Tag Archives: Porsche

Bangkok’s Calmest Gearhead: Chanond Ruangkritya and the Porsche Design Tower Dream

Bangkok. Land of a thousand street-food smells, eleven million impatient drivers, and traffic so bad you could start a podcast between traffic-light changes. Yet here, in the very epicenter of the chaos, lives a man who could probably buy the traffic if he wanted to. His name is Chanond Ruangkritya: real estate magnate, Porsche hoarder, marathon runner, and—possibly—Thailand’s calmest human.

At 51, he’s the kind of chap who can run 30 kilometers before breakfast, conduct a board meeting mid-Kendrick Lamar track, and still look like he’s stepped out of a Porsche lifestyle brochure. Which, in fairness, he kind of has—because his latest project is the Porsche Design Tower Bangkok, a 95-meter glass and steel temple to horsepower and high living. It’s like Monaco moved to Thonglor and discovered air conditioning.

Zen and the Art of Carrera Maintenance

You expect a man with 13 Porsches to be a little… highly strung. The sort who barks at assistants and gets twitchy if his espresso arrives 14 seconds late. Not Chanond. Ask him when he last lost his temper and he has to think about it. Really think. His wife apparently wonders how he doesn’t explode when their kids are doing laps around the penthouse. He just smiles. He’s a devout Buddhist, meditates daily, eats to fight inflammation, and, somehow, still goes clubbing. He’s the sort of man who could find inner peace in a Bangkok rush hour.

The Tower with “The Loop”

Forget dreary underground parking. Chanond’s Porsche Design Tower will have a spiral ramp straight into your home, known simply as The Loop. Think of it as a Scalextric track for millionaires. Drive your 911 up, park it next to the sofa, open the champagne. Want to turn it into a Pilates studio instead? Sura. The garage space is soundproof, so you can either deadlift or dead-rev without disturbing the neighbors.

And the penthouses? Not flats—oh no. “Stacked villas,” each with a façade inspired by the kinetic roof of a 911 Targa. At the top, The Crown: a glowing Porsche light signature that will turn Bangkok’s skyline into a giant brake light after dark. Prices start at $15 million. Which, for perspective, is about the same as buying all of Chanond’s Porsches twice.

Garage Goals

Speaking of which, his private garage is the sort of place that makes grown motoring journalists weak at the knees. Three vertical levels, all matte black, housing everything from a Cayman GT4 to a Carrera GT. Two generations of GT3 RS (996 and 997), a 993 Carrera RS, and one “Pink Pig” tribute Cayman complete with German butcher’s cut labels. There’s a lounge, a kitchen, Gran Turismo rigs, and karaoke mics. He claims he doesn’t visit enough, but when he does, it’s basically The Fast and the Meditative.

Driving for the Sake of It

Chanond doesn’t just own Porsches. He drives them. Hard. Preferably for 12 hours straight with no music and only stopping for fuel or a sandwich. He’s not overly fond of the “Das Treffen” Porsche meets in Thailand—too many stops, not enough driving. His perfect Sunday? Hammering a GT3 RS until his back aches, somewhere outside the city where the roads remember what a curve is.

The Big Picture

Here’s the thing: Chanond knows none of this last. The cars, the tower, even the skyline he helped build—temporary. But he’s fine with that. “It’s the moment that counts,” he says. Which is why he’s up before dawn, why he meditates, why he listens to Drake at work, and why—traffic permitting—he’ll drive a 911 until the tires beg for mercy.

In a city that never sits still, Chanond has built himself the ultimate playground: part racetrack, part skyline, part sanctuary. And in true Top Gear fashion, we can confirm—yes, the lift in his tower will fit a Porsche. Which, let’s face it, is all you really need to know.

Source: Dani Heyne via Porsche magazine Christophorus 415

Photo: Philipp Rupprecht

Porsche Puts the Pedal Down on Cybersecurity with Expanded Bug Bounty Program

In Zuffenhausen, the term “test drive” just took on a whole new meaning—except this time, the drivers are armed with lines of code instead of a steering wheel. Porsche’s Bug Bounty Program, launched two years ago, has already proven itself a potent tool in the fight against digital vulnerabilities, and the automaker is shifting into a higher gear for 2025.

