Unveiling Some Truly Special Models – By Christopher Hebert
It’s great to see Porsche back at the Autoshow. Last year’s Porsche tribute by Cobble Beach Concours featured some amazing cars, but having Porsche Cars Canada onsite is another level, and very welcome. The show kicked off with a VIP event, where Porsche Cars Canada President John Cappella introduced five special cars – including the 2025 Taycans (below). The new Taycan Turbo S is the most powerful and quickest Porsche ever, with 938 hp (!) and a 0-100 km/h time of a mere 2.4 seconds. The updated Taycan also recharges much faster.Â
As another special reveal, to commemorate the opening of Porsche Experience Centre Toronto, Porsche unveiled a unique 911 GT3 RS. Developed in a partnership between Porsche Cars Canada and the Porsche Sonderwunsch (special request) team in Germany, designer Grant Larson led the design of this Canadian-themed car to show what’s possible through the Porsche Sonderwunsch program.
From eSports to Physical Reality — By Porsche Canada
The Porsche Vision Gran Turismo concept debuted at the auto show. This spectacular vehicle concept was the fruit of a collaboration between Porsche and the Japanese video game studio Polyphony Digital. The ‘Gran Turismo’ game series has featured Porsche sports cars since 2017, including the Taycan Turbo S. The Porsche Vision Gran Turismo is the sports car manufacturer’s first concept study created specifically for use in a computer game. It is available exclusively in Gran Turismo 7 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Freed from the constraints of developing models for series production, the designers were able to put their own ideas for a Gran Turismo concept car into practice. Virtually built around a state-of-the-art carbon monocoque chassis, the cabin is enclosed by a glass dome. Powering the car are dual electric motors that combine to produce 1,098 HP and more than 800 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Vision Gran Turismo features future-oriented versions of familiar Porsche design elements. The concept car exhibits the brand’s typical proportions with a sporty height-to-width ratio, a low-set front hood and very pronounced fenders. The front lights and the integrated air intakes create a visual link to the design language of the Taycan – a nod to the car’s purely electric drive. The rear features a narrow light strip – a further development of the light signature found on the 911 and Taycan models. The embodiment of the brand continues in the interior, with the curved hologram display, which appears to float above the steering wheel. The low seating position underscores the car’s dynamic feel.
Edith Visits Toronto — By Porsche AG
Porsche ended 2023 with a record-breaking exclamation point. On December 2nd, amidst the thin air and freezing temperatures of the Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile, a team of Porsche engineers, support crew, and champion driver Romain Dumas achieved an incredible feat. They piloted a modified Porsche 911 to a jaw-dropping 6,734 meters (22,093 feet) – surpassing the previous altitude record held by Mercedes-Benz Unimogs.
The journey began as a “what if?” among a dedicated group of Porsche engineers. This “Saturday Club” project transformed a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S into “Edith” – an off-road titan ready for the volcano’s brutal slopes. They installed portal axles for exceptional ground clearance and precise low-speed control, tough underbody protection, and even borrowed suspension concepts from remote-controlled off-road toys.
Beyond these rugged mechanical alterations lay a surprising choice: the 911’s engine remained stock – being equipped with the factory-standard turbocharged flat-six engine developing 443 hp and the original seven-speed manual transmission.
To combat the challenges of thin air at extreme altitude, Porsche opted for an interesting choice – cutting-edge, synthetic eFuels. Through its partnership with HIF Global, the 911 ran on these sustainable fuels produced in Chile, proving their capabilities in the harshest conditions.
“It was an extraordinary feeling to drive where no car has gone,” Dumas exclaimed. “The 911 managed to go higher than any other earthbound vehicle – truly the maximum altitude possible. It’s a moment of pride for all of us.”
Dr. Frank Walliser, Vice President Complete Vehicle Architecture at Porsche AG, mirrored the enthusiasm: “This project is a testament to pushing boundaries and learning through exploration.”
AutoShow attendees could get a look at Edith up close, as it was featured in the Porsche Suite. </>
