Porsche’s “Exclusive” Customization Program turns 25

Porsche started the "Exclusive" individual tailoring program 25 years ago as an option offered to all clients who wanted to make their cars unique. Virtually any customer desire could be fulfilled, the sole prerequisite being that those special choices had to meet technical and qualitative feasibility.

To provide maximum quality, a team of around 100 specialists created a plethora of components and even complete vehicles only by manual work, because they believed that "no machine handles material with as much finesse as human hands".

The same team also takes care of sales, offering customers refined interior equipment or performance enhancements, which, in many cases, have been integrated in the production process of stock Porsches as well.

To properly celebrate its 25th anniversary, Porsche Exclusive created the limited edition 911 Speedster, which pays homage to the original 356 Speedster. Only 356 units of the open-top model will be built.

This is not the first time that Porsche Exclusive has designed a special edition model as in 2009, the division launched the 911 Sport Classic with the distinctive "ducktail" rear wing, reminding fans of the legendary 1973 Carrera RS 2.7.

If you're interested in more special Porsches, take a look at the gallery below.

By Csaba Daradics

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Dodge Boss Says Chrysler is considering New Barracuda

Is there room in the U.S. market for an another retro-style muscle car? According to Ralph Gilles, Chrysler's chief designer and boss of the Dodge brand, the answer to that question is yes. At last week's SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas, Gilles told show-goers at the Mopar stand that he is "seriously thinking of how to revive the Plymouth Barracuda."

"There's a lot of pressure on us to bring the 'Cuda back," said Ralph Gilles. Speaking with reporters he added that "the customers have (been) stomping their feet for it."

Being that the Plymouth brand was phased out from the Chrysler Group's portfolio back in 2001, if the 'Cuda were to be revived, it would probably be marketed under the Chrysler brand. And like the original 1970s model, it would be based off the current Dodge Challenger.

This is not the first time that Chrysler Group has toyed around with the idea of bringing back the 'Cuda nameplate, but due to ownership changes and of course, last year's bailout, the company was forced to put all plans on hold.

Over the past years, we've seen a few concept models of the Cuda. At the 2007 edition of the SEMA Show, there was a custom-made build called the "BBP Project 'Cuda". That's the one featured in our photo gallery here.

The 'Cuda concept was handcrafted by Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, which coincidentally, was the same company that manufactured the original Challenger Concept that lead to the current production model.

Though many might think that it isbased on the Challenger, the 'Cuda study is actually built on shortened version of a brand new 2007 Charger SRT8. The design of the car was inspired by its 1970-74 "E" Body ancestors. It was auctioned off by Barret Jackson in 2008 for $159,500. Metalcrafters also created a convertible version of the 'Cuda concept.

Source: USA Today , Concept photos: Barret Jackson

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Project Kahn Tunes into the Audi Q7 for the First Time

Over the years, Project Kahn has presented an array of mods for the likes of the Range Rover Sport and Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, but now the time has come for the UK-based tuner to unveil its first take on the Audi Q7.

Taking inspiration from another in-house project and in particular the Range Rover Sport RS600, the self-proclaimed "king of aesthetic conversions" created a complete body kit for the German SUV, alongside a few interior appointments.

The so-called Kahn Wide Arched Body Kit features extra-wide wheel arch extensions, front vented wings, redesigned bumpers and a discrete, roof-mounted wing, all painted in Pearl Soft White. A set of 22-inch Kahn RS-X alloywheels complete the exterior updates.

Inside, Project Kahn has wrapped the Q7's interior in black quilted leather with red stitching. Other interior goodies include aluminum sport pedals, a Panoramic Glass Roof and a custom speedometer and rev counter.

The entire package costs £12,000 (or £56,875 with the car included), with all of the aforementioned accessories also available as standalone pieces.

By Csaba Daradics

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Ahem... Porsche Boxster S Turned into Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster Replica

We can sorta, kinda, try to understand the reasoning behind the transformation of a Pontiac Fiero into a supercar replica, but what happens when someone decides to use a Porsche Boxster S as a base to create a... Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster? We'll agree that a 2000 Boxster S is light-years better than any MR2 or Fiero, but who in their right mind would actually turn a Porsche into a replica of any sorts? And talking about 'sanity' -or rather its absence- the asking price for this Italianized Porsche is $45,000. More photos after the jump.

Link: Greenwoodautos , Via: VWvortex

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