by Special Porsche 718 for Filming
Porsche has introduced a unique version of the 718 model, which is used for creating promotional images and videos. This car was converted into a mobile studio for filming.
Unusual Transformation of a Sports Car
Typically, the Porsche 718 Boxster S is associated with excellent handling, precise steering, and the characteristic sound of the engine. However, this version has become a full-fledged “camera studio” on wheels, equipped with inverters, equipment mounts, and special systems for filming.
Nine apprentices at the Porsche plant in Leipzig transformed the 718 into the perfect camera car, taking into account its dynamic qualities. The goal was to create a car capable of keeping pace with modern Porsche models on the test track.
Technical Features of the Camera Car
The soft top was dismantled and replaced with a high roll bar, which also serves as a mounting point for equipment. The body is painted in matte black to avoid reflections during filming.
Special mounts made of steel tubes were added to the front, sides, and rear for placing cameras, operators, or special booms. Inside the cabin, the front and rear trunks were equipped with safety systems so photographers could work even at high speeds.
Operation and Use
This car was not just a demonstration project. It was actively used at the Porsche Experience Center in Leipzig and for external filming, including events in Italy. For many years, it remained behind the scenes, helping to create unique shots for other Porsche models.
Professional Experience
As experts note, the best dynamic shots are often obtained by placing the photographer directly close to the moving car. For example, an operator can be positioned in the front trunk of a rear-engined car, which allows for unique angles.
In 2016, photographer Richard Pardon positioned himself in the nose of a Porsche 911 Turbo S to film a drifting Audi R8 V10. It was a bold job without a helmet or safety belts.
This approach allows for higher quality and more impressive shots compared to using stationary cameras.
Conclusions
This project demonstrates how engineering creativity and attention to detail can transform an ordinary sports car into a unique tool for professional filming. Using the Porsche 718 as a camera car highlights its versatility and ability to perform unusual tasks. This approach also shows how Porsche supports the initiatives of young specialists and integrates their developments into its own marketing processes.
