"Turbonite" the first custom exclusive colour of Porsche

In a novel crossover between the world of fashion and automotive engineering, Porsche and the Pantone Color Institute came together to present “Turbonite”, the first custom colour for an automotive brand to debut at a design event. The presentation took place during New York Fashion Week (NYFW), where Pantone revealed this exclusive shade as part of its annual colour trend report.

Since late 2023, Porsche has adopted this new metallic grey on its iconic Turbo versions. “Turbonite” is not just another colour in the Porsche palette, but represents a bold step towards the aesthetic individualisation of its vehicles. Michael Mauer, Vice President of Style Porsche, commented that this colour was the result of a complex creative process that lasted several years. According to Mauer, Turbonite is “innovative, timeless and bold, yet understated”, reflecting the elegant and powerful personality of the Turbo models.

The launch of this colour is a significant collaboration between two leaders in their industries. Porsche, a symbol of sports engineering, and Pantone, the giant of colour standardisation, join forces to highlight the importance of design as a universal language. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, stressed that the iconic potential of Turbonite goes beyond motorsport, stating that it could become a distinctive symbol of the Porsche brand in the future.

“The Story of Turbonite”: the presentation in New York

The debut of “Turbonite” at New York Fashion Week was no coincidence. Pantone uses this global event, which took place between 6 and 11 September 2024, to launch its Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report, a guide that anticipates colour trends in design and fashion. The inclusion of an automotive colour in this report is a milestone, as it is the first time a car brand has appeared in it.

The “Porsche x Pantone” event, held on the eve of NYFW, was the perfect stage to showcase the 911 Turbo S and Taycan Turbo S models in the new shade. This partnership demonstrates how automotive design and fashion inspire each other, bringing together two seemingly distant worlds connected by creativity and innovation.

The process behind “Turbonite”

The colour “Turbonite” is not just a grey tone. Its elegance comes from the incorporation of golden elements that give it a sophisticated metallic sheen. In addition, its satin-matt finish provides a visual contrast that accentuates the distinctive lines of the Porsche Turbo models. From the badges and lettering on the rear to the alloy wheels and steering wheel, this colour stands out in multiple exterior and interior details of the vehicle, creating a cohesive and personalised aesthetic.

Inside the cabin, “Turbonite” is used strategically to highlight components such as the trim pieces, the seatbelts and the air conditioning controls, depending on the model. Combined with black interiors, it becomes the ideal contrasting colour, offering a sense of discreet yet unmistakable luxury.

The future of colour at Porsche

The presentation of “Turbonite” comes at a key moment for Porsche, as the brand has revised and updated its colour programme for 2024. With categories such as “Contrasts”, “Shadows”, “Dream” and “Legends“, Porsche seeks to make it easier for its customers to choose colours that reflect not only their style but also the personality of the car.

In addition, Porsche continues to offer its “Paint to Sample” programme, with more than 170 colours available to customise vehicles. For those who want something even more exclusive, the “Paint to Sample Plus” option allows customers to create unique colours, fully made to measure.