Since its debut, the initiative has attracted hundreds of IT security researchers from across the globe, each taking a virtual wrench to Porsche’s systems in search of flaws. The payoff? Not just bragging rights, but hard cash—provided the bug hunters find legitimate vulnerabilities. Their work has already helped the brand shore up its defenses, delivering both improved security and valuable insight into how hackers might try to sneak past the firewall.

On August 18, 2025, the program relaunches with more horsepower, thanks to a new AI-powered review process that promises to speed up and refine the evaluation of submitted reports. Porsche says this artificial intelligence doesn’t just streamline the workflow—it tightens the feedback loop between independent researchers and the company’s own cybersecurity squad.

“Given today’s security landscape, it’s more important than ever for Porsche to protect customer, employee, and company data,” says Jörg Möbes, Director of Information Security at Porsche AG. “Bug bounty programs extend our existing security measures, helping us identify vulnerabilities early.”

Porsche’s global IT team runs the program through established bug bounty platforms, making it as easy as possible for ethical hackers to throw their hat in the ring. Creativity, collective intelligence, and—yes—some friendly competition are encouraged, with the brand making it clear that the best way to keep a Porsche safe on the road is to keep its digital twin safe in the cloud.

Think of it as Nürburgring lap records for cybersecurity—only here, the winner’s podium comes with a wire transfer instead of a champagne shower.

Source: Porsche

Porsche Sonderwunsch: The Pinnacle of Personalization and Craftsmanship

When you think of Porsche, what comes to mind? Legendary sports cars, racing pedigree, and a timeless design language that has captivated enthusiasts for over 70 years. But beyond the iconic 911 silhouette lies something even more exclusive — the Sonderwunsch programme. Translating to “special request” in German, Sonderwunsch represents the ultimate expression of individuality and craftsmanship, where Porsche owners can transform their dream cars into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

More than a car — a personal story

Sonderwunsch isn’t just about paint colors or interior fabrics. It’s about co-creating with Porsche’s designers and artisans, collaborating closely to bring deeply personal visions to life. It’s a process that transcends typical custom orders — the kind of dedication that turns a vehicle into a tangible story, a rolling expression of its owner’s identity and passion.

A new video series offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain, showcasing four customers’ journeys across the globe, each with a unique vision and connection to Porsche’s legacy.

Italian flair meets canine inspiration

Luca Trazzi, an architect and designer from Italy, found his muse in the 993-generation 911 Speedster. His Sonderwunsch project is a striking Otto Yellow — a color inspired by his beloved dog — paired with a custom black leather interior featuring a bold yellow-and-black check pattern. It’s a blend of playful personality and refined taste, reflecting Trazzi’s design roots and his affection for bespoke details.

American blue with a pedigree

From the U.S., Jorge Carnicero, a horse breeder and lifelong Porsche devotee, collaborated on a 911 S/T personalized in “Dani Blue,” a hue named in tribute to the Porsche designer who guided his creative process. Inside, a tricolour Pepita fabric lends a classic yet unique texture, marrying tradition with fresh, individual style.

German precision and passion

Motorcycle enthusiast Sylvia Schiefer from Germany translated her love for speed and performance into a 911 Targa 4 GTS. Finished in sophisticated Agate Grey Metallic with Pure Blue leather interior accents, her car is a harmonious reflection of both her and her husband’s shared enthusiasm for driving and distinctiveness.

Desert dreams in Dubai

In Dubai, Porsche enthusiast Hadi Al Hussaini drew inspiration from the vast desert landscape and off-road adventures to create a 911 Dakar in Aetna Blue. Complemented by Cohiba Brown leather and a tartan fabric weaving together Truffle Brown, Cognac, and Aurum, the vehicle evokes a sense of rugged elegance fused with subtle luxury.

The Sonderwunsch legacy

What unites these four bespoke builds is more than just their unique aesthetics. They represent the essence of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch programme: a commitment to nearly limitless personalization, extraordinary craftsmanship, and an intimate relationship between brand and customer. Each car tells a story — not only of technical precision but of emotional connection, turning owners into part of the Porsche family.

For enthusiasts seeking to push the boundaries of automotive expression, Sonderwunsch isn’t just a program; it’s the ultimate invitation to dream without limits.

Source: Porsche