Porsche releases special edition cars inspired by Toy Story heroes
Porsche has unveiled three cars inspired by lead characters in the classic film series Toy Story, with Woody, Buzz and Jessie rides expected to fetch millions of dollars for children’s charities
READING LEVEL: GREEN
Porsche has unveiled its vision for the ultimate “toys”, particularly for drivers who are young at heart.
The sports car brand designed three special versions of the Porsche 911 to celebrate the Toy Story films, each inspired by a key character.
Unveiled as Toy Story 5 fever builds in Australia ahead of the film’s June 18 cinema release, the cars are set to be auctioned in support of children’s charities including the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Red Cross and Starlight Children’s Foundation, the cars are expected to raise millions of dollars for good causes.
The last Porsche inspired by a cartoon, a blue Porsche 911 shaped after Sally Carrera from Pixar’s Cars series, sold for $US 3.6 million ($5.25 million), around 10 times its retail value.
This time, Porsche’s Sonderwunsch – or “special wishes” division – built three cars inspired by Toy Story lead characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS inspired by Buzz Lightyear is finished in his trademark* white, green and purple colours, accompanied by special touches including “Space Ranger” logos and jet warning symbols.
The car’s Goodyear tyres have been renamed “Lightyear”, and its door openings light up with a special message: “To infinity* and beyond”.
A Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS inspired by Jessie is finished in pearl white paint that pays subtle* tribute to the pearl buttons on her western shirt, while “Jessie” badges replace Targa logos on the car’s roll hoop.
The cabin is finished in denim, leather and cowhide-look material with a “YEE HAW!” message on the door sills.
Woody’s Porsche 911 Carrera T has special blue paint that mimics the natural wear characteristics of blue jeans, created by carefully applying a mix of light blue, dark blue and white paint to achieve a textured effect.
The interior has brown vintage* leather intended to “appear worn and used after years of play”, and the cabin’s sill plates have illuminated text that reads “Ride like the wind!”.
Porsche Cars North America president and chief executive Timo Resch said it was exciting to bring Toy Story to life.
“Many of us – and our children – grew up watching the Toy Story films on the big screen,” he said.
“Celebrating this milestone* is particularly rewarding – especially knowing that this initiative will ultimately support children and families in need.”
WATCH THE VIDEO
It’s “school” but not as you know it – watch as motoring journalist David McCowan goes back to school … except this time he’s behind the wheel, burning around a track, learning how to race around the circuit and drive a Porsche like a pro. And that’s his day job!
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GLOSSARY
- trademark: when referring to a person or place, it means something that is characteristic or typical of them
- infinity: limitless time and space, without end
- vintage: not new, from the past, old
- milestone: an important event in the development or history of something or in someone’s life
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QUICK QUIZ
- As well as the car’s trademark colours, what are the other special touches on the Buzz Lightyear car?
- Which three children’s charities are among those that will receive donations following the fundraising auction?
- Which character inspired the last “cartoon Porsche” and how much did it sell for at auction?
- How was the Woody car’s special finish achieved and to mimic the appearance of which material?
- What is the cowgirl-inspired message on the Jessie car’s door sills?
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CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Customise your character car
Wouldn’t you love to see a car inspired by your favourite character? Choose a favourite character from a book, movie or other media, or a favourite celebrity and design a car inspired by them.
Like the Toy Story 5 cars, customise items such as the paint colour, interior finishes, logos, etc. to suit your theme. Let your imagination go wild! You should include at least six features that connect to your chosen character/celebrity.
Draw a picture that shows a front, side and rear view of the car and a view of the interior.
Time: allow 30 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English; Design and Technologies, Visual Arts
2. Extension
Write a punchy one paragraph description of your car design that will excite potential purchasers enough to bid for it at auction.
Time: allow 15 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English
VCOP ACTIVITY
What happens next?
Imagine the Porsche collaboration is the first of three creative executions to raise awareness and funds for these children’s charities.
Think about the rest of the auction catalogue and write the next two briefs that will explain what the other special edition Toy Story auction items will be. Remember that the Porsche cars will likely raise millions for charity – what other high value brands and items could do the same?
Time: allow 30 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Critical and Creative Thinking