Still thirsty at 30
Thirty years of automotive history is a milestone worth celebrating, but Porsche Philippines chose to look forward rather than backward. Since PGA Cars became the official Porsche importer in 1996, the brand has transformed from a niche purist favorite into a cornerstone of the country’s luxury sports car landscape.
To mark three decades in the country, Porsche Philippines teamed up with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur to build a one-of-a-kind masterpiece: a custom 911 Targa 4 GTS.
Unveiled at an intimate gathering in Manila alongside the launch of the new 911 Turbo S, this special commission serves as a physical tribute to the vibrant spirit of the Philippines while showcasing the brand’s latest performance technology.
Inspired by tropical sunrise
The defining feature of this 30th-anniversary model is its Paint to Sample exterior finish in Pastelorange.
Selected specifically for the local market, the warm hue draws inspiration from the bright colors of a tropical island sunrise. According to Porsche, it symbolizes both three decades of local growth and the bright road lying ahead.
Inside, the cabin creates a clever dialogue between heritage and modern luxury. The interior features the Heritage Design Package Pasha, which revives the famous “chequered flag” fabric pattern seen on iconic Porsche sports cars from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
To tie the interior directly to the exterior, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur applied hand-sewn orange contrast stitching across the entire cabin—including the dashboard, door cards, sun visors, and even the leather-finished rearview mirror panel. Aluminum pedals and a high-end Burmester Surround Sound System, arguably the very best in the business, complete the exquisite interior.
A true one of one
Building the anniversary car on the 911 Targa 4 GTS platform carries real technical importance, as this is the first Targa model to feature Porsche’s innovative T-Hybrid system.
The hybrid architecture combines a newly developed 3.6-liter turbocharged flat-six engine with two compact electric motors and a lightweight 1.9 kWh 400-volt battery:
- Electric Exhaust Turbocharger: An integrated electric motor sits between the compressor and turbine wheel to instantly spool up boost pressure, effectively eliminating traditional turbo lag.
- Transmission Electric Motor: A second electric motor integrated into the eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission adds up to 150 Nm of instant torque and a 40 kW power boost.
Together, the system produces 541 PS (398 kW) and 610 Nm of torque—an impressive jump of 61 PS over the previous-generation GTS. The result is immediate throttle response and effortless power delivery, perfectly suited for long coastal highway cruises or winding mountain drives.
Return of the King
While the Pastelorange Targa captured hearts with its bespoke styling, performance enthusiasts had a second reason to celebrate: the local debut of the new 911 Turbo S, universally acknowledged as the king of real-world, all-road and all-weather conditions among the supercar elite. It is the benchmark for combining supercar performance with daily usability, making it an enduring masterpiece.
Power comes from an advanced evolution of the T-Hybrid system paired with twin electrically assisted turbochargers, developing a massive 711 PS and 800 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful road-going production 911 in Porsche history.
To put all that power to the ground reliably, Porsche updated the chassis with electro-hydraulically controlled Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (ehPDCC) as standard equipment. Powered by the high-voltage hybrid system, active stabilizer bars counteract body roll in real time to increase cornering grip and overall stability.
Matched with wider rear tires, refined aerodynamics, and giant ceramic composite brakes, the new Turbo S lapped the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in a staggering 7:03.92, 14 seconds faster than its predecessor.
Celebrating the Next Chapter
“This anniversary celebrates an important milestone for Porsche Philippines. While we take pride in reaching this landmark, our greatest achievement has always been the relationships we’ve built along the way. The trust of our customers, the dedication of our employees, the support of our partners, and the friendships forged through a shared passion for Porsche have made these past 30 years truly meaningful,” said Roberto Coyiuto III, President and CEO of Porsche Philippines.
“It is this journey that inspired the creation of our 30th Anniversary 911 Targa 4 GTS. More than a commemorative model, it is a tribute to our heritage while embracing the future of Porsche.”
It is also noteworthy that Porsche Philippines expanded its presence with the establishment of its city showroom in the upscale Bonifacio Global City (BGC) district. The next major milestone is the upcoming state-of-the-art Porsche Centre Manila, which is expected to be completed soon and will further elevate the Porsche ownership experience in the Philippines.
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