It was cold, it was dark and that loud thump THUMP made it fairly obvious that Ronald Durando’s Porsche had a flat tire. As an experienced Porsche driver, and a prepared one at that, Ron wasn’t worried. Not only did he know how to change a flat tire, he was prepared for almost all contingencies with an emergency repair kit, including a flashlight for the dark conditions. Unfortunately, all the preparation in the world doesn’t help when your flashlight’s batteries have gone dead from sitting too long.
Frustrated from his encounter with the dead batteries in his flashlight Ron decided then and there to come up with a better solution. Fortunately, as the co-founder of mPhase Technologies (a publicly traded company that manufactures and designs the batteries of the future, today) he was in a unique position to make good on his promise.
As a Porsche owner and enthusiast Ron was familiar with products from the legendary Porsche Design Studio. Confident in his company’s unique battery technology Ron fired off a “cold” email to Porsche Design in an effort to gauge their interest in creating a product together. According to Ron, “one thing led to another and we now have a co-branding agreement with Porsche Design for this very unusual flashlight”. Quite an understatement when you consider the technology and design of the Emergency Illuminator.
What is the mPower Emergency Illuminator?
First and foremost, it’s a flashlight. However, calling the Emergency Illuminator a flashlight is like calling your Porsche a car. It’s accurate, but it doesn’t do it the justice it deserves. Seriously, what “flashlight” do you know of that can sit left alone on a shelf (or in your glovebox) for 20+ years and still be ready to light the way the at the very moment you need it? As if that weren’t enough, the Emergency Illuminator has a built in USB port that allows you to charge any number of devices in the event of a power failure of other emergency.
mPower On Command™ Reserve Battery
At the heart of the mPower Emergency Illuminator is a revolutionary battery with a shelf life of at least 20 years prior to manual activation. Unlike conventional batteries, the mPower On Command Reserve Battery provides the full capacity of its charge decades into the future without deterioration or corrosion. In other words, when you need light, the Illuminator will deliver.
How does it work?
While we could try to explain the technology, it’s probably easier to simply watch the video below.
PorschePurist’s Review of the mPower Emergency Illuminator
When we first saw the Illuminator we knew we had to have one. When mPower offered to send us one of the first lights to roll off the production line in Austria to review, we jumped at the chance.
Our light arrived in typical Porsche Design fashion, packaged well and dressed in black
As sophisticated as the technology found in the mPower’s unique reserve battery is, getting the light working is incredibly simple. Included in the shipping and storage box is everything you need.
Under normal circumstances the Emergency Illuminator provides clean, bright, white light from the two included CR-123 batteries. Additional accessories include a wrist strap, handy carrying case, a set of instructions and, of course, the mpower On Command Reserve Battery
Porsche Design’s influence is evident the moment you open the box. The sturdy carrying case cradles the Emergency Illuminator in a foam surround that protects it both in transport and in storage. Out of the box, the matte black finish and sleek design of the two tube handle makes this light a piece of functional art. At first, I was a bit skeptical about the light’s small size and sophisticated design.
Here you can see how the Emergency Illuminator compares in size to my trusty 4 D Cell Mag Light
However, after simply unscrewing a machined cap at the end of one of the two tubes (that make up the light’s handle) and inserting the supplied CR-123 batteries, I saw the light I was converted.
An aluminum collar on the handle of the light is used to move between the off position, on and USB charging (more on this later). The intensity of the beam emitted by the Emergency Illuminator is nothing short of, well, illuminating. From such a small package, the LED throws a fixed width (as opposed to adjustable like the Mag) bright, white light that cuts through the darkness easily.
Additionally, the unique Porsche Designed case allows you to stand the light straight up (allowing you to illuminate an entire room, as if with a lamp, when the power is out) or to lie it on the ground and illuminate an object in from of you (say changing a tire in the dark) without having to worry about it rolling away as my Mag light so often does.
Due to its size and sleek, matte finish, I was originally concerned with the Emergency Illuminator’s durability. However, the light is actually quite rugged and water resistant. The body is made from extruded aluminum and most other parts are machined aluminum. In other words, if you drop it, it will take the impact.
