Turbonite: The New Color of Porsche

Porsche collaborates with the Pantone Color Institute to develop Turbonite, a new shade for the Porsche crest and trim pieces.

Typically, it is the Porsche GT cars that grab all the headlines. But with the 50-year anniversary of the 911 Turbo taking place this year, it is that model that has been getting some love lately. Of course, the biggest news was the release of the 911 Turbo 50 Years model. One detail that may have been overlooked in the announcement of that $261,100 uber Turbo is the new Turbonite color.

Well, Porsche is now making sure that you know the full story of that unique color. On the Porsche YouTube channel a new video was posted called Porsche x Pantone | The Story of Turbonite. In that video we get to see the entire process around how Turbonite came to be and what it represents.

Some of you out there might feel that dedicating this much attention to what is essentially a grey badge and trim is over the top. But remember we are Porsche nerds. There are folks out there that will discuss deviating stitching colors for hours. Porsche offers a Paint to Sample and a Paint to Sample Plus program that gives customers effectively limitless color options. So, color is kind of a big deal with Porsche. And the newest one is Turbonite. But what exactly is it?

Turbonite

Rest easy Superman fans. Turbonite does not come from a distant planet or emit superpower robbing radiation. Instead, it is a metallic shade of grey specially devised by the Color and Trim experts at Porsche along with help from Pantone. If you look at it closely you will pick up a slight gold tint in it as well.

It may seem like a minor detail, but Porsche spent three years developing this unique color. You don’t get to be the builder of the best sports cars in the world without sweating the details.

Applications

On the 911 Turbo 50 Years model the new color is featured extensively. The graphics, trim pieces, stitching, the sport chrono clock, and most prominently the Porsche crest are all Turbonite. Porsche plans to use this new color on all the crests, wheels and steering wheel on all “range-topping high-performance” models.

And since a Taycan is featured in the YouTube video we assume this color is not limited to just “real” Turbo models. Porsche is marketing this as an exclusive color for only the top models. Although I have already seen the Turbonite Porsche crest available for sale on some Porsche parts supplier websites. I might buy one and slap it on my old 986 just for laughs.

Pantone Connection

The Pantone Color Institute issues a Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report twice a year. This report offers a preview of popular and innovative colors. The current issue was launched in support of New York Fashion Week which runs from September 6 to 11. Turbonite is featured in this issue. It marks the first time a color from an automotive brand has ever been included.

So, there you have it, a new color option for your Porsche. Now at the next cars and coffee event Porsche fans have another minute detail to swoon over.

Photos: Porsche

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.