making changes inspired by widebody endurance racecars. However, Akira always had an eye for Porsches and got to work on several while working at a body shop during the ’90s. One day as luck would have it a very damaged Porsche 930 came into the shop, and Akira was able to strike a deal with the owner. This midnight blue Porsche became his first muse, which he cut up extensively to reduce weight, upgraded the engine, and installed the first version of his iconic wide-body kit. He named his first car after his favorite beer- Stella Artois.

Luxury brand Caviar is known for its bespoke precious metal and gemstone studded electronics and accessories. Caviar started by customizing smartphones, but their product list quickly grew to include luxury makeovers for various gadgets – from consoles and watches to sneakers. Their design team doesn’t shy away from a challenge, constantly seeking to elevate the ordinary into opulent masterpieces. This year they are foraying into a new product - luxury e-bikes. Their latest masterpiece is a gold-plated Porsche e-bike called Herzog. The name is derived from the ancestral title of the aristocratic Württembergers dynasty, whose coat of arms features the antlers on the Porsche crest. Caviar’s e-bike is still under the hammer, with engineers putting the finishing touches on its technical aspects by summer’s end, paving the way for a potential early 2025 release.

Restomods are all the rage these days, i.e. modern reimaginations of legendary classic cars. However, HWA Chief Engineer Gordian von Schöning insists that their Evo II is "not a resto-mod". HWA was founded by Hans-Werner Aufrecht in 1998, who was also one of the founders of AMG, now under the ownership of Mercedes-Benz. HWA, who have been in the game for a long time now (since 1998) reimagined the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II from the ground up. The HWA Evo II features a lengthened wheelbase for increased stability and a wider track for superior grip. Crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, its custom bodywork conceals an equally impressive powertrain.

Many electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer one-pedal driving. However, Porsche does not offer this feature in its EVs. This feature essentially lets you control your acceleration and braking with just the accelerator pedal. Unlike gas-powered cars that coast without power when you lift your foot off the throttle, Electric cars and PHEVs can achieve one-pedal driving thanks to regenerative braking. This system utilizes the electric motor as a generator during braking. As the car slows down, the motor captures the kinetic energy (energy of motion) and converts it back into electricity, topping up the battery and extending your driving range.

The late stunt and race car driver, Ken Block inspired millions of racing enthusiasts, none more so than his daughter Lia. His family and brand Hoonigan are working hard to carry on his legacy exactly how he would have wanted. Back in May 2022, Ken unveiled yet another ridiculously powerful project car, which he intended to take to the 100th running of Pikes Peak. Built in collaboration with BBI Autosport (who have been immensely successful at Pikes Peak), the Hoonipigasus is a classic mid-engine Porsche 911-based track car that produces1,400 horsepower and features a custom driveshaft and AWD. The team’s first time taking the car to Pikes Peak was plagued by mechanical issues which forced them to pull out of the event, However, they did not give up and wanted to come back with Ken the next year.

Steve McQueen became the embodiment of cool in his lifetime with cult classics like Bullitt, The Great Escape, and Le Mans. Despite a rough upbringing, he defied the odds to become a Hollywood superstar known for his effortless charisma, dedication to his craft, and a rebellious streak that perfectly complemented his lifestyle. This same rebellious spirit and love for adrenaline translated into a lifelong passion for motorsports.

The Porsche crest is one of the most iconic automotive brand symbols ever, even to non-car people. The red and gold badge with the leaping horse has adorned every Porsche model since 1951. Interestingly, one of the rare times the crest was replaced by a painted-on badge was on the 911 GT3 racecar, acting as a weight-saving measure. Initially, only Porsche lettering appeared on the hoods of sports cars from Zuffenhausen as early as 1948, but a formal trademark wasn’t conceived until 1951. That year, Porsche teamed up with a loyal customer, Dr. Ottomar Domnick, to launch a design competition among German art schools. The prize? A cool 1,000 Deutsche marks. Unfortunately, they were unable to come up with a design that appealed to everyone.

Top Gear’s Tom Ford recently spent a day at Cosworth’s high-tech facility where he spent some one-on-one time with the Bugatti Tourbillon’s brand-new V16 engine. Cosworth and Bugatti worked together to produce the V16 engine which makes 1000 HP on its own. This engine will be paired with three electric motors and have a combined output of 1800 horsepower! The Tourbillion is estimated to go from 0-60 MPH in under 2.0 seconds and attain a top speed of 277 MPH. In the video, we get to hear what the V16 engine sounds like and how it compares to all the different V-engines from years past.

At first glance, this looks like a run-of-the-mill 997.2 generation 911, but there is an interesting story behind the existence of this "Acid Green" accented 918 911. Back in 2010, Porsche introduced an exciting hybrid concept sports car known as the 918 Spyder at the Geneva Motor Show. There was a surge of interest in this upcoming hybrid supercar which Porsche capitalized on and collected initial deposits of $200,000, by as early as 2011. However, it would be nearly three years before Porsche would deliver the 918 Spyder in December 2013 for an MSRP of $645,000 In the meantime, Porsche felt that their exclusive clientele shouldn’t have to sit around twiddling their thumbs and offered a companion 918 Edition 911 Turbo S. For each of the 918 examples of the hybrid 918 made, they offered a companion 918 edition 911.

More than just a wagon, the Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo has a gorgeous design. But the beauty wasn’t just skin deep. This powerhouse packed a punch close to 700 horsepower, rivaling the thrill of a 911 while offering the everyday functionality of a Cayenne. With seven trims to choose from, the GTS hit the sweet spot in the middle, delivering both stunning looks and exhilarating performance. Unfortunately, Porsche has discontinued the Sport Turismo for the latest generation of the Panamera.

Action cam company, GoPro recently released some thrilling footage of veteran driver Jeff Zwart taking on the spectacular Pikes Peak. This brutal 12.7-mile course features 156 blind turns and climbs to a staggering 14,115 feet. It’s a place where racing legends like Michelle Mouton and Booby Unser have pushed their limits. Jeff isn’t just another rally driver; he’s also a renowned director and photographer. His work includes several well-known automotive commercials and movies like "The Art of Racing in the Rain." He’s also a true motorsport champion, having secured eight class championships and earning a place in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Hall of Fame. He’s a winner of both the U.S. Pro Rally Championship and the Baja 1000.