USB Charging Capability
Besides the innovative On Command Reserve battery, the other unique feature that sets the Emergency Illuminator apart from any other flashlight currently on the market is its unique ability to charge a myriad of portable electronic devices via its built in USB port. By simply moving the aluminum selector ring from “ON” to the “USB” position I was able to easily plug in my iPhone and bring its completely drained battery back to life using the supplied CR-123 batteries. According to the product literature, in an emergency situation, the On Command Reserve Battery will provide power for up to two hours of continuous light as well as charging ability to make and receive calls or your cell phone.
What to consider when purchasing the Emergency Illuminator
Pros
unique battery technology with a shelf life of 20+ years
USB port to charge portable devices in an emergency situation
small, compact yet powerful and rugged
high intensity, clean white light
Items to note:
two tube handle makes for an awkward hand grip (this bothered me for quite some time until I realized the design is best suited for emergency situations where you will most likely be standing the light up straight or lying it on the side vs holding it your hand for long periods of time. Once I realized that I decided it’s not really an issue but would be remiss if I didn’t mention it)
available glove box bracket not included in price
no Porsche Design branding on the light itself
Price of the Emergency Illuminator and where to buy one
Like a lot of products developed in conjunction with Porsche Design, the Emergency Illuminator is not inexpensive. However, at $289 you’re not simply buying a status symbol from a renowned Design House. Instead, you’re buying a rugged emergency device that provides peace of mind and security!
What is it worth to know that the next time you need a light in an emergency situation, no matter how long ago you checked the batteries, that you’ll have one? Hopefully, you’ll never need to find out, but if you do and you have the Emergency Illuminator, you can rest assured that you won’t be left in the dark.
If you’re interested in owning one of these lights (as we are) to either put in your Porsche, or for your home, they can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. mPower’s web-site offers much more information on the product as well as the Amazon.com checkout feature for added security.
This light would make a great Father’s Day gift for the Porsche loving dad in your life and I’m sure it will make it on our recommended Porsche Christmas Gift list later this year.
Not sure what we’re talking about? Some of you may remember a post back in 2008 about a power boat designed by Porsche and manufactured by Fearless Yachts. Unfortunately, just a few short months after introducing their first Porsche Designed Boat (The Fearless 28) the company, Fearless International, filed for bankruptcy and was never to be heard from again.
What might not be widely known, and quite frankly the details still aren’t all that clear, is that besides press releases and company statements to the contrary, the Fearless 28 was not the first boat ever designed by Porsche. Based on our research (and it’s not necessarily conclusive or accurate) it appears that Porsche first designed a boat back in 1985 and commissioned Kineo to build the hulls. The result was the Kineo 27‘, of which only three hulls were completed.
Where things get really foggy is trying to figure out how these boats were powered. Some claim that only one hull and power option was ever approved by Porsche and that’s the Kineo 27′ with twin Mercruiser MAG 454s (see the link above). Others, like the seller of this eBay listing claim that their boat is the only one with Porsche Marine engines (Porsche 928 v8s that were converted to marine use). If, in fact, the seller of the boat on eBay is to be believed (and based on our research we can’t figure it out either way) this particular boat is the first ever to be designed and produced by Porsche and the only speed boat powered by a Porsche marine engine.
While the details aren’t clear, and the seller’s not talking (which has us wanting to ask even more questions), it appears that this particular boat was designed by Porsche, built by Kineo and powered by Porsche but never released to the public. According to the seller, this boat was Manufactured in 1992 – a full 16 years before Fearless launched their boat at the Miami boat show.
Let’s recap. Three of these hulls were produced, but only one of them, this one (hull #1), is powered with the Porsche Marine Engine option (a $75k option in ’92). If this really is the case, then we’re looking at a one-off, one-of-a-kind prototype, that just might be worth the asking price as the only thing like it in existence. But, buyer beware! Do your homework first, ask a lot of questions and get the documentation!
