Porsche Mexico has launched an extraordinary one-of-a-kind 718 Spyder RS, a vehicle meticulously crafted to honor the iconic Carrera Panamericana race. This special edition, born from the bespoke Sonderwunsch program, boasts a unique exterior paint scheme and interior details that echo the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder, which triumphed in the 1954 Panamericana event. Beyond its striking design and historical significance, this automotive masterpiece is destined for auction, with a portion of the sales revenue dedicated to supporting various charitable foundations across Mexico. It also marks a significant moment as potentially the final combustion-engine iteration of the Porsche 718, blending heritage, philanthropy, and a nod to the future of automotive innovation.
The moniker “Carrera,” deeply ingrained in Porsche's identity, transcends its common association with the 911's base model. Its true essence lies in its Spanish origin, meaning “race,” a fitting tribute to Porsche's illustrious motorsport legacy. Between 1950 and 1954, Mexico hosted the Carrera Panamericana, a grueling border-to-border endurance race. This high-stakes competition, akin to Italy's Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, saw international drivers and manufacturers vying for glory over 3,300 kilometers of challenging terrain, encompassing perilous mountain passes and high-speed open roads, all compressed into just nine days. It was in this crucible of competition that Porsche solidified its racing prowess.
In the 1953 and 1954 editions of the Carrera Panamericana, Porsche 550s, piloted by skilled drivers, secured class victories against a diverse field of sports cars and NASCAR-style vehicles. To commemorate these historic achievements and bid adieu to the final combustion-powered Porsche 718, Porsche Mexico commissioned this unique 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special. The vehicle is currently being auctioned through RM Sotheby’s Sealed Platform. According to the auction house, this special model, completed in August 2024, has been showcased on a few occasions but remains in pristine, showroom condition, underscoring its exclusivity and meticulous care.
The bespoke nature of this 718 Spyder RS is evident in its design, a collaborative effort with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen under the Sonderwunsch program. Its exterior livery is a direct homage to Hans Herrmann's victorious 1954 Porsche 550 Spyder, featuring a Centenaire Silver base coat, vibrant Signal Yellow roundels adorned with Herrmann’s race number 55, and striking Carmine Red stripes on the rear fenders. Further enhancing its unique identity, the hood proudly displays a TAG Heuer logo in Seal Grey, while a distinctive 718 logo graces the front grille. Inside, the vehicle’s cabin is upholstered predominantly in black leather, contrasting beautifully with Carmine Red accents on the steering wheel and seats. The headrests are intricately stitched with the La Carrera Panamericana logo, adding another layer of historical homage.
Beyond the striking visual details, the car features bespoke laser etching on the passenger-side dashboard, proclaiming “Spyder RS Panamericana Special.” The special door sills illuminate with an outline of a 550 Spyder, rendered in the colors of the Mexican flag, alongside the Sonderwunsch logo. A TAG Heuer logo is also subtly embossed on the center armrest. Adding to its rarity, the car bears the autograph of Hans Herrmann himself. This Panamericana Special is also equipped with a suite of premium features, including a Bose Surround Sound System, full bucket seats, a front axle lift system, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), the Chrono package, and the Weissach package, which incorporates numerous carbon fiber components, enhancing both aesthetics and performance.
The auction of this exceptional Porsche 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special transcends a mere commercial transaction. A significant portion of the proceeds from its sale will be channeled to various social foundations in Mexico, including TECHO, Make-A-Wish, World Vision, Fundación Becar, and Hurakaan eco-táctica, thereby directly benefiting Mexican families. RM Sotheby’s has set a reserve price of US $560,000, with an estimated selling price of US $640,000. While bidding is open globally, potential international buyers should note that the car is built to Mexican specifications, and all invoicing and delivery will occur in Mexico. Any subsequent delivery or federalization for buyers outside of Mexico will be their sole responsibility.
In a significant move poised to reignite excitement within the automotive community, Infiniti is reportedly preparing to reintroduce a sport sedan to its North American lineup. This new vehicle is anticipated to feature a potent turbocharged V6 engine coupled with a manual transmission, a combination eagerly awaited by performance enthusiasts. This strategic shift represents a return to the brand's core identity, recalling a period when Infiniti's sedans, celebrated for their dynamic blend of performance, luxury, and reliability, established a respected reputation for Japanese premium marques. As the market for traditional sedans has contracted, this announcement offers a beacon of hope for those seeking a more engaging driving experience, promising to infuse renewed vitality into Infiniti's portfolio.
For many years, mid-size performance sedans from Japanese luxury manufacturers have become increasingly scarce. Brands like Acura, with the discontinuation of its TLX, and Lexus, which retired the GS in 2020, have seen their sedan offerings shrink. Infiniti itself has primarily focused on crossovers and SUVs, leaving a void for fans of their classic, driver-focused sedans. However, recent whispers from Infiniti headquarters suggest a new direction, hinting at the revival of a sport sedan that will pick up where the beloved G35 and G37 models left off. This forthcoming model is rumored to be a direct successor to the Q50S, promising a robust powertrain and, crucially for purists, a manual gearbox.
