The first 911 Turbo S, based on the 964 series, debuted in 1992 as an extreme competition tool with road homologation. Only 86 units were manufactured, which currently raises its price to seven figures.

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to drive the newly refreshed Porsche 911 Turbo S. This new model, the first electrified Turbo, delivers 711 HP. However, at the event, Porsche displayed another example that marked the beginning of it all, the first 911 Turbo S. This example, painted in Mauritius Yellow, was exhibited at the Ascari Race Resort near Malaga. The chance of seeing one in its original condition is almost nil, as only 86 units of this vehicle exist.

The first Porsche 911 Turbo S celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1992. Unlike today, the Turbo S was not conceived as a better-equipped version of the regular Turbo. On the contrary, it was designed as a relatively inflexible competition tool. This made it similar to the concept of the current 911 GT3, which did not appear until the 996 series in 1999.

The Strict Diet from the Exclusive Department

The impetus for its construction came from the Exclusive department. In addition to a performance increase, a strict weight-loss regimen was implemented. The vehicle was technically oriented towards the 911 RS models. To achieve this, power steering, air conditioning, radio, the dual-mass flywheel, and the rear seat bench were omitted. This was coupled with the use of lightweight body parts. Instead of comfort, the specifications only included road homologation.

The Turbo S lost 61 kilograms compared to the 1991 Turbo. This meant a weight of 1,290 kg instead of 1,351 kilos. Although this does not seem like a huge achievement today, almost 35 years ago, cars did not weigh much. This weight reduction was impressive at the time.

Boxer Engine and Competition Performance

Early in its career, the 964 Turbo used a 3.3-liter turbo boxer engine. This engine also served as the basis for the Turbo S unit. The Turbo S engine reached a power output of 280 kW (381 HP), thanks to modifications like new camshafts and increased boost pressure. This corresponded to a power increase of 61 HP. Furthermore, maximum torque increased from 450 to 490 Nm. These figures were enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 290 km/h.

In January 1993, Porsche changed the engine of the ‘normal’ Turbo to a new 3.6-liter unit, which offered 360 HP and 520 Nm. Consequently, it was still below the performance offered by the Turbo S.

Exclusive Aesthetics and Spartan Details

The Speed Yellow color was first used on the 964 Turbo S, specially created for this car. Today, this color is found on the calipers of Porsche ceramic brakes. Likewise, the magnificent multi-piece 18-inch Cup wheels are eye-catching. The motorsport focus becomes even more evident when opening the doors. We observe smooth door panels with window cranks and yellow straps for door opening. The gray-yellow-black seats with yellow-painted shells stand out. The seat belts also harmonize perfectly with the predominant color scheme.

A man working on his laptop and writing in a notebook at a desk.

The ‘Turbo’ inscription is embossed on the rear seat cover and, unusually, on the steering wheel rim. The red zone of the tachometer begins at 7,000 revolutions. The interior of the Turbo S gives a relatively focused and spartan impression. It does not include gadgets like aluminum pedals. Only the knob of the 5-speed manual gearbox is metal.

Limited Run and Million-Euro Value

Of the 86 cars manufactured, 39 were delivered in the Speed Yellow color. Of these, only two were specially built for racing. In 1992, the first 911 Turbo S cost the hefty sum of 295,000 German marks. This made it more than 100,000 marks more expensive than a regular 911 Turbo. Compared to the current outlay, that amount is insignificant. If someone wanted to buy a 964 Turbo S in this condition, they would undoubtedly pay a seven-figure amount, exceeding one million euros.

INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

Kia PV5 Infotainment System Wins IDEA Award

Published

2 days ago

September 4, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

Kia’s PV5 infotainment system earned a Bronze award at the 2026 IDEA Awards, while the automaker’s Ocean Cleanup campaign was named a finalist.

Kia has received two major recognitions at the 2026 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).

The Kia PV5 Infotainment System earned a Bronze award in the Digital Interaction category, while Kia’s global campaign with The Ocean Cleanup was selected as a finalist in Social Impact Design.

PV5 Infotainment Wins Bronze

The infotainment system was developed for Kia’s first dedicated electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV).

Its design focuses on creating a flexible, software-driven experience for different business and lifestyle applications.

The Kia PV5 infotainment system earned a Bronze award for its user-centered digital design.

The interface uses a 16:9 widescreen layout with multi-view functionality, allowing users to access media, camera, and HVAC functions simultaneously.

Kia also uses common typography, icons, widgets, and media elements to create a consistent experience between the vehicle’s physical and digital interfaces.