Porsche Design Boat Details
Carbon Fiber Kevlar Construction
Hull #1 of 2 (or three)
0 Hours and Stored Since New
Porsche Metallic Silver Paint, Dual Matching Silver Hard Shell Fully Adjustable Sport Seats (GT3?) with Red Cushions
“PORSCHE” Designed By FA Porsche on the transom that hydraulically opens to a fold down swim platform with ladder and wash down
Cushioned sunpad-hydraulic engine hatch
Small berth able cabin with gray cushions and headliner
Vacuflush toilet
Dual VDO gadge instrumentation
Brand new teak decks complete mechanical and cosmetic updates (not sure what is meant by update?)
Original MSRP was $550K plus $75K for the Porsche Marine Option
Using a Porsche 911 as his muse, Singapore-based design student Rohan Verma created this concept Porsche Chair based on the side profile of the 911′s window frame. The seat brings to mind the company’s tradition for designing sleek, elegant automobiles.
Verma introduced the concept chair as part of a portfolio of other modern work on design site coroflot.com. While borrowing queues from the side profile of the 911’s window frame, the contemporary chair looks more like an exotic piece of art, inviting guests to feel the comfort and luxury while decorating modern spaces in style.
Although just a concept at this point, we would love to see this in production. Wouldn’t it be great if Porsche Design would allow you to color match your chair to your 911?
Just like their cars, Porsche offers calendars in varying models and price ranges. Released earlier yesterday, from the home office in Stuttgart, Porsche announced the availability of their 2009 Calendars and Date Planner. Not content to offer a single 12 month “one-size-fits-all” model, Porsche provides owners, enthusiasts and fans with with four different calendar themes to choose from (including one suitable for framing.)
The official Porsche Calendar for 2009 shows twelve detailed views of high tech components to which Porsche sports cars owe their efficiency. Whether double-clutch gearbox, Variocam Plus or direct fuel injection – the larger-than-life close-ups of technical devices, standing for lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, provide a fascinating back-drop for the current Porsche models. Following tradition, the calendar, in the format 59 x 55.5 cm, incorporates a collector’s coin and costs 35 Euro including VAT.
The Porsche historical calendar for 2009 with the title “Mathematics 2009 – Game of Numbers” presents the origin of the sports car manufacturer’s language of form. As in previous years, the photographer Frank M. Orel has undertaken the artistic composition of the historical calendar. A vertical spiral binding centrally divides the calendar, which measures 30 x 42 cm (60 x 42 cm when opened out). Stowed in its accompanying slipcase, it will retain its interest as a photographic collection way beyond the year 2009. This calendar is also priced at 35 Euro inclusive of VAT.
For the first time, this year there will be an exclusive wall calendar edition of the historical calendar in DIN A1 format. The pictures of the biggest Porsche calendar ever will tempt purchasers to frame them for themselves. Printed on top quality matte natural paper, the edition is limited to 2,009 items, to match the year it accompanies, and each calendar is sequentially numbered. The price is 99 Euro including VAT
The Porsche designers from Weissach once again created the “Style Calendar” for 2009, which is entitled “affinities – Verwandtschaften”. In this calendar, too, the focus is on the Porsche Type 64. The drawings highlight the affinities between the expression of form in the Type 64 and in the current Porsche automobiles. Included with the calendar, which measures 70 x 50 cm, is a CD-ROM with a striking screensaver. The calendar costs 57 Euro including VAT.
The spiral bound date planner offers a refreshingly low-tech escape from your smart phone or BlackBerry.
The luxuriously produced date planner for the coming year features photographs illustrating the rally history of the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer from 1950 to 2008. Spirally bound in DIN A5 size, it costs 38 Euro inclusive of VAT.
The four calendars and the date planner can be ordered over the Internet at www.porsche.com/shop and will also be available from Porsche centers. While some of these products may only be for sale in certain countries, you can always pay the extra freight to bring one home to yours!!
There really is no point in a clock that runs fast, but how about one that looks fast? Take the Porsche Design P’9120 by Etón for example (just not my unit.) The well thought out, minimalistic design by Porsche, partners perfectly with the quality, craftsmanship and technology that are hallmarks of Etón’s success.
