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Porsche has recently unveiled a highly anticipated special edition of its 911 GT3, a remarkable homage to the visionary behind the legendary 911, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, marking what would have been his 90th birthday. This exclusive model, limited to only 90 units globally, not only celebrates his profound legacy but also integrates design cues from his personal vehicle, merging historical elegance with contemporary performance. Each vehicle is a testament to Ferdinand's indelible mark on automotive design, ensuring his spirit continues to influence the brand's future.

The meticulous attention to detail in this commemorative 911 GT3 extends beyond its aesthetic appeal, offering an unparalleled driving experience. Priced at a significant $387,000, each car represents a fusion of art and engineering, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike. The inclusion of a bespoke Chronograph 1 timepiece and a Weekender travel bag further elevates the exclusivity, making each purchase a comprehensive luxury package. This initiative underscores Porsche's commitment to honoring its heritage while pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence.

The Legacy of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and His Iconic Designs

Porsche recently revealed a distinctive 911 GT3, produced in a limited series of 90 units, celebrating what would have been the 90th birthday of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the renowned designer responsible for the iconic 911. This particular model draws inspiration from Ferdinand's personal 1980s G-Body 911, featuring a unique F.A. Green metallic exterior, a contemporary twist on the original Oak Green metallic shade of his cherished vehicle. The interior is meticulously crafted with a bespoke F.A. Grid-Weave fabric, a modern interpretation of the classic houndstooth pattern, complemented by an elegant wooden shift knob. Each of these exclusive vehicles is priced at $387,000, excluding additional fees, and comes complete with a coordinating Chronograph 1 timepiece and a specially designed Weekender travel bag. Mark Porsche, Ferdinand's son, played a pivotal role in guiding the project from its inception, affirming that the design deeply reflects his father's personal tastes and vision.

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, a revered figure in Zuffenhausen, is celebrated not only as the mastermind behind the 911 but also for his contributions to other legendary models such as the 904 Carrera GTS and the 804 Formula 1 car. This special edition GT3 is notably the first and only model to feature Porsche's refined Sport Classic wheels, adorned with custom center caps showcasing the classic Porsche crest. Further distinguishing features include a '72' roundel on each door panel, commemorating the year Ferdinand established Porsche Design, alongside special gold badging on the rear decklid and a '90' badge positioned above it. The F.A. model is fundamentally based on the 911 GT3 with the Touring Package, powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that delivers 502 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, channeled to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This blend of historical tribute and high-performance engineering creates a truly unique offering for discerning enthusiasts.

Exclusive Features and Performance of the F.A. Porsche Edition

This special edition 911 GT3, limited to 90 units, pays tribute to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche on his 90th birthday by incorporating elements from his personal G-Body 911. The vehicle showcases a distinctive F.A. Green metallic exterior, a modern rendition of the Oak Green metallic found on Ferdinand's original car. Inside, the cabin features a custom F.A. Grid-Weave fabric, a contemporary take on the classic houndstooth, and a finely crafted wooden shift knob. Each car, priced at $387,000, includes a matching Chronograph 1 watch and a stylish Weekender travel bag, enhancing its exclusivity. Ferdinand's son, Mark Porsche, was instrumental in the project, ensuring the design accurately reflected his father's aesthetic preferences.

The F.A. model is built upon the robust foundation of the 911 GT3 with the Touring Package, guaranteeing exhilarating performance. It is equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, producing an impressive 502 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, all managed by a precise six-speed manual transmission directing power to the rear wheels. A unique highlight is that this GT3 is the sole model to sport Porsche's elegant Sport Classic wheels, featuring custom center caps proudly displaying the traditional Porsche crest. Additional commemorative details include a '72' roundel on the door panels, honoring the year Porsche Design was founded by Ferdinand, and special gold badging, along with a '90' emblem, on the rear decklid. This blend of bespoke design and high-octane performance creates a fitting tribute to a monumental figure in automotive history.

In a significant development for the autonomous vehicle industry, Waymo, a leader in self-driving technology, has initiated a recall of more than 3,000 of its robotaxis. This action comes as a direct consequence of an investigation launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into safety compliance issues. The core problem identified was the failure of these driverless vehicles to consistently halt when encountering school buses, especially during student drop-off and pick-up procedures. This incident underscores the delicate balance between technological advancement and public safety, prompting a necessary reevaluation and refinement of autonomous driving systems.

Waymo's Autonomous Fleet Under Scrutiny Following Safety Incidents

On December 12, 2025, Waymo announced the recall of approximately 3,067 robotaxis, impacting vehicles manufactured between August 20 and November 5, 2025. This decision followed a two-month investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), initiated in early October. The probe focused on instances where Waymo's autonomous vehicles allegedly failed to stop for school buses, a critical safety violation, particularly when children were entering or exiting the bus. Although a Waymo spokesperson initially attributed one such incident on September 22 to a school bus partially obstructing a driveway and obscuring visual cues, the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation ultimately led to a full recall. To rectify the identified software flaw, Waymo has implemented an autonomous driving system software update across all affected units by November 17. This recall surfaces as Waymo intensely pursues expansion, targeting an ambitious one million robotaxi rides per week, having already surpassed 450,000 weekly rides and completed 14 million trips in 2025 alone. Despite these operational milestones and continuous data acquisition for system enhancement, the incident highlights the complex challenges in ensuring infallible safety in autonomous transportation. The competitive landscape saw Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, dismiss Waymo's progress on social media, asserting that Waymo 'never really had a chance' against Tesla, even as Tesla itself faces hurdles in the robotaxi domain.

The journey towards fully autonomous vehicles is marked by both groundbreaking achievements and significant setbacks. Waymo's recall serves as a potent reminder that even with advanced technology, vigilance and continuous improvement are paramount. The public's trust in driverless cars hinges on their proven safety record, especially concerning vulnerable populations like schoolchildren. This event should prompt industry-wide reflection on the ethical and practical implications of deploying autonomous systems in complex real-world environments. It emphasizes the need for robust regulatory oversight, rigorous testing protocols, and a transparent approach to addressing safety concerns, ensuring that innovation does not outpace the paramount responsibility of protecting lives.