Porsche passion — Iconic German brand marks double celebration

Based on Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche's ideas, the first car bearing the Porsche name — the 356 "No. 1" Roadster — was constructed in the Austrian town of Gmünd. It received its general operating permit on 8 June 1948, which is considered to be the birth date of the Porsche brand.

Porsche may not have realized it then, but along with his team, he just laid the foundation of something that would become synonymous with superb engineering, timeless design, and automotive performance at the very highest level. His vision at that time embodied all of the values that still define the brand, three quarters of a century later.

This year, Porsche has initiated a global celebration called "The Festival of Dreams", an event marking a significant milestone in the history of Porsche, honoring 75 years of excellence, innovation, and achievements.

Here in the Philippines, the anniversary drew hundreds of Porsche owners and enthusiasts to the PGA Cars facilities in Edsa, Greenhills last 9 December. They were treated to a range of historic, classic and current Porsche models on display just for the occasion, including the legendary 356, Cayman GT4 Clubsport, GT3 RS 4.0, 918 Spyder, Carrera GT, the 911 R, and the 718 Boxter GTS.

But aside from honoring its past, Porsche Philippines also unveiled an all-new Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid, which not only is a remarkable addition to the Cayenne lineup and electrified portfolio available in the country, but also a testament to Porsche's dedication in pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence.

Latest chapter

"The introduction of the new Cayenne e-Hybrid in the country represents the latest chapter in our evolving success story. Through models like this, we are redefining the concept of luxury by taking environmental and personal wellbeing into account along with performance."

"It also signifies our intention to continuously set the benchmark in the domestic luxury auto sector," said Roberto Coyiuto III, president and CEO of Porsche Philippines (which also marks its 27th year in the country).

The Cayenne e-Hybrid combines a 3.0-liter V6 turbo engine and a new electric 174 hp motor as well as a 25.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This combination gives the two-ton SUV a combined power output of 464 hp and 650 Nm of torque.

It shifts with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling this particular variant to accelerate from standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 254 km/h.

On battery power alone, it could travel almost 90 km (combined city and highway driving). In terms of fuel consumption, it could travel 55 km per liter to 67 km/l of fuel and prevent the emission of CO2 by 42-33 g/km.

"It is truly a sustainable, practical and dynamic vehicle to suit any lifestyle," described William Angsiy, Porsche Philippines managing director.

Porsche Center Manila

Coyiuto also thanked everyone for supporting PGA Cars, and to mark the double celebration — Porsche's 75th and Porsche Philippines' 27th — PGA Cars also held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Porsche Center Manila which will be built beside the present Porsche facilities in Edsa Greenhills.

The 15-story state-of-the-art Porsche Center Manila is set to become a focal point for the Porsche community, catering to both existing and new customers.

According to Coyiuto, it should respond to changing customer needs, bringing the digital and physical together. "Porsche Center Manila's impressive architecture and state-of-the-art facilities will help support our customers and enthusiasts as they follow their Porsche dream."

Hannes Ruoff, CEO of Porsche Asia Pacific, proudly looked back at the brand's achievements and believes that Porsche will be able to attain more in the coming years.

"As we look back on a year of vibrant expressions of Porsche passion in Asia Pacific, we are glad that Porsche Philippines wraps up our 75th anniversary of sports cars with another thrilling activation. As we officially mark the groundbreaking of the new Porsche Center Manila, we hope to usher in a new era of success for our trusted partner, PGA Cars," he said.