The significance of this development for Infiniti cannot be overstated. Since the Q50's departure from the North American market last year, Infiniti has been conspicuously absent from the sedan segment, a stark departure from its legacy stretching back to the G20's debut in 1990. This gap has been particularly felt by brand loyalists who appreciated Infiniti's ability to offer spirited driving characteristics reminiscent of European counterparts like BMW, but often at a more accessible price point and with lower long-term ownership costs. The G-series lineage evolved significantly, particularly with the 2003 G35's transition to a rear-wheel-drive platform and a powerful 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine. Subsequent iterations, like the G37, further solidified Infiniti's reputation for performance, offering up to 348 horsepower, directly challenging established German luxury sports sedans.
When the G Sedan was rebranded as the Q50 in 2014, and its coupe counterpart as the Q60, the model continued to evolve. Initially retaining the 3.7-liter V6, the Q50 later adopted a more compact, turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, culminating in the Q50S Red Sport 400 variant, which boasted an impressive 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Despite its capabilities, the Q50's sales eventually declined due to a perceived lack of significant updates, leading to its eventual withdrawal from North America. The reported replacement, however, is set to revitalize this segment, leveraging a combustion engine, rear-wheel drive, and the much-desired manual transmission, aligning with the performance heritage that once defined the brand.
This anticipated sport sedan is expected to share its underlying architecture with the Japanese-market Nissan Skyline, a model still sold globally and even in a NISMO trim featuring a 414-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. This suggests that the new Infiniti sport sedan will benefit from a robust rear-wheel-drive platform, with potential for an all-wheel-drive option that maintains a rear-biased feel. Power could come from the Nissan Z's engine, potentially delivering up to 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, particularly in a NISMO-tuned variant. Transmission options are likely to include a six-speed manual and a sophisticated nine-speed automatic derived from Mercedes-Benz.
Visually, while the new model will likely retain a silhouette familiar to its predecessor due to shared foundational elements, it is expected to feature a comprehensively updated aesthetic. Design cues may be drawn from recent Infiniti concepts, such as the Q Inspiration Concept and the QX65 Monograph Concept. This could translate into contemporary styling elements like modernized taillight designs with full-width LED light bars, a 'floating' grille, and updated LED headlights, signaling a fresh design language for the brand. The interior is also expected to be re-envisioned, possibly featuring a more driver-centric cockpit and updated technological integrations, aiming to create an immersive and engaging driving environment.
Infiniti's essence has always been intertwined with its sporty sedans. The absence of a performance-oriented sedan has undoubtedly left a noticeable void for both the brand and its enthusiasts. The reintroduction of a compelling, driver-focused sedan is crucial for Infiniti to reclaim its position as a competitive force in the luxury automotive landscape. This move is not merely about launching a new model; it's about reaffirming Infiniti's commitment to driving pleasure, performance, and a distinctive identity. Such a vehicle could attract buyers who are increasingly disillusioned by the over-reliance on technology and the perceived lack of driving engagement in many contemporary cars, seeking instead a purer connection to the road. This strategic return to roots holds the promise of restoring Infiniti's profitability and its reputation as a prestigious Japanese automaker.
A remarkable opportunity has arisen for automotive connoisseurs and rally racing aficionados: a 2024 Porsche 911 Dakar, exhibiting a mere 48 miles on its odometer, is currently up for bids. This particular model transcends the typical Porsche 911, an automobile globally celebrated for its precision engineering and dynamic handling on conventional roads. The Dakar iteration elevates this legacy, boldly extending its prowess to unpaved terrains, aspiring to achieve the same pinnacle of performance in off-road rally conditions. Originally, acquiring a new 911 Dakar was an exclusive endeavor, requiring a privileged rapport with Porsche dealerships. However, this auction now provides a rare conduit for anyone with the financial wherewithal to possess a practically untouched example of this limited-production vehicle, offering a glimpse into what was once an unattainable dream for many.
The 911 Dakar is far more than a mere aesthetic tribute to its rallying ancestors; it is engineered for legitimate off-road adventures. This specific model, now on offer, showcases the striking Extended Rallye Design Package, featuring a livery that evokes the legendary Rothmans scheme adorned by the 1986 Paris-Dakar Rally champion Porsche 959. This design choice aptly honors its spiritual predecessor, a vehicle instrumental in forging Porsche's distinguished off-road heritage. Furthermore, its mechanical enhancements are substantial, including a ride height elevated by 50 millimeters compared to a standard 911, specialized Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Tires, and rear-axle steering for enhanced maneuverability. Powering this exceptional machine is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine, delivering a robust 473 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed PDK transmission and a Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus System with an electronic differential lock. This formidable powertrain allows for an impressive 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just 3.2 seconds, though its top speed is electronically capped at 150 mph for safety and endurance. Complementing these performance features, the vehicle comes equipped with a Porsche Design chronometer, a fire extinguisher, and a cabin ionizer, along with its original window sticker and Porsche-branded accessories, all presented with a clean, accident-free history.
The market's enthusiasm for the Porsche 911 Dakar has soared since its limited release, captivating both dedicated Porsche enthusiasts and those drawn to adventurous driving experiences. Even with several days remaining in the current online auction, the bidding has already surpassed the model's initial retail price of approximately $259,000. This rapid appreciation firmly cements the 911 Dakar's status as a highly sought-after collector's item, highlighting its enduring value and desirability in the automotive world. For anyone considering an acquisition of this caliber or simply monitoring the trends in classic and high-performance vehicle investments, this auction presents an unmissable event, reflecting the robust demand for vehicles that combine iconic lineage with unparalleled capability. Owning such a vehicle represents not just a personal achievement but also a connection to a legacy of automotive excellence and a commitment to pushing boundaries, both on and off the road.