Ocean Cleanup Campaign Reaches Finalist Stage

Kia’s “Kia x The Ocean Cleanup: Creating a Wave of Movement, Together” campaign was named a finalist in the Social Impact Design category.

The campaign consists of a seven-part video series focused on plastic pollution and The Ocean Cleanup’s environmental work.

Kia’s Ocean Cleanup campaign was recognized for combining sustainability storytelling with a consistent visual identity.

Kia says The Ocean Cleanup has removed more than 42 million kilograms of marine waste to date.

The campaign connects that work with Kia’s “Movement” philosophy while using design to communicate environmental issues in a more accessible way.

Why the IDEA Awards Matter

The International Design Excellence Awards, presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America, are considered one of the leading global design competitions.

Entries are evaluated on factors including innovation, user benefit, aesthetics, societal impact, and business value.

The 2026 IDEA Awards recognized Kia’s work in both digital interaction and social impact design.

For Kia PV5 infotainment, the Bronze award highlights the company’s push toward software-defined mobility, while the Ocean Cleanup finalist recognition demonstrates how Kia is also using design to support broader sustainability initiatives.

INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

Cadillac Escalade IQ Puts Customer Feedback at the Center

Published

3 days ago

September 3, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

The all-electric Escalade IQ uses customer research to shape its cameras, climate controls, personalization, and driver-assistance technology.

The Cadillac Escalade IQ is designed around a simple idea: technology should solve real problems.

General Motors says customer research helped determine which features belong in the electric luxury SUV and how they should work together.

Technology Designed Around Drivers

The Escalade IQ uses several camera systems to improve visibility and maneuverability.

Turn-signal-activated side cameras can help drivers monitor blind spots, while additional camera views assist during tight parking and other low-speed maneuvers.

The Cadillac Escalade IQ uses multiple camera views to improve visibility and driver confidence.

GM’s research also highlighted the vehicle’s climate and comfort features.

Instead of hiding climate controls inside multiple infotainment menus, the Escalade IQ uses a dedicated HVAC screen for easier access.

Personalization Makes a Difference

The SUV also uses profile-based personalization to tailor the vehicle to individual drivers.

That can be particularly useful when multiple people share the same Escalade IQ.

Profile-based personalization allows the Escalade IQ to adapt the experience to individual drivers.

Features such as the Rear Camera Mirror, power-closing doors, and Super Cruise are also designed around specific customer needs.

The goal is to make visibility easier, reduce effort, and make longer drives less stressful.

Customer Feedback Shapes Future Vehicles

GM says extensive engineering, testing, and customer feedback continue throughout the development process.

The company’s research helps identify which technologies resonate with different customer groups rather than adding features simply because they are available.

The Escalade IQ’s technology is designed to address practical needs rather than adding features for their own sake.

That approach extends beyond individual features.

GM says lessons learned from the Escalade IQ will help shape future vehicles, particularly as the company expands software-defined technologies that can be updated and improved over time.

INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

Zoox and Waymo Expand Robotaxi Services Across the U.S.

Published

3 days ago

September 2, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

Amazon’s Zoox and Alphabet’s Waymo are expanding into new American cities as competition in the driverless ride-hailing market accelerates.

Amazon’s Zoox and Alphabet’s Waymo are expanding their driverless ride-hailing operations into more U.S. cities.

The two companies announced separate expansion plans this week as they compete with Tesla to scale autonomous transportation.

Zoox Heads to Houston and San Diego

Zoox will begin testing its technology in Houston and San Diego, bringing its presence to 12 U.S. locations.

The company will initially use modified test vehicles for mapping and validation before introducing its purpose-built robotaxis.

Zoox is expanding testing to Houston and San Diego ahead of deploying its purpose-built autonomous vehicles.

Zoox began charging passengers in Las Vegas in August after previously offering free rides in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Austin, and Miami as part of its testing program.

Waymo Adds Three More Cities

Waymo is also expanding its commercial footprint.

The company will begin welcoming its first public riders in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, increasing its fully autonomous service to 14 cities.

Waymo is bringing its driverless ride-hailing service to Denver, San Diego, and Tampa.

Access will initially be limited before gradually expanding to more riders.

Waymo already operates paid autonomous services in several U.S. markets and is also preparing for international expansion.

The Robotaxi Race Is Heating Up

The latest moves highlight how quickly the robotaxi market is developing.

Zoox, Waymo, and Tesla are all trying to expand their autonomous ride-hailing networks while proving that driverless transportation can operate reliably at scale.