Porsche Design Press Release
Earlier this month we received a press release from the Porsche Design Group about the P’9120 Desk Radio. The first two paragraphs (shown below) were more than enough to pique our curiosity (who can refuse purist design and a top quality aluminum finish?):
Stuttgart/Palo Alto. Porsche Design is introducing a brand new radio into the market, a product developed jointly with Etón Corporation of Palo Alto, California. The radio, available now in Porsche Design Stores, blends purist design together with a top quality aluminum finish.
The P’9120 desk radio comes with three 1.5 inch speakers, an active subwoofer and double-wall structure, ensuring top-class true-to-life acoustics. In Europe, the radio, which comes in a solid aluminum casing, is available in a version which provides access to both analog and digital transmissions via the same device (AM, FM, short wave and DAB – Digital Audio Broadcasting). Different types of iPod can be linked up to the radio via an external cradle. Both the radio itself and any iPods connected to it can be operated via a remote control unit.
Seriously though, with the above information in hand, we reached out to Etón and secured our own unit for review. After playing and living with the unit for a week in the 993C4S garage, here are our thoughts:
PACKAGING: Right from the beginning the creative genius of Porsche Design is apparent. The all black, heavy cardboard outer box slides open to reveal a cleverly packaged grouping of components, accessories and instructions. Safely ensconced in a form fitting foam cutout it would take one deranged delivery driver to damage this system while in transit.
CONTENTS: Your package comes complete with the base unit, a universal “Made for Ipod” docking station, power supply, remote control (more on this later), AM loop antenna, multi-lingual instructions and warranty card(s).
FEATURES:
Double wall construction for superior acoustics. Okay, admittedly we’re not audiophiles here at 993C4S, so we can’t break this down in scientific terms. However, whatever it is, it works! The unit sounds great.
OLED alphanumeric display.
AM/FM/Shortwave with separate Made for iPod dock.
Metal remote control with torch (that’s a flashlight for all of here in the US.)
XM Satellite ready (don’t forget that Sirrius and XM are now one.)
Dual alarm clocks (this is a must in our garage as we depart at separate times.)
Back-up power source for your presets and clock in the event of a power-failure.
If we were asked, our only two suggestions for improvement or change would be as follows:
Provide some type of back lighting for the remote. While we like the heft and feel of the remote it becomes a challenge to use in the dark (tough to shuffle through the soundtrack to Le Mans) even with the built in flashlight.
At this price range, $600 in the US, the four batteries needed to provide the back-up power source for your pre-sets and clock settings should be included.
It’s Worth the Money
Our overall impression of the P’9120 is very positive. The instructions were simple to follow and setting it up was a snap. The clean lines and linear design are exactly what you would expect from Porsche and Etón. The ergonomic controls were intuitive and easy to operate. The sound quality is exceptional and did we mention the shortwave radio? If you’re not familiar with shortwave, this radio (with its built in antenna) gives you a great opportunity to explore the hundreds and thousands of stations broadcasting worldwide on this unique range of radio waves. It’s a great big world to explore!
At $600 the P’9120 is expensive for a compact system, but not prohibitively so. We believe you get what you pay for; in this case a quality table top stereo system with exceptional features, sound and design. If you’re interested in purchasing one yourself, they are available through Amazon.com and at any Porsche Design Retail Store.
About Etón Corporation
Etón Corporation is the established leader in consumer electronics audio products, and is defined by its mission of ‘Re_Inventing Radio”. By always combining the latest in technology with sensible design, Etón offers an extensive array of products that speaks to three main categories: Design, Innovation and Necessity. Etón is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and has offices in Berlin, Germany and Toronto, Canada.
“Etón’s consumer electronics expertise and marketing competency allows Porsche Design to enter into consumer electronics market,” said Dr. Siegmund Rudigier, President and CEO of the Porsche Design Group. “There is an obvious synergy between Porsche Design and Etón Corporation as our values both lie in quality, craftsmanship and cutting-edge design and technology.”
