Porsche x Pantone: The Story of Turbonite

A signature colour created for all Turbo models, inspired by the history and innovation of Porsche

4 September 2024

New Porsche Taycan Turbo S under dust curtain

Inspired by nature and its minerals, as well as the emotion of the Porsche Turbo, the visionary shade of grey called Turbonite is available as a signature colour on all Turbo models

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When Porsche and Pantone team up, you know something special is about to happen. In this case, it’s the story of Turbonite, an elegant metallic grey shade with a tawny bronze undertone that’s about more than just colour. It’s about history, craftsmanship and pushing boundaries, as well as reuniting with nature and the elements. Here’s how this exciting collaboration came to life – and why the fashion, design and automotive worlds are taking notice.

Close up of Porsche crest resting on Turbonite colour sample — Turbonite will be featured in the latest edition of Pantone’s Fashion Color Trend Report ahead of New York Fashion Week in September Photo: Porsche

A shared vision that drives Porsche and Pantone

This autumn, for the first time ever, Pantone has included a colour developed by an external brand in its renowned Fashion Color Trend Report, a bi-annual preview that highlights the key colours expected to dominate the coming seasons. In the latest edition, timed to coincide with New York Fashion Week from 6 to 11 September, the spotlight is on Turbonite – an exclusive colour specially designed for all Porsche Turbo models. It’s a big moment, not just for Porsche, but for the crossover between automotive design and global fashion trends.

“Every designer and graphic artist knows the Pantone colour cards. In the same way that the Porsche 911 is the archetype of all sports cars, for more than 60 years the US company’s colour standard system has been the reference work for everyone that uses colours in design,” says Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche. “We are proud to be the first outside brand represented in Pantone’s Fashion Color Trend Report.”

Rear view of new Porsche Taycan Turbo S with rear lights on — Beyond performance, the Turbo badge is all about emotion, sovereignty and the elegance of the ride – exactly the kinds of feelings that Turbonite seeks to convey Photo: Porsche

What exactly is Turbonite?

At first glance, Turbonite might just look like a timeless shade of grey. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear there’s more going on. The metallic grey is infused with subtle gold and bronze tones and has a satin matt finish that’s all about elegance and sophistication. It’s the kind of colour that stands out for its understated elegance – a blend of heritage and modernity that’s hard to ignore. It’s innovative, timeless and strong, inspired by nature and its minerals. It’s a shade that took several years to develop, but one that was well worth the wait.

Close-up of hands holding Pantone Turbonite colour swatch — Turbonite is a colour that feels sophisticated and elegant – a new shade of grey that is minimalist yet distinctive Photo: Porsche

Turbonite takes inspiration from the emotion of the Porsche Turbo, but also from the colours of nature. It’s designed to convey a sense of tranquillity and celebrate the harmony found in the natural world. Rich and grounded, Turbonite reinvents grey, evoking peace and comfort through its minimalist approach. It’s a stunning shade that honours the legacy of Turbo while looking forward to its future. But while Turbonite is understated, calm and polished, it is also bold and daring – the epitome of sophistication and eternal style.

Turbonite stitching on leather in Porsche interior — Attention to detail is what sets both Porsche and Pantone apart. From the Turbonite leather stitching to the Turbonite windows and side blades, there's plenty to see and enjoy Photo: Porsche

Naturally, Turbonite will be found across all Turbo model lines, appearing in exterior details from the Porsche lettering on the rear to the Porsche crest, and in interior touches such as seat stitching and dashboard elements. The goal? To create a cohesive, polished look that complements the power and sovereignty for which Porsche Turbo is known.

Porsche Taycan Turbo S wheel with Turbonite colour accents — All Turbo models will feature Turbonite accents throughout the interior and exterior, from the stitching on the seats and steering wheel to the side window surrounds. On some models, customers will also be able to order additional Turbonite detailing, such as inlays in the front aprons, spokes or aeroblades in the alloy wheels Photo: Porsche

Turbonite – evoking the heritage and future of Porsche

Porsche has always prided itself on offering colours that evoke strong emotions, and in early 2024, the brand took things up a notch by revamping the colour palette across all its model lines. The new categories – Contrasts, Shades, Dreams and Legends – group the former standard, metallic and special colours into themed collections, making it easier for customers to choose a colour that matches their style. In addition to these curated options, the Porsche Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus programmes allow for highly personalised colour choices. With the introduction of Turbonite, a new chapter is being added to the brand’s storied colour heritage.

Close-up of hands moving around film negatives on table — Turbonite celebrates 50 years of Turbo – uniting its rich history with its iconic future Photo: Porsche

Turbonite, first launched in November 2023, is designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Porsche Turbo – a fitting tribute as the colour takes its name and inspiration from the very essence and emotion of Turbo models. To celebrate the inclusion of Turbonite in the latest Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report, Porsche is hosting an exclusive event ahead of New York Fashion Week, where the story of Turbonite will be unveiled in a visually stunning film. Present at the event will be the new Taycan Turbo, featuring Turbonite, demonstrating how this unique colour enhances their sleek design and commanding presence.

Porsche Taycan Turbo S window with Turbonite colour accent — Photo: Porsche

Consumption and emission information

Taycan Turbo S (WLTP): Electric energy consumption combined: 20.5 – 17.9 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A.

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