When one of Porsche’s most recognisable champions reappears and rolls out alongside one of pop-culture’s most dominating franchises.
Anybody who has interest in fast cars and grew up in the 1990s will surely remember the 964 Carrera RS 3.8. Its wide body, massive rear spoiler and 18-inch Speedline wheels were all the craze of that era – huge, massive and mechanically sound.
Manufactured and unveiled in 1993 to a crazy limited number of only 55 units, presenting an extreme upgrade from the regular 964 Carrera RS launched two years prior. As if proving that the facelift was more than for styling reasons, it went on to claim multiple race titles, including overall wins at the Spa 24 Hours, Suzuka 1000 KM, and 24 Hours of Interlagos, as well as class victories at Le Mans, Sebring, and the top four positions at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Furthermore, the design also puts significant attention to the weight reduction. Among them were the aluminium stamped front trunk lid and doors, rather than steel as on the 964 production. The glass for the door and rear quarter windows was thinner and lighter. The plush standard carpeting was replaced with thinner and lighter material. The rear seats were deleted, and items that were not directly related to performance were replaced with less weighty manual components.
Now what’s all that got to do with a film franchise? The 964 Carrera RS 3.8’s return is celebrated in the form of Mirage, the newest member of the Autobots in the Transformers cinematic universe. A classic character in the original cartoon series, Mirage was rebranded with another manufacturer in the early Michael Bay movies. In the upcoming Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Mirage is modified back to his roots, as a Porsche sports car. With the movie set in 1994, such a perfect tribute to both the character and the legacy of the Carrera RS 3.8 to meld both of them together into a fresh character for new generation of viewers – as well as drivers.
Mirage was launched at this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW), as part of both Porsche and Transformers panels. Porsche also took the opportunity to unveil the Porsche Vision 357, celebrating the 75th anniversary of its legendary 356, the original sports car dream that spearheaded its dedication to fast Porsches until this day.
Asia Dreams Volume 47
Porsche
(porsche.com)
@porsche.indonesia