About Porsche Design
Porsche Design is a global luxury men’s brand and is determined by engineered products. Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche established the Porsche Design brand in 1972, whose products are attracting consumers with their technical innovation and represent functionality and timelessness in its purest form. Porsche Design products are sold in their own exclusive retail and franchise stores, shop-in-shops, up-market department stores and exclusive specialist stores.
“The heritage of Porsche Design not only offers an added element of prestige to electronics, but also the lost focus on an exacting attention to detail,” said Dr. Esmail Hozour, CEO of Etón Corporation. “Through this unprecedented partnership, we are confident that a new standard of electronics shall be set.”
I bet that headline gets your attention! No, it’s not what you think. Yes, we all know the Cayenne SUV from Porsche but, what about the AMPV 2a?
The highly creative name (note the sarcasm) is a product from the joint-venture between Rheinmetall Land Systeme (RLS) and Krauss Maffei-Wegmann (KMW) (Germany’s two leading armored fighting vehicle (AFV) contractors) who have formed the Armored Multi Purpose Vehicle consortium.
At present, the consortium is concentrating on the 9.3-ton AMPV 2a. Designed to be transported by a C-160 (a really, really big transport airplane) and to withstand a 100-kg improvised explosive device (IED) blast at five meters, as well as offering ballistic, mine, and nuclear, biological and chemical protection. The AMPV 2a has a self-supporting safety cell initially designed for add-on mine and IED protection. Production is planned for 2011 with testing taking place over the next few years.
With the help of the Porsche Design Group the AMPV was created for the German Armed Forces, by the consortium, but could be sold to foreign (maybe the US?) governments as well. I don’t know about you, but if I had the choice between a Porsche Designed vehicle or a GM one (Hummer is now owned by GM) I would take the Porsche designed one hands down.
This isn’t the first foray into the military for Porsche. Some of you may remember the Porsche Designed Kübelwagen that I wrote about a few months ago. In addition, Porsche assisted in the designing of the Tiger tank series and the Elefant tank that were the staples of the German army during World War II.
It’s Memorial Day, the unofficial start to the summer across the US. For lots of people (especially where we live) this means the official start of the boating season too. Given this, I thought what better way to kick off the summer season then taking a look at Porsche and their contribution to the boating world.
It never ceases to amaze me all the different products (industrial and consumer) that Porsche is a part of (through either design or as manufacturer.) Looking back, I’ve written about the History of the Porsche Design Group and the different companies and brands that have added to the provenance of this brand over the years. Today’s post is no different.
Take a look at the following video:
Porsche Design Studio has joined with Fearless Yachts
The Fearless 28 was designed for a discerning captain…
With its chiseled exterior, sumptuous curves and seating for five, the high performance 28 is navigating new waters in intelligent design, uncompromising agility and outright velocity. A seamless deep- V hull, sleek stainless steel intake vents, and ample horsepower cut an impressive wake. With your eye on the Livorsi analog instrumentation and hand on the Latham throttles, the 28 responds to your whims in open waters…while luxuries such as hand-fitted non-slip teak inlays and classically tailored 8.5’ beam indulge your sense of style.
The Fearless 28 can produce up to a maximum of 600 HP, reach speeds of up to 90 MPH and create a rooster tail that would make Foghorn Leghorn jealous.
More Porsche Designed Boats and Yachts on the Way
According to the Fearless website there are an additional four models coming over the next few years. A 44’ twin step racer, a 68’ cruiser, and by 2010 both a 125’ and 150’ yacht.
Right now, production on the Fearless 28 is quite limited. According to Porsche Design-Bevery Hills Manager Jeff Rayborn, there are currently only three (3) available. It is safe to assume that more will be available in the coming months. If you want to see the Porsche Designed Fearless 28 first hand then stop by the Porsche Design store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills on June 15th where it will be on display for a few lucky dads.
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for example (just not my unit.) The well thought out, minimalistic design by Porsche, partners perfectly with the quality, craftsmanship and technology that are hallmarks of Etón’s success.
and at any 
