Written on February 18th, 2010 at 12:01pm by 993C4S 

A Porsche That Seats Just One – We’ll Take Two

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.

sleek porsche design concept chair

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?

Related Porsche Posts
Porsche Design P’9120 by Eton
History of the Porsche Design Group
Chroma Type 301 Knives by Porsche Design

[Source: Trendcube.com]

Written on October 17th, 2008 at 12:10am by 993C4S 

Through the Years with Porsche 2009

porsche-calendarJust 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.

mathematics-porsche-calendar

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.

Porsche Date PlannerThe 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!!

Related Posts
The Women of Rennlist and Project Rennwish

[Source: Porsche]

Written on September 17th, 2008 at 5:30am by 993C4S 

Porsche Design P’9120 by Etón Reviewed

Eton-Porsche-p9120-complete-set-upThere 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.

Porsche-eton-p9120-packagingporsche-eton-p9120-sliding-packageporsche-eton-p9120-packagin-foamporsche-eton-p9120-packaging-unit

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).

porsche-eton-p9120-components

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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

Eton-Porsche-p9120-front
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.”

Eton-Porsche-p9120-frontsideEton-Porsche-p9120-rear

Written on August 29th, 2008 at 12:10am by 993C4S 

A Porsche Designed to Compete with Hummer

Porsche-designed-AMPV-HUMVI 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.

Porsche-designed-AMPV2a-HUMV

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.

Porsche-AMPV

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.

[Source: Aviation Week-Ares Blog]

Written on May 25th, 2008 at 7:58pm by 993C4S 

Fearless Yachts and Porsche Design Studio

feerless-porsche-yacht.jpgIt’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.

Written on April 16th, 2008 at 12:10am by Pepper Girl 

History of the Porsche Design Group

porsche-designI’ve written a few posts lately on products developed or designed by “Porsche Design”, “Design by F.A. Porsche”, “Porsche Design Studio”, etc. Lately, a few people have written to me asking for some additional information on this subject. Specifically, what are all these companies? How do they relate to Porsche? Why are there so many different names? It is something I’ve wanted to explore for quite some time so I decided to dig in over the weekend and do a little research. Here’s what I found out.

“Originally, there were five independently operated companies with three different brands: Porsche Design, Design by F.A. Porsche and Porsche Selection.”

Porsche Design / Design by F.A. Porsche

professor-ferdinand-alexander-porsche.jpgProfessor Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche (pictured on the left), designer of the Porsche 911 and grandson of the Porsche founder, opened the Porsche Design Studio in Stuttgart in 1972, which was moved to Zell am See, Austria, two years later. The 911 quickly became the quintessential sports car and a design classic, along with many other products that Professor F. A. Porsche designed. Over the following decades, numerous classic men’s accessories such as watches, glasses and writing utensils were created and marketed worldwide under the “Porsche Design” brand. At the same time, many industrial products and household- and consumer goods for internationally recognized clients, including streetcars for the city of Vienna, were developed under the “Design by F.A. Porsche” brand. All of the studio’s works are distinguished by a clear and functional design language, careful selection of materials and high-quality workmanship, which combines artisan tradition with state-of-the-art technology. Since 2005 all products have been developed and marketed under the brand Porsche Design.

Porsche Selection

911gt3cup_classic_chronograph.jpgThis was the accessories brand for the sports car manufacturer Porsche. Porsche has been offering vehicle accessories for over 50 years. Even in the 1950s, the “Porsche Boutique” offered luggage collections, wallets, T-shirts, calendars, model cars, buttons, tiepins and cufflinks developed specially for the 911. The products were sold in Porsche centers around the world and at events like the Carrera Cup. In 1994, Porsche AG’s merchandising division was given the new name “Porsche Selection”, which was changed in 2004 to “Porsche Design Driver’s Selection”. It has also been possible to purchase Porsche products from the Porsche online shops since 2000.”

Porsche Design Group Today

In November of 2003 Porsche Lizenz- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG was founded to combine Porsche AG’s and Porsche Design Group’s accessories and licensing business into one single company, the Porsche Design Group. Today, the Porsche Design Group is a majority-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG with three divisions:

Over the next week or two I’ll look at each of the companies division a little more in-depth and showcase some of the various products and design work they are responsible for. Do any of you own any Porsche Designed products? If so, what? Let me know.

Related Porsche Design Posts
Porsche Design Driver’s Selection for Your Mom
mPower Emergency Illuminator designed by Porsche
Porsche Design Boat

[Source: Porsche AG, Porsche Design Group]

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